Cats get a bad rap for being untrainable, but the fact is that teaching your cat basic (and even not-so-basic!) training cues is easier than you think. Sure, your cat might not be as eager to work as the average treat-motivated dog, but you’ll probably be surprised to discover how much cats enjoy learning new tricks.
Why Training Your Cat is Important
It might seem like your lazy feline doesn’t need much stimulation, but all animals can benefit from daily enrichment, from eager pups to couch-bound cats. Enrichment improves an animal’s well-being by providing mentally and physically taxing activities that encourage playful creativity.
Training is an easy and fun way to add enrichment to your cat’s life, plus the teamwork aspect of working together helps to strengthen your bond with her. And as a side benefit, challenging your cat’s brain through training might also help to curb basic behavioral challenges like excessive meowing.
Clicker Training for Cats
Clicker training is one of the easiest ways to train a cat. A clicker is a small plastic toy that precisely marks the moment when your cat has performed a correct behavior. The click is paired with a small food reward, like a dollop of soft cat food on a spoon or a small soft treat.
The first step is making the association between the sound of the click and the resulting treat, which occurs by clicking the clicker then immediately following up with the food. After a few repetitions your cat will understand that the click means she’s about to get paid with a goody.
Teaching Your Cat Commands
One of the easiest behaviors to teach is “sit.” You can either capture it by waiting for your cat to naturally assume the position and then clicking and treating as she starts to do it, or you can lure her into the sit by using a treat to guide her body.
To lure your cat into a “sit,” place the treat in front of her nose so that she can smell it, then slowly move it back between her eyes and toward her forehead. This will cause her head to go up and her rear to go down. The moment she’s seated, click and reward. Begin to pair the word “sit” with the movement by saying “sit” as your cat moves into position. Within ten to twenty repetitions, you should be able to say the word and your cat will do it.
Cats of all ages can learn how to sit when you ask, and don’t forget about kitten training. Even the wee ones will enjoy learning new tricks.
What Can a Cat Learn? Most cats can pick up an incredible variety of tricks, from the basics like “sit” and “come” to more advanced behaviors like: * Shake * Targeting (touching a nose or paw to an object) * Sit up * Spin * Jump through a hoop * High Five * Fetch * Basic agility
Give training a try and prepare to be amazed by how clever your cat really is!