Training Cats: Meet the Experts Who Believe It’s Possible (Yes, Really)
If you’re anything like me(and you’re NOT), you know cats have a
reputation for being independent, stubborn, and even a bit aloof. Most of us wouldn’t think of our cats as “trainable” in the same way dogs are.
After all, trying to get a cat to do something it doesn’t want to do can feel like an exercise in futility. But some experts out there believe that with the right approach, even our feline friends can learn a few tricks – or at least some manners.
When I came across this idea, I was intrigued and maybe a bit skeptical. Could a cat really be trained to do more than, say, just come to the sound of a can opening?
These experts claim they can help make it happen, so I decided to take a closer look at what they’re all about.
Jackson Galaxy: The “Cat Whisperer” with Unique Style
First up is Jackson Galaxy, the cat behaviorist with a style all his own. Known for his distinctive facial hair and tattoos, Jackson stands out just as much as the cats he works with.
His unconventional(!?) look might catch your attention, but his skills with felines are what keep it. On his TV show My Cat from Hell, he works with pet parents to address behavioral problems and helps them understand how to communicate with their cats more effectively.
I’ll admit, I initially thought his facial hair was a bit odd, but if he can get a cat to listen, I’m all for it. Galaxy’s approach is rooted in compassion and respect for the unique personalities of cats. He believes cats aren’t “untrainable” – they just need us to communicate in ways they understand.
He uses tools like treats, toys, and clickers to teach cats positive behaviors and help resolve issues like aggression, scratching, or not using the litter box. For anyone looking to bond more deeply with their cat, Jackson Galaxy proves there’s more we can do to understand and train our feline companions.
Dr. Nicholas Dodman: The Animal Behavior Expert
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist and professor, is another expert who advocates for cat training. Dr. Dodman is known for his extensive research on animal behavior, particularly in understanding what motivates cats and how their instincts play into their actions.
He believes that with patience, cats can be taught behaviors just like other animals – it just requires a different approach.
Dr. Dodman emphasizes understanding a cat’s psychology and body language. According to him, knowing what triggers certain behaviors, like stress or fear, can be a game-changer in training.
He advises breaking down training into small, manageable steps, and using positive reinforcement, like treats or petting, to reward the behaviors we want to encourage. I think he’s onto something because, with the right kind of motivation, cats might be more teachable than we realize.
Dr. Susan Little: The Feline Specialist
Dr. Susan Little, a feline specialist, has dedicated her career to understanding cat health and behavior. She’s one of the foremost experts in feline veterinary science, and she believes that training cats is not only possible but beneficial for their wellbeing.
Training, she says, can provide cats with mental stimulation, help reduce stress, and even improve their relationship with us.
Dr. Little uses techniques that make training fun and engaging for cats. She often recommends using training as a bonding experience.
By teaching cats simple tasks, such as coming when called or using a scratching post instead of the couch, Dr. Little believes we can foster a stronger relationship. I can see her point: if training makes life more enjoyable for both us and our cats, why not give it a try?
Dr. Karen Becker: The Holistic Approach
Dr. Karen Becker, a holistic veterinarian, adds another dimension to the idea of training cats. She takes a big-picture approach, looking at how diet, environment, and lifestyle can influence behavior.
Dr. Becker believes that cats are highly intelligent animals that can benefit from mental and physical stimulation. Training, she argues, is part of a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Becker advocates for gentle training techniques that cater to a cat’s natural instincts. Instead of seeing it as “training” in the traditional sense, she views it as enriching a cat’s life by helping them engage in natural behaviors.
She suggests things like teaching cats to walk on a leash or play interactive games that mimic hunting, tapping into a cat’s natural instincts in a way that’s fulfilling for them.
The Takeaway: Yes, You Can Train a Cat
So, can cats be trained? According to these experts, the answer is a resounding yes! While it might take a bit of patience (and some tasty treats), cats can learn behaviors that improve their lives and ours. Jackson Galaxy, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Dr. Susan Little, and Dr. Karen Becker all believe in the potential for teaching cats new tricks – and if they say it can be done, I’m willing to give it a shot.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond, manage behavior, or just have a bit of fun with your furry friend, these experts offer great insights for training cats. They may not turn into obedient pups anytime soon, but with the right approach, our cats might just surprise us.