Can cats do tricks like dogs can?
By greatsasuke
@greatsasuke (472)
United States
January 13, 2010 12:07pm CST
I just read an article that gave examples of some cats that could do tricks that supposedly only dogs could do. Some of the tricks and obedience of commands these cats could perform were as follows: touching your hand with their nose on command, jumping through hoops, and entering cat carriers on their own.
It also stated that it wasn't so difficult to train the cats and all one needed is patience, repetition, and a treat. Although they did mention that cats were not as happy to please as dogs are, if the trainer has something the cat wants (treat) they learn very fast to obey the trainers commands. So, in essence cats are selfish but a person can use that selfishness to train them.
Another suggestion given in the article was to keep the training sessions short, because cats get bored easily. I never had a cat before, so I always assumed that they were just lazy creatures that would come to you if they wanted something. If I ever do get a cat I will use this as an opportunity to teach my cat.
Do any of you have cats? If so, can they perform tricks and obey commands?
1 response
@HansonFan (1653)
• United States
13 Jan 10
I don't have a car right now but I did a few years ago. I didn't train her but I had a friend who trained her cat. It would play fetch with her and come when called. Cats arent lazy, more like they are the king or queen of the house. They tend to do what they want and when they want to do it. But, they can be very loving and loyal pets. I plan to get another one of these days, but my dogs would not appreciate it right now. lol
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
13 Jan 10
Hi! I have a cat and she does funny things...I don't have to train her to do them nor would I try because...like you say they "rule the roost" and it's certainly true in our house! She has a whole repertoire of funny things she does but the latest was; she got herself caught up in the vertical blind (not in a dangerous way) and then proceeded to chase her tail through the blind. It was so funny as I'd not seen her do that before!
@greatsasuke (472)
• United States
22 Jan 10
That would be a great trick, getting your dogs to love your pet cat. I don't suggest you trying it of course. It may lead to a disaster. The cats that I have seen tended to be very selfish, but I guess like other animals even cats have their own particular personalities. Therefore, I shouldn't generalize.
