When we think of cats, many of us may be surprised to learn that they can be just as easy to train. Not only that, but training can also be a fun bonding activity for cats and their owners, says Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer for Cats Protection.
How to teach cat tricks
Without even realising, you’ve probably already helped your cat learn all sorts of tricks – even if they may be things which make the cat’s life easier rather than your own.
Take your cat scratching at the door – your cat may have learned that this results in you getting up to let them out, so they keep doing it. It’s the same when your cat wakes you up by tapping your face at 5am – if you get up and feed them, they’ll learn it gets results and keep doing it.
These behaviours are learnt through what’s known as operant conditioning – when the cat learns the connection between their own behaviour and the consequence.
In a nutshell, the cat realises that when they carry out a certain behaviour, something good happens, so they keep doing it. Sometimes this means we inadvertently reinforce behaviours we’re less keen on – like those early morning wake-ups – but the basic principles can be used for positive results too.
Positive reinforcement
If you’re planning on training your cat – either for a fun activity for you both or to tackle a particular behaviour – the most vital rule is never to use punishment.
Punishing a cat, whether it’s through rough handling, raising your voice or anything else which causes them fear or stress will not get results and will likely lead to behavioural issues. It should never be used, and any training method should be built around using positive reinforcement – that is, when the cat makes the connection between a certain behaviour and something good happening.
A common example is that of the cat carrier – something some cats may associate with an unenjoyable trip to the vet. If your cat doesn’t like visiting the vet, they’re likely to run a mile when they see you approach with the cat carrier. Forcing them into it will only reinforce their negative feelings and the cycle continues.
If you know your cat hates the carrier, look for ways to make it a more positive place. Instead of only getting it out when you need it, leave the cat carrier out in the house, and give your cat a treat, a fuss or their favourite toy whenever they come close to it. Soon your cat will start to realise the cat carrier isn’t as bad as they thought, and trips to the vet should become a little easier.
Why teach a cat tricks?
While training is central to overcoming behavioural issues, it can also be a fun activity for both cats and their owners to learn some simple tricks.
Cats are curious and intelligent, and many will enjoy the fuss and attention which comes from learning new things with their owner.
However, only try training with cats that are confident, healthy, and settled in their home – cats with mobility or health problems may struggle. You’ll need plenty of treats, broken up into very small pieces, and a quiet room with no distractions.
Three easy tricks to teach your cat:
How to teach your cat to sit
Start by trying to train a simple behaviour like ‘sit’ and build up from there:
- Holding a treat in your hand a couple of centimetres from the cat’s nose, gently move your hand up and back slightly. As your cat follows the treat, they should naturally move into a seated position.
- When they do, say ‘yes’ and give them the treat.
- After a while your cat will start to associate the hand signal and sitting with getting a treat – a positive reinforcement – and will begin to respond to the hand signal.
How to teach your cat to lie down
After mastering sit, you can move on to 'lie down’ using a similar method:
- Lower the treat to the ground and away from the cat so they adopt a lying position.
- As with teaching them to sit, when they do, say ‘yes’ and give them the treat.
- Remember, it’s all about positive reinforcement – training should be fun and the cat should always have the chance to stop whenever they like.
How to get a cat to come to you
If you would like your feline friend to reliably respond to their name in various situations, there are specific steps you can take:
- In a calm, distraction-free environment, stand with your cat and a small pot of food nearby.
- Say your cat’s name, and if they look at you, respond positively with a reward within two seconds.
- If they break gaze, repeat the positive reinforcement.
- If the initial session is successful, repeat these steps in short sessions (max three minutes) over the next few days.
- Avoid using your cat’s name outside of these training sessions to prevent confusion.
- Once your cat becomes accustomed, gradually stand or sit further away to teach them to respond in different contexts.
- As your cat reliably responds in every training session, vary the rewards by offering toys, garden access, or strokes instead of treats to reduce reliance on tasty rewards.
- Finally, adjust how often you give them a reward, gradually reducing it to every other or third time they successfully respond, but avoid suddenly stopping rewards to maintain their response.
Cat treats
If using treats to train, be mindful of cats getting overweight so keep sessions short – a few minutes is best. If your cat has had a few treats, potentially reduce their next feed slightly, but remember treats are not a complete food so should not be considered a suitable replacement.
Don’t feel you have to rely on treats – anything your cat enjoys can be a suitable training aid. My own cat learnt to give paw with the reinforcer being a cheek stroke with a toy she really likes rubbing against.
More cat tricks to try
If your cat enjoys learning the basics, you can carry on and learn all sorts of new tricks together – just like dogs, cats can be taught to roll over, give a paw, or even fetch a ball. As long as it’s fun and the cat is enjoying it, they’ll be happy to keep going. For more tips on training cats, check out Cats Protection
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