Browse ›
An older man in glasses and overalls kneels on a patterned rug holding the raised paw of a fluffy white Persian cat. 18 / 36

Everyone Told Grandpa Cats Can't Learn Tricks. He Tried Anyway.

AI imagepersian catcat trainingliving room

Who says cats cannot learn tricks? Earl kneels on a blue patterned rug in the living room, glasses on and a patient smile on his face, holding out his hand. Duchess sits right in front of him, her fluffy white paw resting in his palm, her copper eyes looking up with a slightly puzzled but cooperative expression. Behind them, the room is soft and inviting, with a cream sofa piled with pillows, a mug and a pair of glasses on a side table, a basket of blankets, and potted plants by the window.

Cats can absolutely learn tricks, and many enjoy the mental stimulation of training sessions. The key is positive reinforcement. Use small, tasty treats your cat loves, keep sessions very short, just a few minutes, and end on a success. For a paw shake, wait for your cat to lift a paw naturally, gently touch it, and reward immediately. Some owners use a clicker to mark the exact moment of the right behavior. Never force a cat or scold mistakes, since cats tend to walk away from anything unpleasant. Persians are typically calm and gentle, and with patience they can learn simple cues just like more active breeds.

Duchess may not be the fastest learner, but she clearly trusts Earl enough to play along. Whether she ever does it on cue or not, these little lessons are a sweet way for the two of them to spend an afternoon.

More from this collection

All 36 →
A smiling older man in denim overalls walks through a backyard pumpkin patch as a white Persian cat walks beside him.Grandpa Earl Went Out to Check His Pumpkins. Duchess Insisted on Leading the Tour.An older man in a knit cap and overalls shovels snow at dusk while a fluffy white Persian cat crouches in a snowbank.Grandpa Earl Kept Shoveling the Driveway. Part of the Snowbank Kept Moving.
A laughing older man in overalls holds up a blue ball as a fluffy white Persian cat leaps toward it in a backyard.Persians Are Known for Lounging. Nobody Told Duchess That.A smiling older man in overalls eats breakfast at a patio table while a white Persian cat rests its paws on the table edge.Grandpa Set Out Breakfast for One on the Patio. Duchess Pulled Up a Seat.A smiling older man in overalls holds a vanilla ice cream cone while a fluffy white Persian cat licks the top of it.Grandpa Earl Bought One Ice Cream Cone on a Hot Day. That Was His First Mistake.An older man in a denim shirt and overalls cradles a fluffy white Persian cat among produce stalls at a farmers market.Grandpa Earl Brought His Persian to the Farmers Market. She Was Not Impressed.