Netizens Debate Why It’s Very Difficult for Cats to Adopt Dog-Style Discipline

A Reddit thread kicked off with one blunt claim, “Dogs are actually domesticated. Cats refuse to be.” And honestly, the comment section took it personally, like someone just insulted their entire household pet lineup.

People went back and forth over why “dog-style discipline” does not land the same way with cats. One side insisted cats can be trained, but it takes more time and the cat has to actually care. Another side dragged operant conditioning into it, pointing out that dogs often chase rewards on command, while cats might only respond if the incentive feels like play, affection, or something they decided to want first.

Then one owner dropped a very specific flex: training a cat to come home by ringing a small brass bell, for years, treat after treat.

An Interesting Conversation for Pet Parents

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“Dogs are actually domesticated. Cats refuse to be.”

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That’s when the thread shifted from “cats are stubborn” to “okay, but have you seen what people can actually teach them,” like that brass bell routine.

The differences in training styles between dogs and cats can be attributed to their distinct evolutionary paths and social structures. Research in animal behavior suggests that dogs, as pack animals, have evolved to respond to human commands, while cats retain more independent instincts.

This fundamental difference impacts their trainability and the methods used to teach them.

“Because cats are not dogs. Cats can be trained to do some things if a person knows how.”

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“Oh. But cats CAN be trained. Granted, it takes more time and energy and may depend on the cat's willingness to learn.”

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Moreover, the concept of operant conditioning plays a crucial role in understanding how animals learn. Research on behavior modification shows that reinforcement is key to successful training.

However, studies show that while dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, cats may require different incentives, such as play or affection, which can complicate the training process.

This disparity highlights the need for tailored approaches when attempting to train different species.

This User is a Real-Life Example of an Owner Who Took Time to Train Their Cats

For the past twenty-odd years, I have trained all of them (I only live with one at a time) to come home when I ring a small brass bell. I give them a treat as a reward. Quora.com

“You can train cats. It’s just that they are a bit more independent creatures than dogs.”

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Someone quoted the operant conditioning angle, then immediately admitted cats may need totally different rewards, which is where the debate got spicy.

This is similar to a spouse’s plea to adopt a second pet, and the AITA debate that followed.

Fostering Positive Interactions

To encourage better training outcomes, pet owners should understand their pets' unique motivations. Engaging in play-based training for cats can create a more enjoyable experience for both the pet and the owner.

By focusing on the natural instincts of cats, owners can create a more effective and rewarding training process.

“My cat knows dozens of tricks and commands because I took the time to train him to do so since he was a kitten.”

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“Cats absolutely can be trained. I have had cats who would come when called, sit where they were commanded to sit, walk on a leash, and so on.”

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The conversation turned personal as commenters compared their own cats’ willingness to learn, especially the ones who only respond if the training feels more like play than obedience.

Cats might have a reputation for being aloof, but with a little patience, love, and plenty of treats, they can be trained to do some pretty incredible things. So there you have it, the age-old debate of cat training debunked, demystified, and delivered with a sprinkle of Quora charm.

Who says you can't teach an old cat new tricks? We’d love to get your thoughts on this post.

Join the conversation in the comments.

“Cats can be trained, but every cat has preferences as to what it considers a reward for learning and following a command.”

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“They can be trained; you must be patient.”

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And once the owner explained they trained all their cats, one at a time, to come when the bell rings, the whole “cats can’t be trained like dogs” argument started wobbling.

Additionally, patience is crucial when working with pets, especially cats.

Training cats in a manner similar to dogs is fraught with challenges, largely due to the distinct characteristics inherent to each species. The article highlights the importance of recognizing these differences to foster successful training. Cats possess unique behavioral traits that make them less receptive to traditional training methods often used for dogs. This discrepancy suggests that a more nuanced approach, one that respects the individual needs and personalities of cats, is crucial for enhancing the bond between pet and owner. Adapting training techniques to align with a cat’s independent nature could lead to more effective outcomes and a deeper understanding of their behavior.

Turns out the discipline is not the problem, it’s that cats make you earn the bell ring.

Netizens arguing cat discipline rules might also want to read about someone demanding a separate room for their cat, sparking roommate “fairness” drama.