Hairless cats, particularly Sphynx, are among the most intelligent and trainable cat breeds. Their social nature and desire to please their owners makes them excellent candidates for learning tricks, commands, and good behaviors. Many hairless cat owners are surprised to find their cats can learn commands typically associated with dogs!
Why Training Matters
Training provides mental stimulation that hairless cats need to stay happy and healthy. These intelligent breeds can become bored without adequate enrichment, sometimes leading to destructive behaviors.
Benefits of Training:
- Mental stimulation prevents boredom
- Strengthens bond between cat and owner
- Makes veterinary visits easier
- Helps with grooming routines
- Provides exercise and entertainment
- Reduces behavioral problems
Basic Training Principles
Successful cat training relies on positive reinforcement. Never punish your cat - this damages trust and makes training harder.
Training Essentials:
- High-value treats: Use small, tasty rewards your cat loves
- Short sessions: 5-10 minutes maximum to maintain attention
- Consistent timing: Train at the same times daily when cat is alert
- Clicker training: Mark desired behaviors with a consistent sound
- Patience: Cats learn at their own pace
Pro Tip: Train before meals when your cat is motivated by food rewards.
Easy Tricks to Teach
Start with simple tricks to build confidence for both you and your cat.
Sit:
- Hold a treat above your cat's head
- Move it back slowly so they look up
- Their bottom will naturally lower - say "sit" and reward
- Repeat until they associate the word with the action
High Five:
- Let cat see treat in closed fist
- Wait for them to paw at your hand
- Say "high five" and reward immediately
- Gradually raise your hand higher
Come When Called:
- Say cat's name + "come" while holding treat
- Reward immediately when they approach
- Gradually increase distance
- Practice in different rooms
Advanced Training
Once your cat masters basics, try these more challenging behaviors:
- Fetch: Many Sphynx naturally retrieve - encourage with treats
- Ring a bell: Teach them to ring a bell for treats or to go outside
- Agility course: Jumps, tunnels, and weave poles
- Spin: Lure in a circle with a treat
- Play dead: Build from "down" command
- Shake paws: Extension of high five
The Cat Fanciers' Association notes that Sphynx cats are particularly well-suited to learning complex behaviors due to their intelligence and social nature.
Behavior Training
Training isn't just about tricks - it also helps manage everyday behaviors.
Scratching Appropriate Surfaces:
- Provide multiple scratching posts
- Place posts near furniture they might scratch
- Reward use of appropriate surfaces
- Use catnip to attract them to posts
Reducing Unwanted Behaviors:
- Counter surfing: Remove temptations, redirect to appropriate areas
- Excessive meowing: Don't reward with attention; reward quiet
- Biting during play: End play immediately when it happens
Training for Grooming
Hairless cats need regular grooming. Training them to accept these routines makes care much easier.
Bath Training:
- Start with shallow water and treats
- Associate bath time with positive experiences
- Keep sessions short initially
- Use warm (not hot) water
- Reward calm behavior throughout
Nail Trimming:
- Handle paws regularly outside of nail trimming
- Reward paw handling with treats
- Clip one nail at a time with rewards
- Work up to full trimming sessions
Mental Enrichment
Beyond formal training, provide daily mental stimulation:
- Puzzle feeders: Make mealtime a challenge
- Interactive toys: Wand toys, laser pointers (with treat ending)
- Window perches: Bird watching provides entertainment
- Rotation of toys: Keep things fresh and interesting
- Hide and seek: Hide treats around the house
- Cat TV: Videos of birds and fish
Training Success
With patience and consistency, your hairless cat can learn impressive tricks and develop excellent behaviors. Remember that every cat is an individual - work at their pace and celebrate small victories. The training process itself strengthens your bond and provides the mental stimulation these intelligent cats crave.
