Many people hold the common misconception that cats are untrainable. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Cats are remarkably intelligent, and with a bit of patience and the right techniques, you can teach your feline companion a variety of entertaining behaviors. The most effective method for teaching cats tricks is clicker training, a positive reinforcement technique that builds a strong bond between you and your pet.
The Essentials of Clicker Training for Cats
Clicker training utilizes a small device that makes a distinct “click” sound, paired with a treat, to mark desired behaviors. This clear communication helps your cat understand precisely what actions earn them a reward. If you’re new to this method, it’s beneficial to understand the fundamentals of clicker training before diving into specific tricks.
Foundation Tricks for Your Feline Friend
Before moving on to more complex behaviors, it’s essential to teach your cat foundational tricks. These serve as building blocks for future learning and enhance your cat’s responsiveness.
1. Come When Called
Teaching your cat to respond to their name or a specific cue is incredibly useful, especially for outdoor cats. This can help prevent them from getting lost or encountering dangerous situations. Training indoors, where there are fewer distractions, is generally easier for this command.
2. Finger Targeting
This was one of the first tricks I taught my cat, Mia. Finger targeting allows you to guide your cat precisely where you want them to go. It’s invaluable for tasks like directing them off counters or gently guiding them into their carrier.
The Easiest Trick to Master: Sit
Once your cat has a grasp of the basics, you can introduce simpler, yet rewarding, tricks. Teaching your cat to sit is a universally recognized starting point and offers practical benefits. It can be helpful during examinations, or when putting on and taking off a harness.
To teach your cat to sit, hold a treat above their head. As they naturally lower themselves to reach for the treat, they will assume a sitting position. The moment they sit, click your clicker and immediately offer the treat and praise.
Five Easy Tricks to Enhance Your Cat’s Repertoire
With the foundational tricks mastered, your cat will likely pick up these next tricks with ease.
3. Shake Hands
This charming trick is a delightful way to impress onlookers. To teach your cat to shake hands, extend your hand and wait for your cat to place their paw in it. A successful attempt should be met with a click and a treat.
4. High Five
Similar to shaking hands, the high five is another engaging trick. Hold your hand up, and when your cat touches it with their paw, offer a click and a reward.
5. Spin
This slightly more advanced trick is both fun for your cat and enjoyable to watch. Start by luring your cat with a treat in your hand, encouraging them to follow it. As they follow, begin to move your hand in a slow, circular motion. With continued following, your cat will naturally start to spin. Use your clicker to mark the spin and reward them.
6. Jump Through a Hoop
This impressive trick requires a bit of coordination. Begin by holding a hoop for your cat to see. Place a treat on the opposite side of the hoop, enticing them to jump through to get it. As they become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the distance and vary the hoop’s placement.
7. Stand on Two Feet
A visually appealing trick, teaching your cat to stand on their hind legs involves using a treat as a lure. Hold the treat near their nose and slowly raise it upwards. As they rise to reach it, they will stand on their hind legs. Reward this action with a click and a treat.
Advanced Tricks for the Experienced Trainer
Once your cat has a solid understanding of basic and intermediate tricks, you can explore more complex behaviors.
8. Play Dead
This entertaining trick is sure to elicit smiles. Encourage your cat to lie down on their side, and then wait for them to roll onto their back. This action should be marked with a click and followed by a reward.
9. Walk on a Leash
For cats who show interest in the outdoors, leash training can be a rewarding experience. A simple test can help determine if your cat is suited for outdoor adventures. If your cat passes this test, introducing them to a cat harness is the first step. Harnesses are recommended over collars for walking, as they distribute pressure more evenly and are more secure. Begin by letting your cat acclimate to the feel of the harness and leash indoors, using treats and playtime as positive reinforcement. Gradually transition to outdoor walks as they become more comfortable.
10. Ring a Bell
Cats that enjoy interactive toys may take to this trick quickly. You can start by attaching a bell to their collar and rewarding them when they inadvertently ring it. With practice, you can teach them to ring the bell on command.
11. Roll Over
This is a fun trick that builds on the “lie down” behavior. Once your cat is lying on their side, encourage them to roll onto their back, marking the action with a click and a treat.
Unique Cat Tricks: Beyond Canine Capabilities
Certain tricks showcase the unique agility and grace of cats, often setting them apart from their canine counterparts.
12. Sit on the Shoulder
A particularly enchanting trick is teaching your cat to jump onto your shoulder from a standing position and remain there. This behavior offers a sense of companionship, akin to a feline sidekick.
Continuing the Training Journey
Even after mastering these tricks, your training and bonding journey doesn’t have to end. Consider exploring resources like cat training books or engaging card games designed to teach a wider range of tricks. For those seeking a more active challenge, agility training offers a fantastic way to further develop your cat’s physical and mental capabilities.
Happy training!
References:
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Are Cats hard to Train?. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/clicker-training-cats/are-cats-hard-to-train
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Clicker Training Kit by Albert & Mia. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/products/clicker-training-starter-kit
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). How to Teach Clicker Training to Your Cat. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/clicker-training-cats/try-clicker-training-to-communicate-with-your-cat
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Adventure Cat Test. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/pages/adventure-cat-test
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Escape Proof Cat Harness. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/products/extra-safe-cat-harness
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Outdoor Bengal Leash. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/products/green-leash-for-walking-cats-6-10-14ft-stainless-steel-carabiner
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Best Cat Training Books. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/clicker-training-cats/cat-training-books
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). The Click Crusade, a card training game. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/products/the-click-crusade
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). Cat Agility Training – FREE GUIDE. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/clicker-training-cats/cat-agility
Outdoor Bengal. (n.d.). FREE Resources to Train Your Cat. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorbengal.com/pages/cat-training
