Have you noticed that cats can recognize their names but often choose to ignore them? However, this doesn’t mean they are untrainable or indifferent! In fact, you can learn how to train a cat to come when called, which can help you find them when they are hiding, get them out of trouble, and bond with them. In the following paragraphs, I’ll walk you through how to prepare your cat to respond to your voice using my straightforward and fun steps. You’ll also learn ways to overcome common problems and advance your training!
Preparation for Training
To teach your cat this trick, you will need some healthy treats that your cat will enjoy and, optionally, a clicker—a small device that makes a “clicking” sound when you press it. You’ll use it to mark the exact moment your cat does something right, such as coming to you when you call them.
This cat training kit, created by an animal behaviorist, includes everything you need to teach your cat tricks and improve behavior. It includes a quiet clicker, a practical target stick, and a handy illustrated guide, all packed in a convenient drawstring bag. Plus, it’s backed by a one-year return policy for your peace of mind!
1. Choose a Solid Command
Pick an easy-to-remember and distinctive word or phrase for your command. To avoid confusing your pet, it’s best to refrain from using words you frequently use in casual conversation.
“Come,” “Here,” and “Kitty” are some common commands that work well.
2. Choose a Tempting Reward
Cats respond favorably to praise and treats. Pick a reward your cat will enjoy, like a healthy snack, a toy, or even your love. During training sessions, ensure you always have the prize on hand. I highly recommend you try these Fruitables’ Wildly Natural Cat Treats because they contain real chicken, salmon, and flax seed (and are great for cats’ teeth!)
3. Build a Positive, Safe Space to Train
You want to ensure your cat is at ease and that there are no distractions in the space where you will be training them. As they become more comfortable, gradually increase the level of distraction while teaching in a quiet area with fewer interruptions.
Beginning the Training
Now that you have prepared for the training, it’s time to start.
1. Introduce the Command
Before giving the command, get your cat’s attention. Then, starting a few feet from your cat, clearly and cheerfully utter the selected keyword. You can use any word you like, such as “come,” “here,” or even your cat’s name.
2. Reward Your Cat for Coming
Immediately give your cat the selected treat when they approach you after hearing the command. If you use a clicker, press it before offering the prize. Doing this will help your cat associate the clicker sound with food and the keyword with coming to you. To encourage good behavior, compliment them and show them lots of love. Good kitty!
3. Repeat the Process
Follow the procedure throughout the day, edging farther away from your cat with each repetition. Your cat will learn more quickly and effectively if you are consistent and patient during training sessions. Try adding distractions, such as toys or noises, and see if your cat still responds.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to teaching the desired reaction. Your cat may need time to learn the command, so be persistent and patient!
Tips to Use a Clicker to Enhance Your Training
Clickers can be practical and effective tools when training a cat, but you must introduce them gradually and correctly. Here are three tips on how to do that:
- Start by clicking and treating your cat when they are close to you and likely to come to you anyway. Repeat this until they come every time you say the command.
- Gradually move farther away from your cat and repeat the keyword. Click and treat them whenever they approach. Don’t forget to praise them as well!
- Once your cat reliably follows through, it becomes easier to reduce the use of the clicker and treats. For example, click and treat every other time, then every third time, then randomly. Eventually, you can replace these with praise and affection instead.
As you can see, clicker training is a simple and positive way to train cats. You can now introduce other tricks, like sitting, staying, or fetching!
Advancing the Training
As your cat becomes more comfortable coming when called, it’s time to start advancing the training.
1. Increase The Distance
During training sessions, gradually increase the distance between you and your cat. If you do this, your cat will become accustomed to hearing the command from a distance.
2. Introduce Some Distractions
Once your cat confidently responds to the command from a distance, start introducing some distractions into the training environment. Examples may include toys or loud noises from other animals or people. The objective is to ensure they will obey the command despite any nearby noise.
3. Gradually Phase Out Rewards
Start progressively lessening the rewards as your cat becomes more assured and dependable in obeying the command. Switch treats for praise and affection until they consistently comply without the need for a prize. As a result, you will soon have a reliable, well-behaved companion.
Are You Ready to Train Multiple Cats?
Here’s the challenge! If you have more than one cat, you might wonder if you can train them all to come when called. The answer is yes, but it might require extra effort and patience. Nevertheless, it can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your cats, improving their social skills and helping them bond.
Here are some tips to help you teach several cats to respond to your voice:
- Use different commands for each animal. This tip will help them distinguish their name from the others and avoid confusion. For example, you could use “Fluffy, come,” “Mittens, here,” and “Spot, follow.”
- Because cats have differing personalities, what works for one might not work for another. Use your knowledge of what each cat likes best, whether a treat, a toy, or a cuddle, and use it as their reward.
- Training each cat individually in a quiet, calm environment is ultimately the best way to avoid competition and distraction. Once they master the keyword, you can gradually introduce them to each other and train them together.
- When training multiple cats together, give each one equal attention and praise. Try not to favor one over the other or scold either of them for not responding. You want them all to feel comfortable and motivated.
Quick Poll: Have you trained your cat to come when called?
- Yes, it was successful
- Yes, but it was a bit of a challenge
- No, I haven’t tried it yet
- No, I don’t think it’s possible to train a cat
Scroll down and let us know in the COMMENTS section below!
Common Problems and Solutions
During the training process, you may encounter some common problems. You can ensure that your cat is successful in the training process by being aware of and resolving these typical issues:
Ignoring the Command
Try saying the command louder or in a different tone of voice if your cat is ignoring it. Try switching to a different treat or toy that your cat will find more appealing because it’s also possible that they are just not interested in the reward.
Fear or Anxiety
It’s crucial to take a step back and make sure the environment is secure and safe for your cat if they show signs of fear or anxiety while you are training them. Try starting with a shorter distance and fewer distractions, and then gradually increase the training!
Lack of Motivation
It’s possible that your cat is not motivated by the reward if they appear uninterested in the training or are not responding to the command. If this happens, change the reward to one they will find more alluring or make it more interactive by playing with a toy together.
Final Thoughts
A great way to deepen your relationship with your cat is to teach it to respond to the call of your name. You’ll be well on your way to a well-behaved and obedient cat by following these tips. Keep in mind to always praise your pets for good behavior and to be patient and consistent with training. With some patience and practice, you and your cat will be able to enjoy a wonderful and loving relationship based on trust and obedience. Good luck with your training!
Sources and Further Reading
- Training Cats with Positive Reinforcement – HSHV
If you’d like your cat to come to you when you call try this: Call her name and reward her with a treat when she walks over to you; then move to another spot, call her name, and reward her when she responds, and so on. - Why Does My Cat Ignore Me? | PetMD
Ever wondered why your cat ignores you sometimes? Dr. Sandra Mitchell explains the most common reasons and what you can do.
