Are Persian cats easy to train? Some people seem to think so, and there are certainly a lot of YouTube videos out there touting the “intelligence” of these animals. But how smart can they really be if they just endlessly lick their own fur? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the intelligence (or lack thereof) of Persian cats and try to answer the question once and for all.
So if you’re curious about whether or not training your Persians is worth it, keep reading!
Are Persian Cats Easy To Train?
The short answer is: probably not.
While Persian cats are certainly smarter than your average house cat, they’re still not going to be as easy to train as, say, a dog.
This is because dogs are bred to be working animals, while cats have evolved to be more independent.
That being said, there are some things you can teach your Persian cat. With patience and a little bit of creativity, you can probably get them to do some simple tricks like sit, stay, or come when called.
But don’t expect them to perform complex tasks or obey commands as a dog would – it’s just not in their nature.
Tips To Train A Persian
Even though it would be quite hard to train a Persian to do the same things a dog can do. As already mentioned, you can teach Persian cats to sit, stay, or come when called.
Some can even learn to play fetch, cats are natural hunters so running after a small ball and returning it is a great activity for them to practice their natural instincts. It’s also super cute to watch.
But we digress! If you’re keen on training your Persian cat. Here are some helpful tips:
- Start early: it’s easier to train a young cat than an old one.
- Use positive reinforcement: give your cat treats or praise whenever they do something you want them to do.
- Be patient: cats learn at their own pace, so don’t get frustrated if they’re not picking things up as quickly as you’d like.
- Keep it short and sweet: cats have short attention spans, so make sure your training sessions are brief and focused.
- Have fun: if you’re not enjoying the process, chances are your cat isn’t either. So try to make it a fun activity for both of you!
When Should You Start Training A Persian Cat?
Ideally, you should start training your Persian cat as early as possible. The earlier you start, the easier it will be for your cat to learn and adapt to new behaviors.
However, it is never too late to start training your Persian cat. Even an adult cat can learn new tricks with the right motivation and patience.
What Are Some Easy Behaviors To Train A Persian Cat?
There are a few easy behaviors that you can train your Persian cat to do, such as:
- Coming when called
- Sitting on command
- Giving paw/high five
- Learning their name
- Playing Fetch
Related Content: Are Persians Easy To Take Care Of?
How To Train A Persian Cat To Use The Litterbox?
One of the most important things you can train your cat to do is to use the litterbox. This is a behavior that all cats should know, and it’s actually not as difficult as you might think.
The first step is to choose the right litter box. It should be big enough for your cat to move around in and deep enough that they can cover their waste. Once you’ve got the perfect litter box, fill it with a high-quality cat litter.
The next step is to show your cat where the litter box is and how to use it. You can do this by scooping some of their waste into the box and then showing them where it goes.
Most cats will quickly catch on, but if yours doesn’t, you can try putting their paws in the litter to show them what to do.
Once your cat knows how to use the litter box, it’s important to keep it clean. Scoop out waste daily and change the litter completely every week or so.
If the litter box is too dirty, your cat may be hesitant to use it and could start having accidents around the house.
Training your Persian cat to use the litter box is a relatively easy process, as long as you’re patient and consistent.
With a little time and effort, you should have no problem teaching your cat this important behavior.
Further Reading: Persian cat vomiting issues? 8 possible reasons!
How To Potty Train A Persian Cat
Some owners may want to train their Persian to use the toilet instead of the litterbox. While this is possible, it’s important to note that not all cats will be willing or able to learn this behavior.
The first step is to purchase a toilet training kit, which you can find at most pet stores. These kits usually come with a seat that fits over your toilet and a litter box that attaches to the seat.
Once you have the kit, it’s time to start training your cat. The process is similar to litter box training, but instead of scooping waste into the box, you’ll flush it down the toilet.
It’s important to keep in mind that potty training a cat can take weeks or even months, so you’ll need to be patient and consistent.
If your cat isn’t making progress, don’t get discouraged—just keep working at it and sooner or later they’ll catch on.
Are Persians Easy To Train? The Final Conclusion
Overall, Persian cats are no more difficult to train than any other type of cat. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when training these beautiful creatures.
First, it’s important to start early. The earlier you start training your Persian cat, the easier it will be for them to learn new behaviors.
Second, use positive reinforcement. Whenever your cat does something you want them to do, give them a treat or some praise. This will help them associate good behavior with rewards, making them more likely to repeat the behavior.
And finally, be patient. Training a cat takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if your Persian isn’t catching on right away. With a little persistence, you’ll eventually see results.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.