Can You Train a Cat Like a Dog? Cat Training Explained!

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, so the saying goes… but did anyone stop to ask whether you can train a cat instead?! Okay, you may not be teaching your cat to bark on cue or compete at Westminster anytime soon, but our kitties still have a trick or two in the bag. And besides, cats are better than Westminster – they have far too much cool composure to parade around in front of judges, right?

Still, the big question remains: how exactly can we go about training our cats, and can we use the same techniques as we do for dogs? Find answers to this and more below.

Tackling the Misconception: Can You Train a Cat?

One of the most persistent myths you’re likely to hear about cats is that they’re untrainable. This possibly stems from the impression of cats being more independent than dogs, and generally being less eager to please their humans.

However, this is actually untrue – cats can very much be trained! In fact, cats are constantly learning from their environment and experiences, just like dogs. The key difference between the two lies in understanding what motivates them and how they can learn best.

Anytime your cat learns to do something – or stops doing something – because of your actions, you are training them. Whether it’s coming when called, using a scratching post instead of the furniture, or even performing tricks, cats are capable of learning a wide range of behaviors. 

Understanding the Differences Between Cats and Dogs in Training

The secret to successfully training our cats lies in understanding the differences between dog training vs cat training. This means looking at their differences in natural behaviors, motivations, and rewards.

Natural Behaviors and Instincts

Dogs and cats have evolved with very different natural behaviors and instincts. When training dogs, we rely on their inbuilt bond with the humans they live with, as well as their ability to read our body language. Both these skills come from their social nature and inclination towards living in a group.

Cats, on the other hand, come from ancestors who spent most of their time living alone. This means they can be more wary of social contact. They are less driven toward finding a group to live with and more toward finding a place where they feel safe and secure.

In short, cats have different priorities and motivations to dogs. This doesn’t mean cats can’t be trained – it just means they require a different approach.

Motivations and Rewards

Whether training a dog or training a cat, motivation is key.

Dogs are often motivated by social rewards, such as praise, attention, or even just the satisfaction of following a cue. This is why dog training often relies on verbal praise and physical affection as rewards – as well as food!

Cats tend to be more motivated by different rewards. While some cats enjoy a good chin scratch or stroking, most are more driven by food rewards or play. 

In short, the trick to training a cat is to find out what they find most rewarding. For some cats, this might be a tasty treat, while for others it could be a short play session with their favorite toy.

A treat can work perfectly here. A treat can be given straight from the packet and is a great way to reward your cat when they perform a desired act. Even better, it’s easy to give just a small amount at a time, so it can be used for each reward during a training session!

It’s also important to note that cats can get bored with too much of the same reward, so having a variety of options can help keep them engaged.

How to Train a Cat: Basic Techniques

So, we’ve covered the essential groundwork of how your kitty’s mind works – now it’s time to turn theory into practice! Training a cat requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of your cat’s unique requirements. Here are some techniques to get you started:

1. Positive Reinforcement

Just as with dogs, positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a cat. This means rewarding your cat for performing the desired behavior. For example, if you want your cat to come when called, use their favorite treat as a reward. Over time, your cat will associate the action with the reward and be more likely to repeat the behavior.

2. Shaping Behavior

Shaping involves rewarding actions that get closer and closer to the final behavior you want. For example, if you’re training your cat to sit, you might start by rewarding them for simply staying still, then gradually rewarding them only when they lower their hind legs, and finally when they sit fully. You could also try luring them into certain positions with treats, for example by moving a treat above their head to guide them to sit.

3. Consistency and Patience

There’s no shortcut when it comes to training a cat. The process takes time and things need to be repeated, so patience is a must! Keep each session short – around 3-5 minutes – and ensure they’re frequent while always using the same cues.

4. Avoid Punishment

Punishing a cat for not performing a behavior won’t help them learn. In fact, cats are more likely to become anxious or frustrated if they’re punished, which can make training more difficult. This may even harm your bond together. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and be patient if your cat isn’t picking up the training as quickly as you like.

5. Creating a Calm Environment

Before you start any training, it’s important to ensure your cat feels safe and relaxed. Creating a reassuring environment can help your cat be more receptive to learning and will give your training sessions a boost. FELIWAY® Optimum can be great here, enhancing your cat’s sense of calm and generally making it easier for them to focus during training sessions.

6. Use a Clicker or Marker Word

A clicker or using a specific word to signal intent can be useful in training your cat. By consistently pairing the click or word with a reward, your cat will learn to associate the sound with something positive, making it easier to reinforce good behavior.

This is particularly effective because it’s so easy to time the clicker or marker word to your cat’s desired behavior. If we just rely on giving the reward, we can get the timing wrong and accidentally reward the wrong thing which is very confusing for your cat.

So, Can You Train a Cat Like a Dog?

The answer to the question “can you train a cat like a dog” is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that cats can be trained using similar principles of positive reinforcement. However, this approach must be tailored to the unique nature of cats, who are less motivated by social interaction and more by what directly benefits them.

Either way, training a cat can be a rewarding experience, both for you and your feline friend. By understanding the differences between cat training vs dog training, finding the right motivators, and using patience and consistency, you can teach your cat a variety of useful behaviors. You just need to train them in a way that works for them!

Would you like to learn more about how your kitty’s mind works and how they experience the world around them? Check out all our other fantastic blogs online! Or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’ll be delighted to share all the insights we can. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all our latest news, articles, and product info from FELIWAY.