It is commonly believed that cats are not trainable, but this is not entirely true. It is possible to teach a cat anything, the main thing is not to command, but to act wiser, conducting classes in a playful way. The game will allow the animal to develop the necessary skills and develop mental abilities. The mustachioed pets are quite capable of mastering simple and interesting commands.
Cat character
A cat is a capricious creature. If you want to teach her tricks, it is useless to order - you need to make sure that she herself wants to comprehend the science of training in a playful way. Take a closer look at your cat, determine what he likes best, and it will be easier for you to choose commands to execute.
Cat learning mechanism
Cats, unlike dogs, are self-sufficient and willful animals. The owner will have to adapt to the mood, character, behavior and individual characteristics of his pet, otherwise training will not bring the desired result.
Training is not based on instilling completely new skills, but on improving existing ones. Does your cat like to jump? Training with hurdles and high obstacles is suitable for her. Does your cat carry things around the house? Then it makes sense to teach her the “Aport” command.
The reward method is very important for cat training. Some cats respond well to treats, while others will do anything for their owner's praise.
Disciplining a cat is difficult, if not impossible - unlike a dog, it chooses its own daily routine and sticks to it. The time for training should be chosen when the cat is full and has slept. The ideal time is when she herself came to you asking to play.
It is known that cats recognize not words, but the intonations of the owner. You need to use this in the training process, learning to intone in a special way in different cases.
The ability to obey a person
Cats' ability to obey humans is specific and clearly manifests itself in childhood, when they are more active and ready to play and explore the world. The kitten learns tricks through play, and then simply reproduces them, to the delight of its owner.
As adults, cats are also capable of learning, but it will take much more time. This is due to the habit of doing things in one’s own way, without paying attention to the requirements of the person.
It will not be possible to force your pet to do something - animals are too capricious. But you can always negotiate or seduce your pet to play and perform tricks.
Felinologists have noticed a trend: the longer a cat lives with a person, the better he understands him. Therefore, it is important to teach a kitten to obey from childhood and spend more time with it, including just talking. With age, your pet will learn to recognize the subtlest shades of voice, and this will help in teaching its commands.
Cat Training Basics
There are a few basics needed to successfully conduct cat training. If these conditions are met, classes will be comfortable for the pet and calm for the owner.
At what age should I start?
There is an established opinion that kittens begin to understand what their owner requires of them from about three months. Accordingly, the optimal age for any training is considered to be from three months to a year. In this case, the peak of activity and perception occurs at 7-8 months. At the same time, the kitten shows a tendency towards certain actions and tricks.
Techniques and techniques
Training a cat must take place in a calm environment, preferably one on one. It is optimal to conduct classes in the daytime or evening, no later and no earlier than 3-4 hours after feeding. The event should be comprehensive, go from simple to complex and not overtire the cat.
The room should be spacious and comfortable for you and the cat. There should be no distracting objects or factors. It is also better to prepare inventory in advance.
Training should take no more than 10 minutes per approach. Number of approaches – 2 or 3 per day. Each “trick” must be repeated at least 4-5 times. This will help bring the execution of the command to automaticity.
The cat needs to be encouraged. The reward is pre-prepared pieces of meat, fish or other delicacies. Those foods that the cat will have to chew are not suitable - it will be distracted from the main training. It is necessary to reward with food exactly at the moment when the cat has performed the trick, but no later than 10-20 seconds later - otherwise the pet will not understand that the reward is connected with its success.
It is necessary to pet the cat and show attention as additional encouragement. Over time, when the cat learns to clearly and quickly follow commands, food should be rewarded every third to fifth time, and the rest - only affection.
Necessary items and materials
Simple tricks do not require special training from the owner or special furniture.
Balls, bows on a string, a hoop (with a diameter of no more than 35 centimeters), a laser pointer, a container for rewarding treats, a skein of woolen thread (which the animal cannot chew off and swallow) may be useful.
The set of items must be selected in accordance with the commands and tricks that were chosen for study. For complex elements, you may need cabinets and chairs or other comfortable furniture - at the discretion of the owner.
All things should be familiar to the cat. If you bought something specifically for classes, first let your pet sniff the new thing. Otherwise, he will be distracted by the introductions and will not pay attention to commands.
Common Mistakes
There are several common mistakes that owners make when training their cats. What not to do:
- Delay classes, increasing their time by more than 10 minutes. Cats quickly get bored with the monotonous execution of commands and tedious games - they begin to get bored and even feel disgusted.
- Forget about rewards or give rewards at the wrong time. It is important that the pet receives the reward in a timely manner - this will help him establish the correct cause-and-effect relationship. If you are late with rewards, the cat may not understand why she was praised.
- Hurry or hesitate to pronounce a command. If an animal carries out a command before a person can pronounce it, there may be a misunderstanding of what was required of it or what it was rewarded for.
The basic principles of cat training can be expressed in one formula: persistent repeated repetition of a specific command + practicing and consolidating the result.
