Generally speaking, a cat does not learn basic commands such as “sit,” “give me your paw,” or “come” - unlike dogs. There are always exceptions, of course, such as Didga, the cat capable of performing the most tricks in one minute anywhere in the world. But that is not the norm. However, fortunately, you can guide them on what they should not do at home. And since they are very clever, they will surely follow these rules. For example, they can learn that it is not appropriate to climb onto the table, scratch, or knock objects onto the floor with their paws.
In this article, we share some information with you about why cats do not follow commands, as well as some key points about the importance of education in correcting bad habits in your felines.
We start from the premise that cats are territorial and independent animals. In other words, they are not gregarious, social, hierarchical animals like dogs and, therefore, do not need to submit to a leader’s directives. It is not in their genes. That does not mean, however, that we should not do everything possible to educate them. In this regard, the main purpose of educating a cat is to get it to follow certain guidelines to prevent unwanted behavior.
The most important advice we can give you for educating your cat is to always ensure that its basic needs are met. This is the best way to prevent inappropriate behavior. Essentially, this means:
a) Good nutrition: cats are carnivores and need protein-rich food to meet their nutritional needs. If they are fed improperly, unwanted episodes may occur, such as trying to make up for dietary deficiencies by rummaging through the trash, especially when they know they can find scraps of meat, fish, or chicken there.
b) Cat-friendly spaces: for a cat to behave appropriately, it needs an environment that meets its basic feline needs. A well-behaved cat sharpens its claws in the right place. Therefore, it needs a scratching post in good condition. If it does not have one, it will scratch the furniture (curtains, sofas, carpets) and may, unfortunately, even scratch something else…
A cat also needs high places that it can access in its surroundings, with the approval of its aristoparents. A feline will climb onto places in the home, such as sofas and wardrobes, to survey its territory easily. If the aristoparents rule out the possibility of the feline climbing onto the furniture, it is advisable to purchase a specific object for the cat to climb.
c) Litter tray with litter: that is all a cat needs to behave appropriately without its aristoparents having to educate it in this area. It is the essential accessory for its hygiene. And using it comes naturally to the cat; there is a reason why cats are said to be so clean.
d) Affection and kind words… in moderation: although cats are often thought to be aloof, they also need affection. That is why it is important to strengthen your bond with them and achieve greater understanding. But remember: give them their space. As an aristoparent, remember that, more than educating your cat, what matters is understanding its nature and accepting its personality. A good way to achieve this is to make plans with your cat. Discover the best activities here.
Finally, remember that everything you need for your cat, related to food, play, clothing, education, hygiene, etc., can be found in our online store.
