Everyone knows that dogs are definitely trainable, but the question arises: are cats trainable? Let’s try to investigate this question and understand how to teach a cat to execute commands and tricks, how long this process takes, and what commands can be taught to this pet.
General information about cat training
In general, training can bring a lot of benefits to cats, as it shapes the behavior expected by the owner and prevents undesirable manners of this animal. This is especially important if your cat damages furniture, walls, and curtains in your home.
Teaching cats and cats commands will be more effective if the pet owner uses positive reinforcement techniques. In this case, it is better to avoid punishing your pet, as it is useless and even harmful. Punishment can lead to fear or even aggression in the animal, which will increase its stress and alienate it from the owner. Instead, you should understand what motivates your pet to perform a particular action, because cats, unlike dogs, look out for their own interests rather than trying to please their owners. For example, if your cat responds positively to food during training, you should stock up on his favorite treats.
In general, training cats and cats has several benefits: preventing their undesirable behavior, strengthening the bond with the owner, and increasing their ability to learn. In addition, training prevents animals from getting bored and returning to bad habits. It is also useful for pets in stressful situations, such as when visiting the veterinarian or groomer, because these skills help to switch the animal’s attention to familiar commands.
How to train cats
The best way to train a cat is to use rewards, such as praise, treats, or petting. Be sure to use the same sound, such as a certain word, a click of your fingers, or a clicker (a special keychain-like device that makes a short click-like sound)whenever your cat performs the action you want itto . And then be sure to give the animal an immediate reward. Or, pet it first and then treat it to its favorite treats. In this way, the pet associates its behavior with the sound or action of the owner, and associates the sound and action with the reward. It is worth noting that the number of rewards will need to be gradually reduced, depending on how well and consistently the cat follows certain commands and demonstrates the behavior expected by the owner.
At the same time, it is important not to focus the cat’s attention on its undesirable action, as it may remember this moment and unintentionally create a similar situation in the future. For example, if you catch your cat or kitty scratching the curtains, instead of shouting or abruptly removing the animal from the curtain, say “No!” sternly or lightly clap your hands. After Tails stops, be sure to give him a treat, which will distract his attention from the curtains and begin to form the behavior you want. Conduct frequent but short training sessions to keep your cat interested. Try to train your cat for 15 minutes every day, and in 2 weeks he will definitely show you the skills he has acquired.
What factors to consider when teaching your cat commands
Character traits. Each cat has its own habits, personality traits, and peculiarities in communicating with the owner. If you take them into account, it will not be difficult to train this animal to different types of commands, such as jumping on the owner’s shoulder, walking along the hand from the shoulder to the hand, bringing a toy, etc. If your pet doesn’t like what you want to teach it and categorically refuses to do it, you should stop training it to do this particular trick, as there will be no positive result.
Mood. It is worth forming habits in a cat only if it is interested in learning and inclined to play. Don’t start training if the animal is sleepy, in a bad mood, or sick. In this case, the pet will ignore you or defend itself by scratching or clawing at you. The fact is that cats respond to training depending on their mood, and not through a conditioned reflex like dogs.
Age. Kittens are quicker and easier to train. Adult cats and cats have an already formed character, so it is much more difficult to teach them commands.
What commands can be taught to a cat
Experts believe that cats and cats can learn to perform such basic commands as “Sit!”, “Stay!”, “Down!”, “Come!”, “Give me a paw!”, “Jump!”, “Roll over!”, “Fetch!”, etc. They can also be trained with commands to correct behavior, such as “No!”, “No!”, or “Ew!”.
Let’s try to figure out how to train this pet using some commands.
Command “Come to me!”. Call the cat’s name and reward it with a treat when it comes to you.
The “Sit!” command. When the cat sits down on its own, say this command and give a treat. If necessary, you can lightly press on the cat’s back to help.
The “Give me a paw!” command. After the “Sit” command, take the cat’s front paw, say “give me a paw,” and immediately give a treat.
The “Fetch!” command. Start this training with toys that your cat likes to hunt for. And reward him every time he brings them back.
The “Jump!” command. Teach your cat to jump onto the couch, chair, or your lap by using rewards such as petting, praise, or treats.
Command “No!” or “Ew!”. If your cat does something you don’t want him to do, stop him immediately, take him away from the forbidden object or place, and give him a clear command.
So, for successful cat or cat training, be sure to use positive reinforcement – praise, petting, cat treats, as well as distinctive sounds or clicker training and clear commands. Avoid punishing your pet and don’t overload it with training.
