Some pet owners think that cats can’t be trained on commands like dogs, but this is far from the truth. With a little time and effort, it is easy to get your cat to obey basic commands.
It may take time, but the results are worth it. Once you’ve mastered this method, other behaviors and commands can be easily trained as well.
Learn how to train your cat to sit with this simple step-by-step guide.
Can cats learn to sit?
Yes, cats can learn to sit on command. The time required for training varies from cat to cat, but in general, it’s best to start training at an early age.
Cats are intelligent animals with a strong desire to please their owners, obey basic commands and respond when called.
The key to successfully training your pet is to be patient and use positive reinforcement techniques rather than negative methods.
How to Train Your Cat to Sit
First and foremost, it’s important to set aside time to train your feline friend. You need to set aside at least five minutes a day for training.
Make sure the training takes place in a quiet room and doesn’t distract your cat. You will also need tasty, easy-to-chew treats that your cat likes.
Finally, remember that patience is key. Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t respond as well as you would like.
Choose a cue word when you ask your cat to sit. Don’t limit yourself to words that are common to us, but choose words that you want to communicate with your cat. Using your favorite word as a cue, such as “sit,” “down,” or “down,” will work well.
Now let’s look at the exact steps;
Step 1: Kneel down, at the same height as your cat. If your cat is playful, keep him on a leash so he can give you his full attention throughout the training.
Step 2: Hold the food in both hands and let your cat sniff it. This will keep the cat alert and thinking about how to get the food.
Step 3: Allow your cat to sniff the food and then slowly lift the food from your nose to your head. This helps the cat to develop a natural sitting position.
Step 4: Using a hand gesture, slide the hand holding the treat over the top of your cat’s head, under the nose, and back over the head.
Step 5: When your cat sits, use a clicker to let him know he’s doing it right and reward him with a treat. If you don’t have a clicker, say “yes” or something else to indicate satisfaction, and then give him the treat.
Step 6: Repeat steps 2 through 5, but this time do not feed the cat by hand. Throw the food to a farther place and let it walk over to pick it up by itself. When it comes back, use hand signals to prompt it to pair up and observe its reaction.
Step 7: Repeat the above steps, this time without holding the food in your hand. Wave downward while signaling with your hand. When the cat sits down, say “yes” and give it the food.
Once your cat is able to take the cue correctly several times, you can reduce your reliance on food and allow him to sit on command without reinforcement.
At this point you can stand up and move away from the cat. Ask your cat to sit and observe its response to your command.
Training your cat does not mean pressure or intimidation. Most training is about learning what your cat finds rewarding so that it will continue to repeat what you want it to do.
Points to keep in mind
1. Short-term training
Short-term training is the most effective way to train a cat. Spend 3-5 minutes with the cat at a time, taking a 1-minute break if necessary.
Cats learn more quickly when you ask them to focus on one short task at a time during training.
2. Make training fun.
Cats respond well to fun, so after the cat responds, make training fun by doing something the cat enjoys. For example, during the first training session, pet your cat every time it sits on command.
3. Be patient and consistent.
Cat training takes time, but all you need is a set goal. Cats are creatures of habit and prefer a clear routine. Once you begin training, try to be as consistent and precise as possible.
4. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small.
As with training any pet, you may run into obstacles along the way. These obstacles can be due to a variety of reasons, including the cat’s age, temperament, and personality.
But don’t worry, any cat can be trained. Always stay positive and keep an eye on the milestones your cat achieves.
Reward and celebrate every step your cat takes. This will encourage them to learn more tricks and commands.
Conclusion.
While it is possible to train your cat to sit on command, it is important to understand that every cat is different. What works for one cat may not work for another.
Remember to be patient and keep an open mind during training. Don’t be afraid to tweak some steps or try different things that might work for your cat.
Do not punish the cat because the training is not working. This will only make things worse. Make training fun!
