Can you train a cat to do dog tricks like roll over or fetch?

Answer 1

Hi there...most people are not aware that cats are very capable of learning more command behaviours than most canines if the proper techniques are applied...this is the key term to remember.

As a professional animal trainer for over 20 years I specialize in training both domestic and exotic cats. Both my housecats not only understand obedience commands (come, sit, down, etc) but are also toilet trained, can flush the toilet, go to wherever I point, follow a target anywhere, jump through hoops, roll over, fetch, take apart a 3-D layered puzzle, wave, give a high-five, raise a paw to ask a question, fetch, do agility (like dog agility), walk on a leash in public and so much more. They understand both visual and verbal cues/signals as well and learn most new behaviours quite quickly within a matter of days and for the more complex behaviours such as balancing and walking on a basketball in a month. Here's a video of someone who has taught her house cat a couple handful of tricks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pcoYqlAjRk

Training is conducted using operant conditioning through positive reinforcement just as with canines. We never coerce/mold an animal to learn rather reward desired behaviour with food, praise (most cats only work for food) or toys and always ignore undesired behaviour so that extinguishes itself over time. This is the key technique to train any animal including goldifsh. Yes! You read that correctly... even small fish can be trained to learn new behaviours! Here's some videos of goldfish playing football, soccer and going through a hoop: http://www.fish-school.com/gallery.htm

Answer 2

Yes - sometimes - if THEY feel like it. Almost all cats I have had will fetch (game in their interest). I have taught cats phrases - for example all three of my current cats know that "go to bed" means for them to stop what they are doing and to go to where they normally sleep - it does not mean they will sleep or even stay there very long. There are other simple words or phrases that they respond to in the same way every time - so yes, I think they can be trained.

Answer 3

Yes, you can. It takes more patience than with a dog, strong food motivation helps alot! I have trained my cats to sit, shake paws, etc. It takes me 1 -2 weeks to train a new trick, and a couple more weeks of working on it before I can show them off in front of others.

The links below have some information on cat training

Answer 4

My cat loves to fetch. The key is finding a toy that they really love and are interested in chasing.

Answer 5

my kitten knows how to fetch sit,lay,come and walk on a leash so yes it is possible but its hard for me to teach it to stay

Answer 6

I am sure you can and she will learn but only when 'she' feels like it good luck

Answer 7

oh yeh!