Can You Really Train Your Cat? | National Geographic

A circus troupe of well-trained cats is touring the United States—proof that the famously stubborn domestic house cat can indeed learn new tricks.

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Can You Really Train Your Cat? | National Geographic

National Geographic

[planeturine]

I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days.

[__MPires__]

Cats are inteligent. They just do what they want when they want. 

[bagobeans]

My cat is trained. When he is in my room, I tell him to sit and he sits. When he howls because my son has left for work, I tell hm to shut up and he does. He cares about me. When I am sick, he lays next to me and purrs. He is a good cat.

[susiesusie]

To train a cat, say the exact same commands every time and then say good kitty. No treats or swats for good behavior. Just praise, Sit, jump up... my cat know 124 words ! I was a teacher and now keep a database of what words she knows. We are working on counting. She can do up to 5 so far. Crows can count to 7 and I want her to beat 7. My vet and her staff were amazed when Muffin demonstrated "outside box" came out her carrier, "jump up" onto exam table, "sleep pillow" and walked and curled up in the pillow, "open door" clawed at upper cabinet door, "jump inside box" cabinet, "jump outside box", "jump down" to floor, and "inside box". She forgot to close the door to her cat carrier. Her mother responded to 75 words but she was stubborn and probably just didn't want to do what I said. She had "cat time" when she ignored my commands and licked her claws. Drawers, closets, boxes, cabinets are all "boxes" and her cat door is "Muffin's door". spooky smart.

[faunawhisperer]

People keep telling me than cats are mean and dogs are better than them. But there's something about a loving feline that you just don't get from a dog: the knowledge that they love YOU and you exclusively. Unlike dogs, who love everyone they meet, a cat's trust is earned and never truly gone.

[fluffnutterson]

I'm actually a dog person, but I love the heck out of my kitties. Rock on, and thank you for saving so many lives. You guys are awesome.
Everyone, please spay, neuter, and adopt! Happy new year.

[walter]

me: cat sit
cat: no

lik if u cri evry tim

[GalaxyMonstero]

My cat plays dead if that means anything. I just have to point my finger at her and say" Pew pew"
and she will lie down on her side. ( only if there is a treat involved )

[mksabourinable]

My cat is essentially a service animal for my PTSD. If I'm having a nightmare he wakes me up, he comes over to comfort me if I'm having a panic attack, flashback, etc. (and he even asks before touching me, most humans don't do that! Like he'll come up to me, meow softly, and he'll only go into my arms if I open them to him. Otherwise he just sits nearby with his comforting purrs.) and is fine with even just me holding him while sobbing, he reminds me to feed myself and go to bed on time if I'm having a bad day, he even stops me from self harming! Like he'll plant himself at my feet and stay there staring up at me with these big sad eyes until I put the blade away. Then comes in for cuddles of course.

All self trained. It's kind of incredible tbh.

(And of course I give him a TON of loving and care in return. He gets the best food, his litter box is scooped everyday, I play with him whenever he wants it (if I'm not too busy), I have my home set up for him, I'll stick up for him and comfort _him_ if need be, etc. Which tbh is probably why he takes such good care of me lol)

[fknucklewit]

My cat is awesome. We are bonded, he follows me everywhere. He's normally really aloof but he obeys most commands and loves to come for a walk with the dog. He loves to play games too! I think he'd make a good military working cat!

[laskolasko]

My cat eats paper some times, does that count as a trick?

[HOTUBAYBEE]

@ 2:00 kitten on cage bars! "OH LOL

[TheOriginalFreak]

We have a self trained service cat of sorts.
She warns me when my dog, my wife, or herself needs assistance (wife needs help with her MS, Dog needs to go out but isn't ringing the pet bell, someone's food bowl is empty even if the service cat's bowl is full and she is only asking for one of the other pets to get fed, etc.) Basically she trained herself to be my assistant around the house.
God is great.

[delvesdg]

I have trained my cat to be as lazy as he wants to be and ignore my commands at all costs.
Does that count for anything?

[OnyxGoddess]

My cats are trained with basic "come, sit, stay" one of them waits for me to say "eat" before meals. Also I told my cat to move because I just mopped and she walked up against the wall (that may have been a coincidence)

[Teeheehee]

I like how this circus isn't cruel to the animals like most circuses end up being, that cat bus looks cosy as fuck.

[whatsinaname]

My cats are trained. They know how to make me get them food, to give them head rubs, and to open the door to go in or out. They do these tricks multiple times a day... flawlessly...

[urbiurbina]

a lot of people complaining that cat's aren't as as "nice" as dogs. I think that's beside the point. Dogs provide a more instant gratification-type relationship whereas a good relationship with a cat is cultivated over time. It depends a lot on the personality type of the human whether a cat or dog (or both) is the right fit for you. I think it's short sighted to assume that because you personally prefer dogs that they're better pets. it's just the pet that's best for YOU. Be it a gerbil or a parrot or a dog or a cat, we all have different needs and different animals can fill them!

[stalkingself]

Love that they have 13 cats lol of all numbers

[aarongilleylen]

So basically if you take away the incentive they won't do anything 😂