How to Train Your Cat to Come When Called

Training your feline companion to come when called is an essential skill, especially for adventurous cats that might venture outdoors. This command can be a lifesaver if your cat ever slips out of a harness or leash. Even if your cat is shy or new to training, simple commands can be taught using methods like clicker training, which can then lead to more complex behaviors like responding to recall cues.

Leveraging Existing Associations

It’s highly probable that your cat already associates certain sounds with positive outcomes, such as the rustle of a treat bag or the pop of a can lid. You can effectively use these existing strong associations to your advantage when teaching recall. The key is to pair your chosen verbal cue with a sound your cat already understands and responds to.

First, decide on a consistent verbal cue. This could be your cat’s name, their name followed by “come,” or a classic “Here kitty, kitty.” It’s crucial that everyone in the household uses the same cue to avoid confusing your pet.

To help your cat connect the new cue with a reward, start by standing close to them. Say the chosen cue, then immediately follow with the sound of the treat bag or canister and present a treat. As your cat begins to understand that this call leads to a tasty reward, you can gradually increase the distance from which you call them.

When your cat reliably comes to you, begin practicing from a few feet away. Say the cue, then make the treat sound, and reward them as soon as they approach. If you’re using clicker training, a click can reinforce the correct behavior. As your cat progresses, slowly increase the distance they need to travel for the reward.

Once your cat has mastered this, practice calling them from different rooms and even when they are distracted. If possible, enlist the help of another person in the household to practice calling your cat back and forth between the two of you, using separate treat bags. For cats already accustomed to leash training, practice calling them outdoors in an environment that simulates real-world scenarios where a quick response might be necessary.

Essential Training Tips

• Keep sessions brief: Aim for training sessions no longer than five minutes to maintain your cat’s focus and enthusiasm.
• Practice consistently: Regular practice is key to reinforcing and maintaining this learned behavior.
• Avoid punishment: Never punish your cat for not coming when called. Cats are motivated by positive reinforcement, and punishment can lead to fear, stress, and behavioral problems.
• Always reward: Even if your cat takes a long time to respond, always offer a treat when they eventually come. Remember, coming when called is not a natural feline behavior, so it’s a skill worth rewarding.
• Positive associations only: Avoid calling your cat for unpleasant events like medication administration or vet visits. In such cases, it’s better to go find your cat. Associating their name or recall cue with negativity can make them hesitant to respond when it’s truly important.

Training Deaf Cats

Deafness can affect cats for various reasons, and some, particularly certain all-white cats with blue eyes, are born deaf. However, a deaf cat can still learn to come when called using visual cues instead of verbal ones.

Effective visual cues include using a penlight or flashlight, flickering the room lights, or even stomping your foot on the floor to create vibrations your cat can feel. Choose a visual cue that works best for your cat and use it consistently in place of the verbal cue, always remembering to reward them for coming.

References:

1. ASPCA. “Teaching Your Cat to Come When Called.”
2. Christensen, E’Lise. Veterinary Behaviorist.
3. Adventure Cats. “Giving cat treat for coming.”
4. Adventure Cats. “Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash.”
5. ASPCA. “Deafness.”
6. Adventure Cats. “Meet Gandalf, the Magical Adventure Cat of Australia!”