Cats, known for their independent nature, tend to follow their own agenda. Nevertheless, as a cat owner, taking the time to impart essential commands to your feline companion can significantly enhance your bond and their behaviour. Teaching your cat commands like “sit,” “come,” or “stay” not only makes them more disciplined but also ensures their safety and well-being. 

It’s a rewarding experience to see your cat respond to your cues and create a harmonious relationship between you both.

The Importance of Training for Cats 

Training your cat may seem like a daunting task, but it is important for their well-being and safety. A well-trained cat is less likely to engage in destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture or chewing on cords. 

A cat that responds to commands can be easier to manage in situations where their safety is at risk, such as when they are outside or around other animals.  Moreover, the training process helps to strengthen your bond with them and can be a fun activity for both of you.

Cat training can also strengthen the bond between you and your cat, as it provides an opportunity for positive interaction and communication. It can also help to build trust and respect between you and your feline friend.

Teaching Your Cat Basic Commands

Before starting the training process, it’s important to understand that cats have a shorter attention span than dogs. Hence, patience and consistency are key when teaching them commands. Here are some essential commands that every cat owner should teach their feline friend:

Come 

The “come” command is an essential command that every cat owner should teach their cat. This command can be used to call your cat to you, especially when they are outside. 

To teach your cat to come, start by calling their name and then saying “Come.” When your cat comes to you, reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this process several times until your cat understands what the command means.

Sit 

The “sit” command is another essential command that can be used to keep your cat well-behaved.  This command can be helpful when you need your cat to sit still, such as during grooming or when visitors come over.

To teach your cat to sit, hold a treat above their head and move it towards their tail. As they follow the treat with their eyes, their bottom will lower into a sitting position. Once they are in the sitting position, give them the treat and say “Sit.” Repeat this process until your cat learns to sit on command.

Stay 

The “stay” command can also be useful for keeping your cat well-behaved. According to standard cat training tips, to teach your cat to stay, start by telling them to sit. When your cat is seated, raise your hand in a “stop” gesture and say, “Stay.” 

If your cat stays put, give them a treat or some praise. If your cat stands up, gently reposition them so they are seated and try again. 

No 

The “no” command is an important command that can help keep your cat safe. To teach your cat to respond to “no,” start by using a firm tone of voice when you catch them doing something they shouldn’t be doing. 

For example, if your cat is scratching the furniture, say “no” in a firm tone of voice. If your cat stops, reward them with a treat or praise. If your cat continues the behaviour, gently remove them from the area and try again later.

Leave it 

The “leave it” command can also be useful for keeping your cat safe. To teach your cat to leave something alone, start by placing a treat on the ground and covering it with your hand. 

Say “Leave it” in a firm tone of voice. If your cat tries to get the treat, cover it again and repeat the command. When your cat stops trying to get the treat, reward them with a different treat or praise.  Repeat this process until your cat learns to leave something alone when commanded.

Fetch 

Training your cat to fetch can turn retrieving toys into a fun game that both of you enjoy. Although not all cats may take to this command, many can learn it with patience. Start by choosing a lightweight toy that your cat is interested in. 

Toss it a short distance away while saying “fetch.” When your cat goes to the toy, encourage them to bring it back by offering a treat or verbal praise. Over time, your cat will associate bringing the toy back with positive reinforcement.

Quiet 

The “quiet” command is beneficial for cats who tend to meow excessively, especially during the night or early morning hours. When your cat starts meowing loudly, calmly say “quiet” and offer a treat when they cease. 

It’s crucial to understand the reason behind their vocalisation, as excessive meowing can be a sign of boredom, hunger, or health issues. Addressing the underlying cause is integral while teaching this command.

Additional Tips for Teaching Commands 

In addition to the essential commands discussed above, there are some cat training tips that can help you teach your cat commands more effectively. 

First, keep cat training sessions short and frequent. Cats have short attention spans, so it’s better to train for a few minutes every day rather than for a longer period less frequently.  

Second, use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to reward your cat for desired behaviour. This will help motivate them to learn and respond to commands.

Third, be patient and consistent. Cats may take longer to learn commands compared to dogs, so it’s important not to get frustrated or give up. Consistency is also key in reinforcing the learned behaviour.  

Conclusion 

Teaching your cat these essential commands can help keep them safe and well-behaved. While it may take some time and patience, the effort is well worth it. Remember to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, when your cat responds correctly to a command. 

With consistency and patience, your feline friend will learn these essential commands and become a well-behaved and obedient companion.