Scratching
Is it possible to teach a kitten not to scratch? No. This is one of the manifestations of territoriality and, in addition, is a good exercise for the muscles. Does this mean your furniture has to end up in a pile of junk? Not at all. You just need to teach the kitten to direct his efforts in a different direction (scratch something else).
Buy a scratching post for your kitten (rough surfaces are especially attractive, so you might want to choose a scratching post wrapped in something like rope). Play with the kitten nearby, and when he pays attention to her and decides to sharpen his claws on her, praise him or treat him with a treat.
If your kitten does scratch the furniture, he will also mark it, so to discourage him from further damaging your property, wash the furniture with an odor repellent. Some owners temporarily cover furniture with plastic wrap - cats are not inclined to scratch slippery surfaces.
What breeds are the best to train?
All breeds handle training differently—and even have different training abilities. Outbred cats differ from purebred cats in their docile nature and quick perception.
Who else stands out for their intelligence and good understanding of people:
- Scottish lop-eared
- cats of this breed love to move, and they are also very attached to their owner and love to spend time with him. This is an optimal breed for training - Scots are able to learn more commands and tricks in less time.
- Thai cat
- active, receptive and perfectly captures the intonations of the owner’s voice. It is easy to learn and trainable due to its abilities.
- Cornish Rex
- cats of this breed perceive training as a kind of game. And they love to play more than others, so they learn well during such games and get less tired of them.
- Abyssinian cat
- an intellectual among his relatives. These cats are able to learn some commands and tricks even without special training or training, simply in the process of playing or communicating with the owner.
Outbred cats exhibit different learning abilities. Basically it all depends on their character and previous life. A cat raised in a family will understand a person better than one that was taken from the street in adulthood.
In addition to the breed, it is necessary to rely on the character of a particular animal - there are lazy Scots and surprisingly active ragdolls. If desired, any cat can be taught at least a small trick.
Commands for cats
You can specially train your cat in fetching, the commands “Sit” and “Give me a paw”, various jumps and even acrobatic elements.
Sit, stand, lie down
To teach the command “Sit!” you will need to be patient. Unlike dogs, who easily master this command, cats have difficulty with it.
Try the following. Wait until your pet sits down and clearly say “Sit!” Do this several times. Then give the command to the cat in front of you. If an associative connection has not been formed and he does not understand what they want from him, help - press lightly on his body. As soon as he sits down, you must say “Sit!” and reward. In order for the command to work, it will have to be repeated many times.
The commands “Stop!” are learned in the same way. and “Lie down!”: first the animal performs them independently under a voice command, and then the skill of reproducing it in memory develops.
Give me your paw
In the classic version, to teach this command, you need to hold out a piece of your favorite treat on your open palm and say: “Give me your paw.” Instinctively, the cat should place its paw on its palm, but only if it is full. A hungry pet will simply eat the treat.
Later, when the animal has learned the command, it can extend its paw in response to a vocal signal. The treat will remain as a reward at the request of the trainer.
Crawl
Near the lying cat in front of the muzzle, you need to open your hand with a treat and, stroking the pet on the back, gradually move the food away from the muzzle, provoking the pet to crawling movements. Don't forget to give a voice signal.
Bring it or fetch it
Teaching a cat this command is somewhat more difficult. Choose your pet's favorite toy, the one with which he most often spends time. Show it to the cat and throw it away - the pet will most likely rush after it. Wait until he grabs the toy and carries it back, and clearly say “Bring it!”
When the cat is near you, carefully select the object and reward the animal with affection and treats. The command will need to be repeated several times to consolidate the result. If you form the necessary connection with the cat, over time, at the sounds of “Bring it!” he will learn to fetch some items.
Jumping on or over an obstacle
Teaching an animal acrobatic elements is even more difficult, but with great desire and patience this is a completely doable task. Stand in front of the cat with a hoop in your hands and call him. When your pet steps through the hoop, say “Up!” This sound will be the command. Don't forget about the reward.
If instead of jumping through the hoop, the cat tries to go around it, move with him, making it clear that there is only one way through. Over time, your furry friend will learn not only to go through a hoop, but also to jump through it.
You can use other objects that the cat will jump over during the game. The main thing is not to forget to say the command when he fulfills what he wants in a playful manner.
Serve, or "Gopher"
It is necessary to let the cat smell the treat, and then lift it up from its muzzle. The cat will instinctively begin to stand on its hind legs. When you reach the desired position, you need to say a command and give the treat.
If you were unable to achieve the desired position the first time, it is better to repeat the exercise several more times and not give away the treat until your pet manages to stand up.
Voice
This command is best taught not only through training, but also by catching. In the first stages, you will have to tease your pet with a treat until he gives in and meows.
The cat says “Meow” - the owner gives the command “Voice” and gives encouragement - the animal makes the association. This is the easiest way for cats to learn to voice.
Somersault
The attention of a lying cat must be attracted with a treat from the side of its shoulder blades. At the initial stage of training, it is best to gently push the cat with your hand behind the neck or to the side so that it turns over. When the cat does a somersault, you need to say a command and give the treat. This must be repeated until the cat begins to roll over on its own. After this, the command should be spoken in advance.
