Cat owner Juliana Garofalo recently discussed her top tips for teaching cats tricks.
NORWALK, CT / FEB., 2023 / Cats are full of surprises. Cat owner Juliana Garofalo recently explained that dogs aren’t the only domesticated animals that can do tricks. Cats can learn numerous fun tricks, and what they learn can benefit your home and their health too.
Garofalo recently discussed the benefits of learning tricks for cats and how to teach them.
The Benefits of Training a Cat to Do Tricks
Cats can learn commands similar to how dogs do. These commands keep the cat physically active, mentally sharp, and responsive. The following are a few of the benefits of teaching your cat to do tricks:
- Forming a stronger bond with your cat, as they enjoy when you play too
- Providing stimulation to keep the cat’s mind sharp, especially if they may come in contact with predators
- Keeping the cat entertained when in an indoor environment
Teaching Your Cat to Do Tricks
Many of the same tactics used to train dogs are effective with cats. These are a few top ways to train a cat, as described by Juliana Garofalo.
Establish Trust
Your pet probably already trusts you in many ways, but training may require even more confidence. Garofalo suggests putting something tasty on your hands to create a deeper level of trust during the training process.
Use Treats
Most cats love their treats, so this is an effective way to keep them engaged and working toward a reward. Garofalo suggests offering a treat when the cat positively responds to a voice command. The goal is to discontinue treats once the cat regularly replies to the voice command.
Use Other Forms of Praise
You may feel guilty cutting out the treats when your cat regularly responds to commands. Another way to provide praise is through petting or rewarding with a favorite toy.
Keep Sessions Short
Cats have short attention spans, so they won’t respond well to extensive training sessions. Practice new tricks a few times, multiple times per day. This keeps the cat from becoming frustrated and avoiding training altogether.
Try Clicker Training
A handheld clicker can be highly effective in teaching cats commands. Introducing the cat to the clicker involves saying a command, then pushing the button while rewarding the cat with a toy or treat.
Repeat the same steps numerous times throughout the day, and your cat will become attentive when they hear the clicker. You can then use the clicker to teach several tricks.
Garofalo and Teaching Cats Tricks
Juliana Garofalo explained that cats are highly trainable creatures. Teaching your cat to obey commands or the clicker can strengthen your bond while teaching them essential house rules, like not jumping on the table while guests are eating. Teaching your cat to perform tricks can be fun and rewarding for you as a cat owner too!
