Training cats to obey commands can seem like a daunting task given their independent nature.
However, with the right approach and patience, you can teach your cat to follow a variety of commands, which will not only strengthen your bond but also make her daily life more manageable and interesting.
Let's look at the steps to teach a cat basic commands: sit, give paw, come, lie down, and voice.
Sit command
Prepare your workspace using your cat's favorite treats as motivation.
Place a treat near your cat's nose and slowly raise it above her head to encourage her to rise up on her hind legs. Once she does, say "sit" and give her the treat.
Repeat this process several times a day until you associate the command "sit" with this action.
The command to give a paw
Start by getting your cat used to the touch of your hand. Reward her with a treat for any touch.
Once your cat is comfortable touching your hand, begin to gradually lift her front paw, say "give paw" and give her a treat.
You need to repeat this process until your cat begins to understand that the command "give paw" means raising his front paw for your hand.
Team to me
Start by getting your cat's attention with her name or a sound she associates with treats.
When your cat comes to you, reward her with treats and positive reinforcement.
Repeat this action to strengthen the association between the command "come to me" and coming to you.
Command to lie down
Get your cat used to lying on a soft surface, such as a rug or blanket.
When your cat lies down, say "lie down" and give her a treat.
Repeat until your cat begins to associate the "lie down" command with this action.
Team voice
Encourage your cat to make a sound that he or she normally makes, such as meowing or purring.
As soon as she makes the sound, say "voice" and reward her with a treat.
Repeat so your cat understands that the "voice" command means making a sound.
Earlier we talked about why cats put their paws on a person’s face.
