- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Unlike dogs, who have been bred to work with humans for thousands of years, cats today are almost the same as their wild ancestors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t teach them basic tricks, like coming when called or responding to their name.
“Cats can be very responsive to [recall] training but require brief and positive training sessions,” says Laura Cassiday, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior & Training.
She explains that teaching a cat to come when called is easier than other types of cat training because it is usually done indoors, where there are fewer distractions.
If you already have a close relationship with your cat, all you need is a little patience and these tips from a cat behavior expert. A bit of catnip or some yummy treats might help, too!
How to Get a Cat to Come in 6 Easy Steps
Cats of all ages, even older ones, can learn to come when called, say experts Laura Cassiday and Heather Alvey, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting. But every cat is different, so there’s no set time for how long it will take to teach them.
The most important thing is to be consistent and have short training sessions, about five minutes or less. Cassiday says you can train your cat once a day, every other day, or even once a week.
She suggests breaking the training into these six simple steps:
- Pick a cue: Decide what you’ll say or do to get your cat to come to you. It could be their name, ringing a bell, or saying something like “Here, Rosie!” Just stick to one cue so your cat doesn’t get confused.
- Use special rewards: Regular cat treats might not be enough to get your kitty excited about training. Instead, use special treats or toys, petting, and even cuddling to prepare them.
- Go slow: Say your cue once, and if your cat even looks at you, reward them right away. If they don’t respond, you can use a sound like shaking a bag of treats to help. As they start coming to you, stop using the extra sounds.
- Practice with treats/rewards: During each short session, practice saying the cue and give your cat a treat or reward every time they come to you.
- Add distance and distractions: Once your cat is good at coming to you, try practicing in different parts of your home or when there are distractions, like kids playing or the TV on.
- Keep practicing: Even when your cat is good at coming when called, keep practicing every now and then so they don’t forget and stay responsive.
What Are the Benefits of Cat Recall Training?
Teaching your cat to come when called can make a big difference in their life.
Cassiday and Alvey say that training your cat to come has these benefits:
- Boosting your cat’s confidence
- Lowering your cat’s stress and anxiety levels
- Strengthening the human-cat bond and trust
- Providing enrichment and mental stimulation
- Stopping undesirable behaviors like chewing cords and destructive scratching
- Interrupting conflict and cat-on-cat fighting in multi-cat homes
- Getting an indoor-only cat to come back if they run outside
- Emergency and evacuation preparedness for natural disasters like floods and fires
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Recall Training Cats?
Alvey says if your cat doesn’t respond to training, take a step back and see what might be causing the problem. “I don’t believe that any cat is untrainable,” she adds.
If you’re new to training cats, here are some mistakes you might be making:
- Using too many cues
- Saying the cue too often or too quickly
- Training in a place with too many distractions
- Not using special rewards your cat likes
- Only using the cue in situations your cat doesn’t like, like going to the vet
- Ignoring your cat’s body language when they seem frustrated or upset
- Making your cat train too often
- Having training sessions that are too long (remember: five minutes or less is best!)
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Cat Recall Training FAQs
How long does it take for a cat to come to you?
Alvey and Cassiday say that cats of all ages and personalities can learn to come when called. Every cat is different, so the time it takes to learn this trick can vary. Some cats might learn in just one session, while others might need more time. There’s no set schedule for how quickly cats will master recall training.
Can older cats be trained to come when called?
Yes, older cats can be trained to come when called. It might take longer for those with memory problems, but it’s still possible.
How about skittish or fearful cats?
Cats that are too anxious or stressed won’t be interested in learning. It’s important to be patient. Go slowly, keep the training sessions short, choose a calm place with no distractions, and always finish by rewarding your cat with something they love.
Can a stray or feral cat be trained to come to me?
If a stray cat thinks a human is safe and trusts them, they’re more likely to learn to come when called. You can train them by pairing the training with positive things, like feeding them daily. However, feral cats, which aren’t used to being around people, will probably avoid humans and won’t respond to recall training.
Should I use my cat’s name when calling them?
Cassiday says using your cat’s name along with a cue like ‘Here’ or ‘Come’ helps them understand what you want, and they’ll be more likely to respond. But be careful not to turn the cue into something negative by using it when your cat is doing something wrong.
How often should I train my cat to come when called?
Be consistent and try not to wait too long between training sessions. Keep each session to five minutes or less. You can do training once a day, every other day, or even once a week, and it will still work well.
What if my cat doesn’t respond to training?
All cats can learn to come when called, but it might take some trying to find what works best. For the best training, make sure your cat likes the reward you’re offering, the place you’re training isn’t too distracting, and your cat isn’t too stressed or anxious. If you’re having trouble, your vet or a behaviorist can help.
