In American English, the idiomatic phrase “like trying to herd cats” denotes a task that is very difficult but not impossible. More specifically, it alludes to the fact that cats generally do what they want. With that in mind, it is possible to coax out expected behaviors through positive reinforcement and plenty of treats. Our list of the top five most trainable cat breeds is a collection of furry friends who don’t mind learning a trick or two if it means extra treats and affection.
Pets have long been recognized for their positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that pets can provide emotional support, reduce stress levels, and increase feelings of social support and well-being. Sounds like the perfect reason to welcome a pet into your home.
It can be difficult to know where to start on training your cat, especially when dog training tips are much more readily available. Below, we have listed some tips for you to get started.
How to train your cat:
- Establish a Positive Training Environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free space for training sessions and maintain a calm and encouraging demeanor.
- Harness the Power of Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or playtime. Avoid punishment, as it can lead to fear and anxiety.
- Start with Simple Commands: Begin with basic commands like “sit” and “stay” before progressing to more complex ones.
- Utilize Consistent Cues and Rewards: Use clear and consistent verbal cues and hand gestures, and pair them with immediate rewards.
- Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet: Aim for short, frequent training sessions to maintain your cat’s focus and motivation.
- End on a Positive Note: Always conclude training sessions with a successful command and reward to leave your cat feeling accomplished.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Remember that every cat learns at its own pace. Be patient, consistent, and persistent in your training efforts.
Now that you are ready to guide your feline, let us take a closer look at the top five most trainable cat breeds. Our sources were instrumental in ranking these fine felines. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Most Trainable Cats, According to Experts
1. Siamese
The beautiful Siamese cat originates in Thailand and is reported to have immigrated to North America as early as 1878. With the proper motivation and a loving trainer, these cats can be quite receptive to learning. “Siamese cats are not only known for their striking blue almond-shaped eyes and distinctive color points but also for their intelligence. They’re highly social and can quickly pick up tricks and commands, making them a joy to train,” raves Potluck Pickup.
Catvills praises, “While some people describe the Siamese as jealous and petty, this cat bonds closely with a single human. Earn their trust, and they’ll do your bidding. However, you have to provide them with enough entertainment, or they will find ways to amuse themselves.”
“[Siamese Cat’s] intelligence makes them excellent companions and means that they also have a very high capacity for training. However, along with that intelligence often comes a stubborn nature that can impede your training procedures and make it much harder to train the cat properly. With proper techniques and a diligent mindset, you can train a Siamese cat in a wide variety of different ways,” exclaims Vet Info.
2. Abyssinian
These miniature puma lookalikes have beautiful short coats. Abys are intelligent and willful, but they can be convinced to cooperate with the right approach. “Abyssinian cats are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They were initially bred from African wild cats, but over time they were domesticated. They’re brilliant and can be trained to do many things,” says UnderCover Pet Houses.
“Outgoing, affectionate, and friendly, the Abyssinian is so intelligent that games of fetch and plenty of exercise can help channel her energy. Many of them can learn to walk on a leash and harness, and some can even do cat tricks,” describes be chewy.
“The Abyssinian cat is often considered one of the most trainable cat breeds due to their intelligence… Abyssinian cats are social creatures and enjoy interacting with their owners. This means they are more likely to be responsive to training and enjoy spending time with their owners,” elaborates Dorky Cats.
3. Bengal
Bengal cats have a reputation for curiosity and a playful demeanor. These cats thrive with attentive owners and can be very receptive to training as a result. Vet Street comments, “The Bengal is the cat you find turning on the kitchen or bathroom faucet so he can play in the water, or figuring out how to get a nice fish dinner from your saltwater aquarium. He tends to be highly intelligent, curious and active… The Bengal is good at learning tricks, including playing fetch, and will take you for walks if you are attached to a leash.”
Cat & Friends adds, “If you need a trainable cat breed to play and interact with constantly, meet the Bengal. This exotic cat loves to stay active and play a lot! That’s why it’s an ideal breed if you’re looking for a cat to teach them tricks… When you combine that with their high intelligence, you can see why they’re perfect for training. Play-related tricks (like fetch) work well with this breed.”
Gato Island details, “Bengals are sharply intelligent, curious, and active cats, given their wildcat ancestry. All those traits make a perfect combo as they can quickly learn things that their owners wish. They enjoy one-on-one training sessions and learning tricks and new behaviors swiftly… these cats are one of most trainer’s dream breeds.”
4. Maine Coon
This big breed is often compared to dogs as a compliment to their tendency towards obedience. As seen with the other breeds on our list, intelligence and trainability are strongly linked. Best for Pets explains, “Maine Coons are gentle giants, and their intelligence shines through when it comes to training. They can be taught to fetch, perform agility courses, and even walk on a leash. Their playful and adaptable nature makes training an enjoyable experience.”
Potluck Pickup offers, “Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and their size isn’t the only thing that sets them apart. They are exceptionally intelligent and can be taught various commands and even enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving skills.”
“Maine Coon cats impress not only with their size and fluffy tails, but also their laid-back personality and trainability. These giant cats enjoy learning tricks, and they absorb everything you teach them with ease,” states Catvills.
5. Savannah
For some cat parents, kitty’s predatory side is an adorable plus! Savannah cats are majestic and exceptionally intelligent with a streak of wild hunter for good measure. Vet Street claims, “This is a smart cat with a sense of humor who likes a good joke, especially if it’s at your expense… Keep the Savannah occupied with interactive toys and games, walks on a leash, and steps [or] bridges throughout your home that will challenge his gymnastic skills.”
Cat & Friends relates, “Savannahs are another superb trainable breed worth mentioning. They have a playful and curious nature which sometimes gets them in trouble. On the other hand, they are active, clever, and respond well to commands… Savannahs are curious and intelligent cats that want to play with you regularly; this makes them ideal for training.”
“Another breed that boasts a wild side is the Savannah cat. These cats are brimming with smarts and athleticism and are always in need of exercise and play sessions to keep them stimulated. This serves as an opportunity to train and teach new activities and behavior that will challenge both their minds and acrobatic skills,” reviews Gato Island.
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Sources:
- Potluck Pickup
- Catvills
- Vet Info
- UnderCover Pet Houses
- be chewy
- Dorky Cats
- Vet Street
- Cat & Friends
- Gato Island
- Best for Pets
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.