Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home is an exciting experience, and training can be a rewarding way to bond with your new companion. While cats are often perceived as independent, they are capable of learning basic commands, much like dogs. This guide, drawing inspiration from the expertise of veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, offers practical techniques to teach your feline friend essential behaviors, fostering obedience and a stronger connection. You can train a cat like a dog, and the process can be surprisingly straightforward with patience and consistency.
Mastering the “Polite Sit”
The “polite sit” is the foundational command for teaching your cat or kitten a base level of poise and obedience. By employing a few key techniques, you can encourage your cat to sit calmly without resorting to snatching or excessive meowing.
To begin, choose a time when your cat is feeling hungry, and use a portion of its regular meal or favorite treats as a reward. Kittens and adult cats are naturally inclined to sit, so your primary role is to identify and reward the desired behavior. As soon as your cat sits, offer a treat. After a few successful repetitions, move the food slightly away to prevent your cat from simply snatching it. Continue to reward your cat intermittently as long as it remains in a sitting position.
It’s crucial to avoid reinforcing undesirable actions. If your cat raises a paw or meows for more food before you’re ready to offer it, quickly withdraw the treat. Consistent practice is key to establishing this behavior as a habit. Aim for around 100 practice sits per day, spread across multiple short sessions, to solidify the “polite sit” as a regular response. This consistent reinforcement ensures your cat understands what is expected.
Teaching the “Follow/Sit Patiently” Command
Once your cat has mastered the “polite sit,” you can build upon this foundation to teach a more functional behavior: following you and waiting patiently. This command is a natural extension of the “polite sit” and can be particularly useful for encouraging your cat to walk on a leash.
A long hallway provides an ideal training space for the “follow/sit patiently” maneuver. The process is similar to teaching the “polite sit,” with one key difference: you will walk about 8-10 feet away from your cat. Wait for your cat to approach you, and only after it sits down beside you, offer a food reward. Repeat this process, moving back and forth down the hallway, for a number of repetitions similar to those you practiced for the “polite sit.” With consistent practice, your cat will learn to follow you and wait patiently, a crucial step towards comfortable leash walking. Can a cat be trained to follow these cues? Absolutely, with the right approach.
Encouraging “Come When Called”
Another practical and potentially life-saving variation of basic training is teaching your cat to come when called. This command can be a significant convenience for everyday life and an important safety measure.
To train this, start by awarding a treat for sitting. Then, walk to the other side of the room. Your cat will likely follow you once it finishes the treat. The key is to call your cat’s name or make a distinct sound just before your cat begins to move towards you. This timing is essential for your cat to associate the sound or name with the positive action of coming to you and receiving a reward.
For instance, have your cat sit and give it a treat. Calmly walk a few paces away while observing your cat. The moment you see your cat stand up and begin to move toward you, say its name or make your chosen distinct sound. Gradually, your cat will begin to connect coming to you with a reward, and eventually, with its name or the specific sound. This consistent association can even help you call your cat away from potentially dangerous situations. Indeed, leash training a cat often incorporates this “come when called” command.
Training your cat is a wonderful avenue for strengthening your bond. Remember that consistency and patience are your most valuable tools. Avoid frustration, and celebrate small successes. By practicing these techniques regularly and correctly, you’ll not only have a more obedient pet but also a deeper understanding and connection with your feline companion. You might even find yourself wondering how to litter train an outdoor cat with similar successful methods.
