Can cats learn tricks? They can! Here’s how.
Teaching a dog to do tricks is both rewarding and useful, but what about training a cat to do tricks? Is it possible, with their independent natures? Can you teach cats to do tricks? Absolutely! Not only is it possible, but it is also a fun way to bond with your cat. Instead of talking about how to teach specific tricks, we will first talk about how to teach cats to do tricks in theory. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Reward System
Naturally, cats will be able to learn tricks in the same way that certain behaviors yield results for cats in the wild. In the wild, animals will hunt and get the reward of food. The right actions will result in a reward. Therefore, rewarding your cat is the primary way to communicate to your cat that it is doing the action you want it to. This principle is the basis of teaching a cat commands.
Best Practices for Practicing Tricks
Repetition
To get good at anything, you will need to do it a lot. It isn’t hard for a cat to sit or roll on its back, but it can take repetition of the training to get a cat to become good at following the command. Drilling the practice will help solidify it in the cat’s mind.
Length of Training Sessions
Short training sessions can be better for adult cats or cats that are harder to train. A shorter training session will engage the cat long enough to get the message across without boring it. For example, you might practice a command with your cat once a day for ten minutes until your cat learns it like a pro.
Use of High Value Treats
Your cat shouldn’t be forced to learn new tricks like it’s a serious chore. It should be fun and exciting! It should feel like playing. To get your cat very eager to engage, reward it with its favorite treats or special treats you know it will love.
Positive Reinforcement
Remember to stay positive. Reward your cat when it follows through on a command with treats, pets, and praise. You can change up the rewards. Do not respond negatively when your cat does not follow through; cats do not understand punishment and it will only have a negative result.
Patience
It can take some cats longer or shorter to train. Some breeds, like Maine Coons, might be easier to train, and younger cats are also more likely to be trainable. Patience is key!
Popular Tricks to Teach Your Cat
- Sit
- Come
- Stay
- Roll over
- High five
- Speak
- Jump through hoops
- Stand on hind legs
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!