Can Cats Be Trained As Well As Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

It’s true that cats don’t have the same inclination toward following instructions as dogs do. But really,

cats can be trained to do almost everything a dog can

. The key differentiator will be what you use to train your cat, since they often have different motivations than dogs.

Why can’t a cat be trained like a dog?

As cats have not been bred over the millennia like dogs,

they are not as domesticated

. They have been kept for their natural ability to keep rodent populations down, but have never been bred to perform any special function. They are not designed by nurture or nature to fetch sticks or guard the house.

Can cats actually be trained?

Yes, they’re independent and willful, but

felines can be taught certain behaviors

—to the benefit of both cat and human. Training has always been part of the deal when you own a dog, though methods have changed a lot over the generations. Cats are a different story—but they shouldn’t be.

Are cats even trainable?

Contrary to popular belief

cats are definitely trainable

! You can teach them the same useful commands as a dog, as well as tricks. All you need is some tasty treats and patience. You can start easy with training your cat to come when you call their name.

Are cats smarter than dogs?

However, various studies have concluded that, overall,

cats are not smarter than dogs

. One study often cited is that of neurologist Suzana Herculano-Houzel, who has spent nearly 15 years analyzing cognitive function in humans and animals.

Why is dogs better than cats?

In many people’s opinion, dogs are better than cats.

Dogs are more trainable, use the bathroom outside, can protect you, and promote a more active lifestyle

. Having a dog has many benefits that make it better than having a cat. And it is possible to think one is better than the other but still love both.

Why are cats less obedient than dogs?

Humans have been training dogs for thousands of years which could explain our strength of relationship. However, this study could prove to show that

cats are generally less dependent and care less for socialization with humans

. This could prove despite their higher intelligence, why cats are less obedient.

Are cats harder to take care of than dogs?

How much care and attention does a cat need? As pets go,

cats are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs

which need companionship, walking, training etc. However, like any pet, they do need care, and some cats need more care than others.

Do cats obey their owners?

“Historically speaking,

cats, unlike dogs, have not been domesticated to obey humans’ orders

. Rather, they seem to take the initiative in human–cat interaction.” This is in contrast to the history of dogs and humans, where the former has been bred over thousands of years to respond to orders and commands.

Do cats understand no?


Cats don’t understand the word “no.”

Therefore, the way you say it to your cat is crucial. When disciplining your cat with the commands, use a firm, authoritative tone and don’t change the way you say it. That way, your cat will understand what it means.

Do cats understand words?

Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but

they recognize when you talk to them

. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing.

Can cats be trained to stay off counters?


Use clicker training

.

Cat’s respond best to positive reinforcement rather than punishment. If you see your cat on the counter looking for food, offer a treat or other reward such as throwing a toy on the floor near the counter, to entice them off. Once they jump off, pair the reward with a clicker that makes a sound.

How do you teach a cat no?

How do I tell my cat no?

Simply

say, “No” when it engages in a negative behavior

. If your cat stops the behavior when you ask, reward it with treats, a toy, or praise. If your cat does not listen when you say “No,” try adding a small clap as well.

Can cats learn tricks like dogs?

As a cat parent, you already know the perks of having a feline companion — but did you know that you can also train your cat to do cool tricks? A lot of people think that cats are impossible to train, but

with a little effort and patience, they can learn tricks just like dogs can.

Are cats more aggressive than dogs?

Common types of aggressive behaviors between cats


Cats are very territorial, much more so than dogs

. Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that his territory has been invaded by an intruder.

Are cats loyal?


Cats can be truly loyal

, but unlike dogs, that loyalty comes out of their desire to be loyal to you. That makes it so much more valuable.

What is the IQ of a cat?

The domestic cat is attributed a value of between

1–1.71

; relative to human value, that is 7.44–7.8. The largest brains in the family Felidae are those of the tigers in Java and Bali. It is debated whether there exists a causal relationship between brain size and intelligence in vertebrates.

Are cats lazy?

Cats have a reputation for being more than a little relaxed – possibly down to all those hours they sleep.

There’s a fine line between unwinding and lazy though, and too much of the latter is never a good thing for felines.

Why cats make the best pets?


Cats keep unwanted pests out of your house

. Cats are hardwired to stalk, hunt, and pounce on their prey, which makes them perfect for keeping your home free of unwanted pests – be it mice, bugs, or something else. Even their presence can be enough of a deterrent for rodents as their scent can act as a repellent.

Are cats better pets than dogs?


Cats, as anyone who has one will tell you, are better than dogs in every conceivable way

. They’re softer, sweeter, and smarter. They’re quieter and cleaner. They’re masters of both the art of lazy lounging and the one of skillful hunting (of rodents).

Can cats understand humans better than dogs?

Although cats are able to pick up on some human social cues – they can follow human pointing and are sensitive to human emotions –

they’re probably less tuned in to our social relationships than dogs are

. Cats were domesticated more recently, and have been changed by domestication far less than dogs.

Are dogs or cats more responsive?

Business Insider spoke with John Bradshaw, anthrozoologist and author of “The Animals Among Us,” about why

dogs are far more responsive to humans than cats are

. Bradshaw said: “Cats are somewhat less responsive than dogs to their owners.

Who is more loyal cat or dog?

Zak studied 10 cats and 10 dogs to see how much affection they had for their humans, and it turns out

dogs love their owners almost five times more than cats do

, according to the Huffington Post.

Are cats quieter than dogs?


Cats are much quieter than dogs

. You will never hear a noise complaint from your neighbors about your cat meowing all day long, as you would with a dog’s bark. Their meowing may be frequent, but it does not carry far.

Why cats are better than dogs scientifically?

Owning a cat can actually

reduce your chances of having a heart attack by 40%

. It’s a win-win situation. You lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and have the bonus of a fluffy little friend. Cats also live longer than dogs, so you can really make the most of the health benefits they provide.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.