You know that magical moment when you shake a treat bag and suddenly your cat appears out of nowhere? Trust me, as someone who’s worked with hundreds of cats (both at home and at the shelter!), I can tell you that this natural response is pure gold when it comes to training. And yes, you read that right – cats can absolutely be trained to come when called!
I still remember the day I discovered this was possible. I was a new shelter volunteer, completely amazed by watching one of our senior volunteers call cats by name during feeding time. These weren’t just any cats – these were former strays who’d come such a long way in their training journey. That moment changed everything I thought I knew about our feline friends.
Starting With What Already Works (AKA The Treat Bag Magic!)
Let’s be real – we’ve all witnessed how our cats suddenly develop supersonic hearing when we open a can of food or rustle that treat bag. Every morning when I prepare breakfast, it’s like a furry flash mob appears in my kitchen! This natural behavior is exactly what we’re going to build on.
The Secret Sauce to Success
Before we dive in, let me share what I’ve learned from training countless shelter cats (and my own three little rascals): you need three key ingredients. First, the perfect reward – something that makes your cat come running. Second, a special call that’s just for this purpose. And third, lots of patience!
Here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: choose treats that are absolutely irresistible to your cat. In my experience, small pieces of plain cooked chicken work wonders – though one of my foster cats would only respond to freeze-dried salmon. Every cat has their own love language when it comes to treats!
Let’s Break It Down: The Training Journey
After years of working with all sorts of cats, from the super shy to the ultra-confident, I’ve developed a foolproof method that really works. Here’s how we do it:
Starting Simple
Pick a special word or sound – I use a quick double whistle for my cats, but you could use anything from “come here” to “dinner time!” Just make sure it’s different from your everyday cat chat.
Start in a quiet room (I usually use my living room where my cats feel super comfortable), and begin with your cat nearby. Say your special call right before you do something that already brings them running – like opening that magical treat bag. When they come, reward immediately!
Keep these training sessions short and sweet – five minutes max. Trust me, I learned this lesson after some epic fails trying to keep my foster cats’ attention for too long!
Leveling Up
Once your cat’s got the basics down, it’s time to make things a little more interesting. Start calling from further away, or try it when they’re in another room. I love practicing this when my cats are lounging on their cat tree on the balcony – they’ve learned that coming inside when called means good things!
Oops! Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All!)
Listen, we all make mistakes, and I’ve definitely made my share in my years of cat training. The biggest no-no? Never punish your cat for taking their sweet time to come to you. Remember, we’re working with cats here, not dogs – they march to the beat of their own drum, and that’s okay!
Also, avoid using your special call for anything unpleasant. I once made the mistake of using it before a vet visit, and let me tell you, rebuilding that trust took some time!
Keeping the Magic Alive
The secret to long-term success? Keep rewarding! Even now, years after training my cats, I still reward them when they come when called. Sometimes it’s treats, sometimes it’s extra chin scratches, and sometimes it’s their favorite feather toy – mix it up to keep things interesting!
You know what’s really amazing about this whole process? It’s not just about getting your cat to come when called – it’s about building trust with your furry friend. I’ve seen this transformation countless times, both with my own cats and with our shelter residents. There’s nothing quite like that moment when a cat chooses to come to you simply because you asked.
Remember, every cat is different, and that’s what makes this journey so special. Some cats might get it right away (like my Luna, who’s basically a furry genius), while others might need a little more time and patience. But I promise you, with consistency and lots of love, your cat can absolutely learn this skill.
With purrs and headbutts, Lucy
Share Your Cat Training Journey!
Has your cat surprised you with their training progress? I’d love to see your furry student in action! Send your stories, photos, or videos to [email protected] – whether it’s that proud moment when your cat first came running, or even those hilarious training “fails” (we’ve all been there!). Maybe your clever kitty has already mastered the recall, or perhaps you’re just starting out? Every cat’s journey is unique and worth sharing! Your experience could inspire other cat parents who are just beginning their training adventure. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing more cat photos?
Can’t wait to hear from you and meet your amazing feline friends!
Lucy
