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An elderly Black grandma sitting on a woven rug holds the raised paw of a fluffy orange cat during a shake lesson. 14 / 30

Everyone Says Cats Can't Learn Tricks. Grandma Odessa Disagrees.

AI imageorange catcat tricksliving room

Who says only dogs can learn tricks? Odessa sits on a woven rug in the living room, her gray cardigan draped loosely over a navy top, holding out her hand with a patient, encouraging smile. Marmalade has lifted one big fluffy front paw and placed it right in her palm, his golden eyes locked on hers and his whiskers fanned forward in concentration. Around them is a pleasantly cluttered room: a tissue box with a floral cover, a mug and glasses on the low table, a basket of yarn, a potted plant by the wall, and a pile of folded laundry in the corner waiting for later.

Cats can absolutely learn tricks, and many enjoy the mental stimulation and one-on-one attention. Short sessions of just a few minutes work best, since cats tend to lose interest quickly. Most owners have success with positive reinforcement, rewarding the desired behavior right away with a tiny, tasty treat. For a shake, try gently touching a front paw, then rewarding the moment the cat lifts it, and gradually add a cue word. A clicker can help mark the exact behavior you want. Never force a paw or scold a cat during training; patience and fun keep a cat eager to come back for the next lesson.

Judging by Marmalade's earnest little face, he is taking his studies very seriously. Odessa, for her part, looks thoroughly proud of her star pupil, and the treat jar on the shelf is about to get a little lighter.

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