Training a Cat? Surely You Jest.
The idea of training a cat usually gets you one of two responses: a raised eyebrow or a belly laugh. After all, cats are famously independent. Unlike dogs, they don’t fetch your slippers or perform tricks on command. But here at FattyCakes, we love a challenge—and we love our cats even more.
So, we decided to test the theory: Can you actually teach a cat tricks? Spoiler alert: yes, you can. But it’s not what you expect.
Welcome to the FattyCakes Training Diaries—where stubbornness meets shrimp treats and the results are equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Why Even Try to Train a Cat?
First off, no, we’re not trying to turn our cats into circus performers (although if they wanted to juggle, we wouldn’t stop them). Cat training serves a few awesome purposes:
- Mental stimulation: Cats are smart. Tricks give their brain a workout.
- Behavior improvement: A focused cat is less likely to knock your coffee mug off the table.
- Bonding: You become more than just the human who opens the cans.
- Fun: It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch your cat nail a “spin” on cue.
And honestly? It’s just fun seeing how far you can go.
Cat Psychology: Cracking the Feline Code
Training a cat isn’t about dominance or obedience—it’s about motivation and timing. Unlike dogs, cats aren’t looking to please you. They need a reason. And the reason is usually food.
Cats respond best to:
- Short sessions (2–5 minutes max)
- High-value treats (think tuna, cooked chicken, freeze-dried shrimp)
- Positive reinforcement (never scold—only reward the behavior you want)
Most importantly: they’ll learn when they want to, not when you do.
Meet the Band: The FattyCakes Feline Cast
Here’s who we experimented on—er, lovingly trained:
- Mittens: Our diva lead singer. Gorgeous, moody, and absolutely uninterested unless bribed with shrimp.
- Boots: The curious percussionist. Always watching, always learning. Our top student.
- Tofu: A sleepy rhythm guitarist who prefers cuddles over coursework.
Each cat had a different learning curve. Training isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about knowing your cat and playing to their personality.
What Tricks Can Cats Actually Learn?
Here’s the good news: cats can learn a lot more than you think. Here are tricks we tested with mixed results:
- Sit: The easiest and quickest to learn. Start here!
- High five: Boots nailed it in 3 days.
- Spin: Surprisingly popular with food-motivated cats.
- Jump through hoop: Works great for playful or active cats.
- Touch a target (target training): This builds a foundation for more advanced behaviors.
- Ring a bell: Cute, chaotic, and yes—it can be done.
- Go to mat/place: Super useful for calming anxious kitties or managing multiple cats.
Your cat might never fetch the remote, but you’d be surprised how quickly they connect a behavior with a reward.
How We Did It (and How You Can Too)
Tools we used:
- A clicker (or you can use a consistent word like “yes!”)
- Small, soft treats they don’t usually get
- A target stick (a chopstick works too)
- Patience. Lots of it.
Step-by-step process:
- Pick one trick. Start simple, like “sit” or “touch.”
- Lure or shape the behavior. Move the treat in the direction you want them to go.
- Click and treat immediately when they do it.
- Repeat for 2–5 minutes max.
- End on a high note—even if the trick wasn’t perfect.
We started with one short session a day and celebrated even tiny wins. Over time, some cats picked up on cues just from the hand motions.
Real FattyCakes Training Moments
- Boots learned to high-five with impressive consistency. His motivation? Freeze-dried chicken. He even began offering his paw unprompted.
- Mittens took a more… creative approach. She slapped the target stick, knocked over the treat bag, and proudly walked off. Not quite the goal, but hey—A for effort.
- Tofu? Well, he fell asleep halfway through every session. We’re considering turning “nap-on-cue” into a new trick.
The key is to celebrate your cat’s learning style, even if it’s “meh.”
Challenges & Solutions
Training cats comes with its fair share of facepalms. Here’s what we learned:
- Problem: Cat walks away mid-session.
Solution: Stop. Don’t chase them. Try again later when they’re more alert. - Problem: Cat ignores treat.
Solution: Test different rewards—some prefer toys or even attention over food. - Problem: Sessions feel like failures.
Solution: Lower your expectations. Even 1 second of progress is still progress.
Remember, even failed attempts build trust.
So… Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether your cat learns one trick or five, the process itself is enriching. It builds connection, confidence, and fun memories.
Cats love structure more than we think. Training gives them a job, and some of them genuinely enjoy figuring things out. And when your cat finally taps your hand for a high five? It’s magic.
Plus, you’ll get stories. And content. And memes. And maybe—just maybe—a viral video.
Final Meow
Training your cat doesn’t require a degree in animal behavior. It just takes curiosity, creativity, and a little trial and error. At FattyCakes, we’re still learning—but that’s the beauty of it.
So next time someone tells you cats can’t be trained, just smile. Then ask your cat for a high five.
And if they refuse? That’s just their creative process.