Like many pets, cats can be trained to do tricks. However, because they tend to be independent, cats can be difficult to train. With positive encouragement and patience, your cat can enjoy playing games and performing tricks.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learn to Train a Cat
Step 1. Purchase treat supplies
In order to learn tricks, cats must always be rewarded with good treats. Provide lots of small cat's favorite treats when training them. Give your cat treats often when you train him in short sessions. You can also give different treats to keep the cat interested. Some good choices are:
- Dice-shaped pieces of chicken
- Little tuna
- Commercial cat treat
- A little dry food
Step 2. Get the cat's attention
Cats won't learn tricks when they're not in the mood. Starting training with a treat will probably get you his attention. If your cat doesn't seem interested in learning a certain trick, don't force it to play. Be patient and try again another time.
Step 3. Use the clicker
A pet clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound. Every time the cat does what you want (like doing a trick), press the device and give it a treat. The treat's voice and positive support (reward) will make the cat repeat the behavior.
Pet clickers can be purchased at the pet shop. If you can't find it, try using a ballpoint pen that makes a clicking sound
Step 4. Perform training sessions in a short time and with frequent frequency
Cats learn through repetition, and repeated practice sessions will help them master a trick. Try repeating these tricks several times each day. Keeping training sessions short will also keep your cat focused and willing to keep trying.
Step 5. Repeat the trick while training the cat
When the cat succeeds in doing the trick, give it a treat. Then, try to get the cat to repeat the trick 5-10 times in a row (while giving it a treat every time the cat does it), as long as the cat is still interested in doing it. This repetition will encourage the cat to do it.
Step 6. Don't say the command word until the cat has learned a trick
For example, if you want your cat to sit down, don't say "sit" until your cat has gotten used to the trick. This will help the cat relate the word specifically to the trick.
Step 7. Teach your cat one trick each time you train it
Positive reinforcements such as praise and treats when your cat learns a trick will help her master it. But don't teach him more than one trick in a training session as this can confuse the cat and not understand what behavior is rewarded. Wait for the cat to master one trick before teaching it another.
Step 8. Don't punish the cat for not learning tricks
Cats learn when they are given positive rewards and support, not when they are punished. Punishing or cursing when your cat doesn't complete a trick will only make her stressed or disinterested. If your cat doesn't seem interested in learning a trick, or doesn't work, try again another time.
Part 2 of 2: Teaching Cats Special Tricks
Step 1. Teach the cat to sit
While the cat is standing, hold the treat in front of its face to get its attention. Gently move the treat from his face to the area between his ears. Many cats will follow the treat and lower their hind legs to get it. Once seated, give the cat positive support by praising and treating it.
If the back of the body doesn't quite touch the floor the first time you do it, keep giving the cat a treat. Keep repeating this exercise and over time your cat will improve
Step 2. Teach the cat to do a “hi-five”
First, encourage the cat to move its arms by giving it a treat every time the cat lifts its hand off the floor. Then, place the treat in your hand (in a fist, for example) and wait for the cat to use his hand to try to pick it up. When you do this, give your cat a treat as a reward. Keep doing this exercise over and over again, and gradually raise your hand each time until your cat can perform a gesture similar to a hi-five.
Step 3. Train the cat to come when called
Try practicing this trick cat at mealtime. Call out the cat's name and tap on its food bowl to get its attention. When the cat comes, give praise and treats.
- Once your cat is used to coming when called, you can also use the “here” command for this trick.
- You can vary this trick by trying to train your cat to come from greater distances, such as from outdoors to indoors for example.
Step 4. Train the cat to touch an object
You can train your cat to touch objects such as toys or solid surfaces that won't fall. This trick is best learned after the cat has learned to sit. When the cat sits next to an object, place the treat nearby to attract the cat's attention. If the cat touches the object, give it a treat.
Once your cat is interested in this trick, you can also train her to touch objects with special parts of her body. For example, if you want to train him to touch an object with his hands, don't treat until the cat has succeeded
Step 5. Train the cat to stand on two legs
Hold the treat above the cat, but not so close that the cat can touch it. When the cat stands on its hind legs, and touches the treat with its hands, say commands such as “sit” and give the treat.
Step 6. Teach the cat to shake hands
Sit in front of the cat and gently touch his hand. When the cat lifts him off the floor, hold his hand as if shaking hands. Give the cat a treat immediately after.
Step 7. Train your cat to meow when it hears a command
Cats can make a variety of sounds (meows, squeaks, growls, howls, etc.) and do so when communicating with humans. You can try training your cat to meow or make other sounds on command. Just give a treat when the cat makes the sound you want. Once your cat begins to associate the treat with the reward, introduce other words like "meow" or "great-grandson" to create the command.
