Why cant you train a cat to do even simple commands like you can a dog?

Answer 1

You can train a cat, Buddhist monks have been doing it for a long time. As someone who has owned a lot of cats and dogs, training is somewhat different then training a dog. The key is consistency. Cats have certain natural tendencies such as using a piece of fabric to scratch their claws on.

You cannot use force to train a cat. The trick is to use a kind of aversive training. If you want to keep a cat from jumping on a counter top, use double sided tape on the edge of counter. A cat does not like the feel of the adhesive and over time, a cat learns to avoid the unpleasant feel of the tape and stops jumping on that surface. To stop scratching on furniture, there are sprays with strong smells that cats find unpleasant, but you have to use them constantly to build up the aroma so that the cat recognizes the smell.

I think you get the idea...

Answer 2

You can't train a cat like you train a dog because a dog is a pack animal and in its natural state always has a leader who tells it what to do. Even the pack leader will do what you tell it once you have proved that you are the new pack leader. So a dog instinctively wants to do what the boss says because this strengthens the pack and makes it more efficient as a living and hunting unit. Cats live alone or in family groups and have no leader, so you have to convince a cat that the task you want doing is to that individual cats advantage. Therefore training has to be different and takes much more patience as the cat has no evolutionary reason to find it helpful to do what another being tells it. Hence the use of food being more important training a cat.

Answer 3

a cat can be trained but not to the extent of a dog, cats are independent if their were human they would be leaders, while dogs are quite dependent on the alpha (or in simple terms its owner) and if it were human they would be followers.

My last cat before old age hit her, was brilliant with training although she wouldnt sit on command or roll over etc (while common tricks with dogs) they are more likely to respond to a repetitive movement.

I.e. For a little while my dad would open the fridge and always feed the cat from it, and our cat got so used to the routine that whenever the fridge was opened she would jump and climb the nearest chair and poke her head in it.

so yes they can be trained to a degree but unlike dogs they do not need treats and so much praise (although it has never hurt to treat and praise a cat after they done something good)

Answer 4

Many cats can be trained to do some commands. Even my very-sweet-but-not-too-bright male cat comes out (of a room) when told to "come out." It took him a few years to figure out what "come out" means but he now will walk out of a room or closet when you ask him too. My first cat would sit, shake, lie down, and give kisses on command. Basically the problem is with the people. Cats are not dogs and they don't respond to the same things dogs do. You ahve to be absolutely consistent in training, using the same words, the same tone of voice and not allow the cat to get distracted. You can't use punishment as a training tool (not good for anyone but especially with cats). Once a cat figures out what you are trying to ask it to do, and sees how gratified you are and how much extra praise it gets, it'll do tricks. Training has to be kept short (cause cats get bored fast). And the cat has to trust you 100% to begin with or it won't feel like cooperating. All my cats get trained to walk on a leash. However, to be fair, they have us trained far better then we have them trained.

Answer 5

You can train a cat as long as you start when it is a kitten and you have lots of patience. The first thing anyone can train a kitten to do is to not mess in the house and from then on it is easy. I trained my tortoiseshell long-haired cat not to jump on chairs or beds. Although she did like to sit on our laps she never, ever jumped on a chair or bed unless we invited her up. I have a neighbour who takes his little boy, Labrador retriever and his cat for walks, through an underpass to the sports fields on the other side. The cat keeps pace with the dog and the Dad and runs to catch up if she lags behind and the Dad calls her. So, yes, you can train cats - if they want to be trained that is, because they are very intelligent, independent creatures.

Answer 6

You can train a cat to do things just not the same kinds of things that you can train a dog to do and not to the same extent.

Does your cat come running when he hears the can opener or the rustle of plastic? Then you have trained your cat to come when called.

People who use cats in their acts (clowns, circuses, etc.) train kitties using spoonfuls of baby food. They start young, stay consistent, never scare the kitties and eventually they have cats in the act.

Cats are social creatures (if they were not, there would be no kittens) and can live in colonies usually of related females. Lions are the odd ones out as they really do live in packs.

I think it's important to have a safe phrase to use when you really, really need your cat to come to you. Personally I like to use 'billygoat' because no one uses that phrase on a regular basis. Cats come running whenever someone calls them with that and they always get a little tuna fish or some special treat.

Answer 7

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL4uz

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 8

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/CQgEF

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 9

Cats can be trained - but everything has to be done on THEIR terms. Far as I'm concerned when it comes right down to it, cats train their owners! As for you lot who replied saying that cats are stupid - you obviously haven't been around them for any length of time. They are actually highly intelligent wee beasties.

This was on a card I got a few years ago (from my "girls" Mhairi & Rhanni):

For a Cat Lover:
The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called and cats take a message and get back to you.

How true!!LOL

Edit: Robert H: DIRTY is one adjective you can't use with cats. They are very clean and spend hours grooming. What does a dog do apart from lick its balls? Now, THAT'S dirty!

Vickymitty: You cheered me up. Ta!

Answer 10

Dogs are basically dumber than cats - not being mean, but it's true and they'll learn a basic command from a human, whereas cats are more intelligent and won't bow down to their human owners, saying that it is possible to train a cat to do certain things, such as using the litter tray, what dinner time is, what car you drive and other such things. My cats all know what car I drive and when I come home they always know who to greet and who not to.