Netizens Debate On Why It’s Very Difficult For Cats To Adopt Dog-Style Discipline

Is it really possible to tame cats the way we’ve done with dogs?

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• March 11, 2024

Are you a cat person or a dog person? That's a question as old as time itself, right up there with the classic debates like pineapple on pizza or whether socks should match. 

But recently, someone stirred the pot on Quora with this gem: "Why can't cats be trained the way dogs can?

I mean, let's face it, cats are notorious for their independence. They won't fetch your slippers or come running when you call them (unless there's food involved, of course). So, what's the deal? Let's dive into the scoop.

Dogs are basically the good boys and girls of domestication, while cats? Well, they're more like free spirits who tolerate our existence. It's a "live and let live" kind of situation. 

You want a slipper-fetching, obedient companion? Get a dog. Want an aloof roommate who occasionally graces you with their presence? Cat's the way to go.

However, one user offered a glimmer of hope. They assured us cats can indeed be trained—if they feel like it, that is. They went on to cite instances from their personal experience using their own feline as a case study.

The clever kitty already learned how to respond to commands like "hungry" and knew its cue to begin escorting their human around the house. Talk about a purr-fect companion!

But you know what really sealed the deal? An anecdote straight from the life of one Quoran, who waved triumphant tales of turning their cats into feline prodigies.

Coming when called? Check. Fetching their bowls when it’s time for food? Check. They even knew how to shake hands on command. Now that’s impressive!

An interesting conversation for pet parents

“Dogs are actually domesticated. Cats refuse to be.”

“Because cats are not dogs. Cats can be trained to do some things if a person knows how.”

“Oh. But cats CAN be trained. Granted, it takes more time and energy and may depend on the cat on how much it is willing to learn.”

This user is a real-life example of an owner that took out time to train their cats

For the past twenty odd years I have trained all of them (I only live with one each time) to come home when I ring a small brass bell. I give them a treat as a reward. 

“You can train cats. It’s just that they are a bit more independent creatures than dogs.”

“My cat knows dozens of tricks and commands, because I took the time to train him to do so, since he was a kitten.”

“Cats absolutely can be trained. I have had cats who would come when called, sit where they were commanded to sit, walk on a leash, and so on.”

“Cats can be trained, but every cat has preferences as to what it considers a reward for learning and following a command.”

“They can be trained you must be patient.”

Cats might have a reputation for being aloof, but with a little patience, love, and plenty of treats, they can be trained to do some pretty incredible things. So there you have it, the age-old debate of cat training debunked, demystified, and delivered with a sprinkle of Quora charm.

Who says you can't teach an old cat new tricks? We’d love to get your thoughts on this post.

Join the conversation in the comments.

Jesse