Basic commands for cats
Start teaching your home artist with simple instructions. First master: “Come to me,” then “Sit” or “Give me your paw.” Walking like a snake also does not require much physical effort. When your mustachioed friend can stand for at least 5 seconds without leaning on anything, start jumping exercises.
Sit
Hide a couple of pieces of food in your fist. Cross your arms over your chest, letting your cat know you have a treat in store. Wait until she sits next to you, taking the pose of an Egyptian sphinx. Then immediately say the command and reward with a treat. Then raise your palm above her head and force her to stand. Repeat the exercise two or three times, ensuring that the pet sits at your command for 5-6 seconds and reinforce obedience with a piece of food and praise.
Lie
The easiest way to teach a furry fidget this trick is when he is tired of playing and wants to rest. Stroke the cat on the back so that it assumes a horizontal position. Name the team, don’t forget to give them a piece of food. Unfortunately, this method is used only on occasion and is not suitable for daily practice.
Learning the command “Lie down” begins after following the orders “Come to me” and “Sit”
With the usual method of training, a sitting pet is lured with food, lowering the piece almost to the floor. Of course, first the animal will try to catch a portion of food with its claws. The owner, without wasting time, must push the front paws so that the cat sits on its stomach. All that remains is to say: “Lie down!” We give the pet a tasty reward in such a way that he takes it without getting up. Otherwise, the animal will get confused and will not be able to understand what needs to be done.
Stand
The trick is taught on a chair with a backrest so that the animal, especially a young one, is not afraid of losing its balance and falling. Show the cat a piece of food, holding it in the fingers of your right hand. They turn away and quickly transfer the treat to their left palm. The free one makes a conditional gesture over the pet's head, forcing it to stretch up and stand on its hind legs. She will try to grab your hand with her front ones. Order: “Stop!” After two seconds, give the prepared piece of food, praise and caress.
Give me your paw
The command is executed when your furry pet sits next to you. Hide a treat in your clenched fingers. Let her sniff the fist and try to get the food. Press the raised paw into the palm of your free hand, give the order and reward the “student”.
A piece of treat in the pet's field of view makes the training process easier
In some cases, the trainer himself has to take hold of the clawed metacarpus, showing the cat what action is required of it. The forced method of explanation is used if the animal tries to get food with its teeth.
Video: how to teach a cat to say hello
Usually the pet easily learns the command and demonstrates a new skill within a week.
To me
To practice the skill, choose a moment when your mustachioed friend is at a distance but sees you. Show the prepared reward, say the name of the pet with the addition of the command “Come to me.” If you run up right away, please them with something tasty and say: “Good” or “Bravo”. Distract the purr with something and repeat the order 2-3 times, no more.
Bring it
While frolicking, kittens often drag their favorite toys around the house. Having matured, animals retain this habit. The trainer can only improve it. It is enough to pick up a ball of thread from its mouth and throw it at a distance of no more than a meter. If your pet grabs a rolling ball and moves away, follow it. Saying: “Bring it,” remove the object from the animal’s mouth and treat it with food.
The difficulty of this task is that the fast runner should not place the toy on the floor near the trainer’s feet. He needs to return with the item and give it to the owner. To get the desired result, you will need patience.
Jumping through a hoop
To prepare the trick, decorate a plastic or cardboard circle with bright fabric. The device should be familiar to the cat and not cause fear in it. Place the hoop in front of the future circus performer, holding it with your right hand. Use your left hand with a piece of cheese to lure your pet to step over the obstacle. Having said: “Up”, hand over the treat.
When the animal can freely walk back and forth inside the device, raise the ring 5–7 cm. Reward your pet every time after a jump. Gradually increase the height of the hoop above the mat until it reaches half a meter.
To teach tricks, choose a secluded place so that the pet is not distracted by anything.
Kiss
The trick is intended for affectionate animals who love to express their sympathy for humans. Before training, lubricate the tip of your nose with pate. Sit back and call the cat. Let him jump into your lap. Take the purring purr in your arms and stroke it. Then tilt your head towards his muzzle so that your noses touch. When your furry pet starts licking the “bait”, say: “Kiss” and do not skimp on words of approval.
The “Kiss” command is taught to vaccinated animals that do not have access to the street.
Somersault
Rolling from one side to the other is a natural ability of the cat tribe. This is an invitation to play and a desire to share a great mood. A person can only complicate the task by getting a circus act. After the “Lie down” command, bring the food hidden in your fingers to your pet’s face. Slowly move your hand behind the withers, then along the back to the tail. Wanting not to lose sight of the treat, the cat will roll over, stretching its front paws. Lightly tap your palm on the floor so that the purr is back on his stomach. Give the command: “Somersault” and reward for execution.
Snake
Walking a trained cat between its handler's legs is an age-old trick. He always makes the audience smile. To teach your animal this skill, choose a moment when your pet is nearby and step forward. To make the learning process easier, take the food supply in both hands. Lure with a treat by moving your palm to the side of your knee. When the pupil goes around the leg, move on and continue the lesson, repeating the word: “Snake” or “Snake” and periodically rewarding with food.
