"While cats are often more challenging to train than dogs, it is still a good idea to teach them a few commands," says Dr. Shibata, acknowledging what every cat owner knows: that cats generally expect you to please them, not vice versa. But finicky felines need to know two essential commands.
1. "Off!"
"This is to get them off counters or tables," says Dr. Shibata, whether for their own safety (i.e. away from dinner candles) or your own preference (i.e. eating in peace without paws reaching for your steak).
2. "Fluuuuuffy!"
Most cats can be trained to come when called. "This is important if you need to call them away from a dangerous situation indoors or out," says Dr. Shibata. Calling them indoors is also important at night, when a storm is coming, or it's a holiday where fireworks are going to be going off. (Pets should always be indoors if fireworks displays are taking place in your community. The light and noise terrifies them and causes them to run and hide, often getting lost in the process, so call cats indoors and keep them locked up well before the scheduled lightshow begins.)
3. A re-call
"The fastest way to train a 're-call' to a cat is to give it something good as a reward," says Dr. Shibata. "You can start by shaking a treat can and then giving a treat. You can then start calling their name first, then shaking the can, then giving them a treat. Eventually, you should be able to call them and they will come running to you in expectation of the treat."
Visit the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for more info and links to other websites about caring for companion animals.
