Can Cats Be Trained Like Dogs? What Cats Can Learn and How

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Ask most people whether cats can be trained, and you will hear a laugh. Yet cats learn from experience all the time. They know the sound of a can opener, which cupboard holds treats and how to open doors. With the right approach, they can learn intentional cues too.

How cats differ from dogs

Dogs were bred over thousands of years to cooperate with people. Cats largely domesticated themselves by hunting rodents near human settlements, so they are less inclined to obey just to please. Cats are motivated by food, play, comfort and curiosity. They also tire faster, preferring short bursts of training. Understanding this changes your expectations: you are asking for a partnership, not obedience.

What cats can learn

• Sit, come, stand and spin.
• High five and touch a target. See how to teach a cat to high five.
• Respond to their name. See how to teach a cat its name.
• Fetch. See how to teach a cat to fetch.
• Enter a carrier. See carrier training a cat.
• Walk on a harness. See harness training a cat.
• Accept handling, such as nail trims and brushing.
• Use a scratching post, and stay off counters.

What makes training work

• Rewards the cat values. See positive reinforcement for cats.
• Short sessions, two to five minutes.
• A marker, such as a clicker. See clicker training a cat.
• Patience. Cats learn in their own time.
• Quiet, calm places, without distractions.
• Training before meals, when the cat is hungry.

Which cats train best

Food-motivated, curious and confident cats pick things up fast. Shy cats can learn too, and training can build confidence, but they need a gentler pace. Older cats can learn. Breeds with a reputation for being trainable include Abyssinians, Bengals, Siamese and Maine Coons, though individual personality matters more.

Benefits of training

• Mental stimulation, important for indoor cats. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Stronger bonds. See how to get a cat to like you.
• Less stress at the vet. See helping a cat who hates the vet.
• Reduced problem behavior through redirection.
• Easier medication, with calm cooperation. See how to give a cat a pill.

Limits

Cats will not always comply, and they do not respond to punishment. If a cat walks away, end the session. Never force. If the cat is unwell, stressed or in pain, skip training.

Getting started

1. Find a favorite treat.
2. Pick a quiet time.
3. Teach one simple behavior, such as touching your hand.
4. Click and treat.
5. End while the cat still wants more.

Kittens

Kittens learn rapidly. See kitten training basics.

The training mindset for cats

Think in terms of cooperation. A dog may work for a pat on the head, while a cat typically wants something concrete. Think of yourself as offering a trade: the cat does something you like, and you give it something it likes. Cats also prefer to feel that the choice is theirs, so use invitations rather than commands. If the cat is not interested, wait and try again later.

Common training goals

Owners often start with practical goals, such as stopping counter surfing, getting the cat into a carrier or teaching it to accept nail trims. These all respond well to reward-based methods. Trick training is a bonus that gives mental exercise. Even five minutes a day can make a house cat happier and less likely to develop boredom-related problems.

Mistakes that slow progress

Training sessions that are too long, rewards that are not exciting enough, and inconsistent cues are the main reasons cats seem untrainable. Another mistake is training a cat that is not hungry or is distracted by other pets. Choose the time and place carefully. Finally, do not take it personally when your cat has an off day.

Training and health

Learning to cooperate with handling can save your cat stress at the vet and make home care easier. A cat that will step into a carrier on cue, accept a pill with a treat or stand for a quick brush is easier to look after throughout its life. See how to give a cat a pill and how to brush a cat.

When to see a vet

See a vet if training seems difficult because the cat is unwell. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.