This is a question I get asked a lot. The bottom line is that no matter what species you are, if you are capable of learning then behavior and training theories work for you. Which is just a wordy way of saying yes, you can train a cat. Or a fish. Or a chicken. But why would you train a cat?
The why is a bit more complex. Often times it’s because the cat in your home is practicing a behavior that you find undesirable. The behavior the cat is practicing is usually a totally normal cat behavior, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find something to replace it with that works for everyone in the household. The key to any good relationship is knowing when to compromise, after all. But sometimes training is just about enrichment. Cats are vibrant, active, smart little creatures, and they need to keep their brains busy to say sane, just like people! So some people opt to train their cat just as a fun bonding activity and to give their cat a little bit of cognitive exercise. And then there’s people who train tricks with their cats for competition or show purposes. Believe it or not, feline agility is a sport you can engage in with your cat, and it’s super fun too!
No matter the reason for training your cat, I highly recommend it to anyone who lives with a cat. It’s a great bonding experience that will deepen your relationship with your feline friend, it can prevent unwanted behaviors, and it builds confidence in your cat. The next time you’re looking for a new activity or hobby to engage in with your cat, pick up a clicker and give training a try!
And of course, if you need some guidance along the way, Ear to Tail is here to help. You can start with a Bronze Paw package and just get some guidance, or go a little deeper and really dive in to the world of cat training. No matter what your needs are, we’re here to help, and hopefully everyone has fun along the way. Book your free pre consultation today to learn more about packages and cat training!