Bringing your feline friend into the world of adventure requires a unique set of skills, and one of the most crucial is teaching them to come when called. Whether your cat is exploring the great outdoors or simply navigating your home, a reliable recall command can be a lifesaver. This guide will walk you through the process, adapting existing positive associations your cat already has to build a strong recall foundation.
For cats who are new to training or a bit on the timid side, the ASPCA suggests starting with simpler behaviors using clicker training. Mastering skills like touching a finger, sitting, or lying down can pave the way for more complex commands. Clicker training provides a clear and consistent method for reinforcing desired actions.
Leveraging Existing Cues for Recall Training
It’s highly probable that your cat already possesses a strong recall, albeit to sounds other than your verbal cue. The crinkle of a treat bag or the pop of a food can lid are often powerful motivators. Veterinary behaviorist E’Lise Christensen notes that you can build upon these established associations. The key is to pair your chosen recall cue with a sound your cat already reliably responds to.
First, determine your consistent verbal cue. This could be a specific pronunciation of their name, their name followed by “come,” or a distinct phrase like “Here, kitty, kitty.” Consistency is paramount, especially if multiple household members will be calling the cat. Ensure everyone uses the exact same cue to prevent confusion.
[The power of a treat in training cannot be overstated. (Photo: Robert Couse-Baker/flickr)Next, bridge the gap between your call and the reward. Begin by standing close to your cat. Deliver your chosen verbal cue, immediately followed by the sound of the treat bag, and then present the treat. This sequence helps your cat associate your call with a positive outcome. If you’re using clicker training, the click can serve as a marker for the correct behavior just before delivering the treat.
As your cat begins to understand the connection, gradually increase the distance from which you call them. Start with just a few feet, deliver the cue, make the treat bag sound, and reward them when they approach. Consistently increase this distance as your cat becomes more reliable.
Once your cat reliably comes from a moderate distance, practice calling them from different rooms. Introduce distractions by having another person in the household call the cat back and forth between you, using separate treat bags.
For cats already comfortable with leash training, take the training outdoors. Practice calling your cat while they are engaged in natural behaviors like sniffing or nibbling grass. This simulates real-world scenarios where a quick recall is essential.
Effective Training Tips for Success
- Keep sessions brief: Aim for training sessions no longer than five minutes to maintain your cat’s focus and enthusiasm.
- Practice regularly: Frequent short sessions are more effective for skill reinforcement than infrequent long ones.
- Never punish: Cats do not respond to punishment. Withholding a reward or scolding a cat for not coming can lead to fear, stress, and behavioral issues. Focus solely on rewarding desired behavior.
- Always reward: Even if your cat takes a while to respond, always provide a treat when they eventually come. As Christensen points out, recall is not a natural feline behavior, making it a skill worth rewarding consistently.
- Avoid negative associations: Do not call your cat for unpleasant experiences like administering medication or vet visits. In these instances, go to your cat instead. This prevents them from associating your call with negative events, which could jeopardize their recall in critical situations.
Training Deaf Cats to Come When Called
Deafness can affect cats for various reasons, and some, particularly all-white cats with blue eyes, are born deaf. However, a lack of hearing does not prevent a cat from learning to respond to a call. Instead of a verbal cue, you’ll need to utilize a visual cue.
Effective visual cues include flashing a penlight or flashlight, flickering the room lights, using a distinct hand wave, or even stomping your foot to create vibrations your cat can feel. Choose a cue that best suits your cat’s sensitivity and use it consistently in place of the verbal cue and treat bag sound, always remembering to reward them for coming.
