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Many people in Bangladesh believe that only dogs can be trained to listen to their owners. They think cats are too bossy or too lazy to follow rules. In my opinion this is not true at all. I believe that cats are highly intelligent creatures. They just need a better reason to listen than dogs do. If you give a cat a good enough reward they can learn almost anything.

Training your cat to come when called is a very helpful skill. Imagine you are at home in Dhaka and your cat accidentally runs out the door. The streets are loud and full of cars. If your cat knows their name and comes when you call you can save them from danger. This skill can also make your life much easier during mealtime or when it is time to go to the vet. In this article I will share my best tips on how to train your feline friend using simple steps.

Why You Should Train Your Cat

In my opinion every cat owner should try to train their pet. It is not just about making them obey. It is about building a strong bond with your furry friend. When you spend time training your cat you are talking to them in a way they understand. This makes them trust you more.

Training also keeps your cat’s brain active. Indoor cats can sometimes get bored. They do not have to hunt for their food like wild cats do. Training gives them a job to do. It makes them feel proud when they finish a task and get a yummy treat. A busy cat is usually a happy cat.

The Secret Weapon is the Treat

The most important part of training a cat is finding the right reward. Cats do not care about pleasing people as much as dogs do. They want to know what is in it for them. This is why you need a secret weapon. In Bangladesh we have many great cat treats available in shops.

I have found that creamy treats work the best. Brand names like Wanpy and Fancy Feast are perfect for this. The smell of real tuna or chicken is very strong. Most cats cannot resist it. When your cat hears the sound of a treat bag opening they will probably already start running. You can use this to your advantage during your training sessions.

Picking the Perfect Reward

Not all treats are the same. Some cats like crunchy biscuits while others love soft pastes. You should try a few different types to see what your cat loves the most. Here is a table to help you compare the different treats you can find in Bangladesh.

In my opinion the Wanpy Creamy Treat is the best for training. You can give them a tiny lick each time they come to you. This keeps them interested for a long time without making them too full.

Step One Pick a Special Word

The first step is to choose a word or a sound. You can use their name or a word like Come or Here. You should also make a sound that they can hear from far away. Some people whistle and others click their tongues.

Whatever word you pick you must use it every single time. Do not change the word. If you say Come today and Here tomorrow your cat will get confused. I think it is best to use a happy and high voice. Cats listen better to high sounds than low sounds.

Step Two Start in a Quiet Room

Do not try to train your cat in a busy room with the TV on. Start in a quiet place where there are no distractions. Sit on the floor so you are at their level. Have your treats ready in your hand.

Wait for your cat to look at you. Say their name and your special word. If your cat even takes one step toward you give them a treat and say Good boy or Good girl. You want them to know that coming to you leads to something amazing.

Step Three Increase the Distance

Once your cat understands the game in a small room you can move further away. Go to the other side of the room and call them. When they come give them a big reward and some head scratches.

Next try calling them from a different room. This is where the training gets fun. You can hide behind a door or a sofa. When they find you they will feel like they have won a game. In my opinion this is the best way to make the training stick. It turns a lesson into a fun activity for the cat.

The Golden Rules of Cat Training

To be successful you should follow these simple rules.

• Keep the sessions short. Five minutes is enough for a cat.

• Only train when your cat is a little bit hungry. If they just ate a big bowl of fish they will not care about treats.

• Always be patient. Some cats learn in a day and some take weeks.

• Never ever shout at your cat. If they do not come just try again later.

• Use a very special treat that they only get during training.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people fail at training because they make simple mistakes. One big mistake is calling your cat to do something they hate. For example do not call your cat to you if you are about to give them a bath or cut their claws. If you do this they will learn that coming to you means something bad is going to happen.

Another mistake is only calling them when it is time to go inside. Cats love being outside or in the balcony. If they think coming to you means the fun is over they will start to ignore you. You should call them just to give them a treat and then let them go back to playing. This keeps them guessing and always happy to see you.

Training During the Monsoon Season

In Bangladesh the monsoon season brings a lot of rain and loud thunder. Many cats get scared of the noise. This is a great time to practice your training. If your cat is hiding under the bed because of the thunder you can use your special word to call them out.

Give them a very high value treat like a Fancy Feast soup. This helps them stay calm. It teaches them that even when the weather is scary you are there to take care of them. I think it is a wonderful way to use training to comfort your pet.

Handling Different Breeds

In our country we have many different types of cats. We have the local Deshi cats which are very smart and hardy. We also have many Persian cats with long beautiful fur. Some people ask if one breed is easier to train than the other.

In my opinion every cat is different. It does not matter if they are a fancy breed or a local street cat. What matters is their personality. Some cats are very food driven and will do anything for a snack. Other cats are more interested in play. If your cat does not like treats try using a feather toy as a reward instead.

The Role of the Whole Family

If you live in a big family everyone should know the rules. If you use the word Come but your brother uses the word Here the cat will get very confused. Talk to your parents and siblings. Make sure everyone uses the same word and the same treats.

I think it is a great idea for kids to be involved in training. It teaches children how to be gentle and patient with animals. Just make sure an adult is there to help. When the whole family works together the cat learns much faster.

Final Thoughts on Cat Training

Training your cat to come when called is one of the best things you can do as a pet owner in Bangladesh. It makes your home safer and your bond stronger. I truly believe that with a little bit of patience and a lot of Wanpy treats you can train any cat.

Do not give up if it does not work the first time. Cats have their own schedules and sometimes they just want to nap. Keep it fun and keep it positive. Soon your cat will be running to you every time they hear your voice. That feeling of your pet trusting you and listening to you is truly wonderful. Happy training to all the cat parents out there.