It's no secret that cats are stubborn creatures, but despite what they say, it is possible to train them. By knowing the stimuli and behavior of these animals and practicing some simple training techniques, you can teach your furry friend to come to you when you call him.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Train the Cat
Step 1. Choose a name that you can easily recognize
Typically, cats respond best to shorter, phonetically pleasing names. While you might like to call your kitten a "soft-haired ball", you probably want to abbreviate it to "ball" in order to be able to train. If you are sure you cannot shorten the nickname "Her Pampered Majesty of the Belvedere", just call it "kitty".
- Don't change your name once you get used to it, otherwise you risk getting confused.
- Using other nicknames can also be confusing. Consistency is key.
Step 2. Start training him as soon as you can
It starts when it is still a kitten because the smaller it is, the easier it is to learn its name. Of course, an adult cat can also be trained, but it will take longer.
Step 3. Choose the rewards they like
Remember that with verbal praise he will not recognize his name or be stimulated. Instead, you need to provide him with a material reward that is a source of immediate pleasure. For example, he'll always appreciate a tasty tuna or cheese-based morsel, a spoonful of wet food or a few treats. It will also respond to other rewards as long as they are fun, such as a laser pointer or a loving pat behind the ears.
- The reward that works best depends on the cat, so be prepared to give it a try.
- Make sure you have enough cat treats on hand to train.
Step 4. Find out what stimulates a cat
It is easier to discipline a dog because it is a social animal that by its nature tends to satisfy the requests of the human beings with whom it interacts and, therefore, feels rewarded by a simple "good" or other verbal praise. Conversely, most cats do not care what their owner wants, but are more interested in what they can achieve. They respond well to material rewards and can learn new tricks if you are patient and deliver what they want when they do well.
Part 2 of 2: Teaching the Cat to Recognize Its Name
Step 1. Associate their name with something positive
Use it only when you call or talk to him softly. You should never use it when you intend to scold or scold him. In these cases, a simple "no" is sufficient.
Step 2. Start training him
The best way to stimulate a cat to receive an order is to feed it a little less than usual, because if it is hungrier, it is more inclined to earn food. Then, approach him and say his name, then offer him a treat. Repeat the exercise two or three times. Then walk away and add the word "come" or "here" to his name - for example, "Minù, come" or "Here, Minù". Both commands work, just be consistent. When he approaches, pet him and give him a treat. Then move away a little farther and repeat.
- Make sure your furry friend links his or her name to a pleasant reward. In other words, you have to call him and reward him right after.
- Repeat the exercise calling him 10-20 times each session, once or twice a day until he responds to his name.
Step 3. Extend the distance
After about a week he starts calling him from a longer distance. Start from another room. In the end, try to in every room of the house. Once he learns to come when you say his name inside the house, also try calling him from the balcony or garden if he is used to going out.
Step 4. Involve the whole family
If you live with other family members, have them help you train. Make sure everyone uses the same phrase to call him. You could teach him to run back and forth between two people, while they call him in turn and offer him a reward.
Step 5. Seek help if it doesn't come when you call
If he doesn't recognize his name, he may have a hearing problem. White cats are often deaf. Take him to the vet to check if there is a malformation in the inner ear that is preventing him from hearing.
