Is it possible to train a Cat to walk on command, do tricks, and come to its owner on a leash? Yes, you can help them learn these and many other simple directions. If you know their habits and take the right approach, they are intelligent animals that easily understand the “rules of the game.”
-
Never punish your pet
People are the only ones who can understand the idea of discipline. A cat that hasn’t been trained won’t know what they can and can’t do in their home. I find it challenging to explain this, and the fact that many people send mixed messages to their pets through their actions only makes things more confused.
Important! A cat may have physical or mental health issues if it is difficult to teach, aggressive, or overly depressed. Take your cat to the vet and keep it trained after the treatment is over, but only after talking to the doctor first.
Punishment can lead to behavior problems in pets, which may be particularly dangerous for large breeds like Maine Coon cats, and it could also result in serious health issues. The animal won’t start doing what you require of it at the same time. When you are training a cat, try to remember that hard work and positive associations are very important.
-
Opt for clickers + treats
When training a variety of animals, clickers are a cheap tool that can be helpful. Your pet will learn a clear, good association that way. You don’t need to buy a special device if you already have a pen that can be clicked or another device that makes those sounds.
Together with tasty food, like cat treats, clickers work best. Positive associations will develop much more quickly if the pet correctly follows the command, hears the clicking sound, and then receives the food. Many people like to treat their pets well and give them treats for no reason. The pet will not understand the reason for the praise in such circumstances.
-
Teach the pet to come to you on command
Cats are capable of responding to voice commands, such as coming when summoned. That’s good; if the pet escapes, it will be easy to retrieve.
Making a positive association is where you should start. Please ensure you clearly state the command when you open a bag of cat food. The animal will eventually come to understand the connection between the command and the food. You can move on to the second step when the pet approaches you on command to eat.
When you typically wouldn’t feed your pet, utter the commands clearly and loudly. Continue to build the association by clicking and offering the pet something tasty if it comes close to you. Over time, move farther away from the cat when you say those words.
The training must take place once or twice a day and last for about five minutes each time. The cat must execute the trick 20 times while doing this, or at least attempt to do so.
-
Teach the pet to do his business in the WC
It will take more time to teach your pet how to use a normal, human toilet. We still think it’s worth it. Your place will be cleaner, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning the cat litter any longer—you just need to press the flush button on the toilet. You won’t have to buy cat litter or store it at home either for free.
-
Teach the cat to shake hands
You can teach your cat this simple trick. Place the cat in front of you at eye level and prepare some food for it. You could also put the animal on the couch or place yourself on the ground. Say the words and touch the cat’s paw. Reinforce the association with a clicking sound and offer food to the pet if she moves her paw properly. Repeat the steps until the pet reacts to your words without food or clicks. Most animals learn these kinds of tricks in one or two days. You’ll have to do it several times a day, for no longer than five minutes each time.
-
Teach you pet to plea
A cat can also learn this simple trick very quickly. When it comes to ways to teach, this trick looks a lot like the handshake one. Bring some food to your hand and hold it right above the cat’s head. Say the words. The pet needs to stand on its back legs and reach its front legs out toward the hand. If your pet does everything right, click the pen and offer it a treat. When the cat learns to plead only on command, stop using the sound effect and the treat.
-
Teaching a cat to walk on a leash
The leash shouldn’t be linked to the collar but to a harness, which is only for cats. In advance, the pet needs to be at ease around these items. First, place these items where your pet spends the majority of their time, such as by the food and water bowls or by the bed. The pet will get used to these things and their smell over time.
After that, let the pet get used to wearing the harness. To do this, carefully place it on its back (do not put it on) and offer some tasty food. Repeat the practice after the pet gets used to it with the harness on but not buckled up. First, the pet should only be in the harness for a short time. Gradually, extend the duration of the harness.
You can add the leash once the pet is comfortable with the harness. You shouldn’t pick it up; just let the pet walk with it. Try starting it up again after a few days. Start your walk with her after practicing using the leash at home and opting for a quiet place outside.
How long do cats need in order to learn tricks?
What a pet does depends on its own unique traits. The same way that people learn at different speeds, cats understand some things better than others faster. If you are patient and gently insist on your own, age doesn’t really matter when it comes to learning. With a little work, your house cat will be able to follow your orders just as well as a dog!
