Why Cats Are Difficult to Train
British Shorthair Cat
Everyone knows that cats cannot undergo strict obedience training like dogs. Cats are naturally aloof, clever, and pragmatic. Historically, their ancestors lived solitary lives and knew well how to protect themselves. Moreover, cats have strong self-esteem, making it difficult to demand they obey human will. Usually, cats only submit when they see a benefit for themselves. For example, when hungry or feeling cold, they will make requests and comply with certain commands. But you should understand, many times when a cat curls up in its owner’s lap, it is out of voluntary behavior and not obedience to you. When it rubs its head and body against the owner and emits soft meows, it is simply because it is hungry, wants food, or has some demands humans cannot comprehend.
Of course, it is not that cats cannot be trained at all. Cats are very intelligent and can learn many actions and behaviors. If training starts when the kitten is five to six months old, some results can be achieved. For example, cats can be trained to open doors, stretch paws, roll over, carry objects, and use a fixed spot for elimination. Kittens during this period have greater dependency and plasticity, so training to form habits should be intensified. Otherwise, after cats mature at about one year old, their personalities strengthen and they become unwilling to obey human training. (Source:PetsZone)