Cats have a reputation for being independent, stubborn, and completely uninterested in following commands. But not all felines are rebels!
Some cat breeds are surprisingly easy to train—yes, even to fetch, sit, and walk on a leash. These clever kitties enjoy learning, especially when treats are involved, and will happily engage in training sessions with their humans.
From the playful Abyssinian to the dog-like Maine Coon, these breeds prove that cats can be just as teachable as their canine counterparts. They thrive on mental stimulation and love a good challenge, making training feel more like a game than a chore.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a cat that actually listens (most of the time), you’re in luck! These 24 breeds will show you that training a cat isn’t just possible—it’s fun!
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a highly intelligent and curious breed, making it one of the easiest cats to train. Known for their playful nature, these cats love interactive toys and learning new tricks.
With their strong desire to explore and engage, Abyssinians quickly pick up commands, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Their social nature means they thrive on attention and will eagerly participate in training sessions.
Owners find that Abyssinians respond well to leash training, allowing them to enjoy supervised outdoor adventures. This breed’s eagerness to learn makes training a delightful experience.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is not only known for its good looks but also for its trainability. With a calm and even-tempered nature, they respond well to training cues.
Owners often find success with clicker training, as these cats are motivated by treats and praise. Their adaptable personality means they can learn to adjust to new environments with ease.
Whether it’s litter training or learning fun tricks, the American Shorthair excels. Their willingness to learn and easy-going attitude make them perfect companions for families seeking an intelligent and trainable cat.
Bengal
Bengals are known for their striking appearance and lively personality. These cats thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity, making them quick learners.
You can teach a Bengal a variety of tricks, from sit and stay to more complex agility courses. Their enthusiasm for play means they enjoy training sessions and are always ready for a new challenge.
With regular training, Bengals can even learn to walk on a leash, allowing for exciting outdoor adventures. Their love for games and problem-solving activities makes them one of the most trainable breeds.
Burmese
Burmese cats are known for their affectionate and people-oriented nature, making them eager to learn and please their owners.
This breed responds well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and verbal praise, which makes training a rewarding experience for both cat and owner.
Burmese cats can learn a range of commands and tricks, and their curiosity often leads them to explore new things willingly. This combination of traits means they can become well-trained companions who enjoy interacting with their human families.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex, with its elegant and slender physique, is a highly trainable breed that enjoys interactive play. These cats have an energetic and playful disposition, making them receptive to training.
They are known to enjoy games like fetch, showcasing their ability to learn commands quickly. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and toys, encourages them to participate eagerly in training sessions.
The Cornish Rex is also adept at learning tricks and commands, as they love being the center of attention. Their unique appearance and trainable nature make them a delightful pet choice.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a charming and intelligent breed, known for its inquisitive and friendly nature. This cat’s love for attention makes it easy to engage in training activities.
They are quick learners and enjoy mastering new tricks, especially when rewarded with treats or affection. Owners often find success in teaching them to follow commands, use the litter box, or even perform agility exercises.
The Devon Rex thrives in an environment where it can interact with its owners, making training a fun and rewarding experience for both.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau stands out with its stunning spotted coat and agile build. Known for its speed and grace, this breed is also surprisingly easy to train.
These cats enjoy activities that stimulate their natural athleticism, such as jumping through hoops or navigating obstacle courses. Their intelligence ensures they grasp commands quickly.
Training sessions that incorporate play and rewarding praise work best with this breed. Owners find that Egyptian Maus respond well to both leash training and indoor games, making them versatile companions for an active household.
Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtails are known for their playful and outgoing personalities. This breed’s curiosity and intelligence make them easy to train and eager to learn new tricks.
These cats adapt well to different environments and enjoy interactive play, which aids in their training. Clicker training, paired with treats, often yields positive results.
The Japanese Bobtail’s social nature means they thrive on human interaction and are keen to participate in activities with their families. Their unique bobbed tail and engaging demeanor make them a popular choice for those seeking a trainable cat.
Maine Coon
Known for their impressive size and tufted ears, Maine Coons are gentle giants with a knack for learning. Their sociable and friendly nature makes them easy to train.
These cats enjoy interactive play and can be taught to fetch, come when called, and even walk on a leash with practice. Maine Coons respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise.
Owners appreciate their adaptable nature, which allows them to adjust to new situations with ease. Their intelligence and willingness to learn make them a beloved choice for families.
Manx
The Manx cat, recognizable by its taillessness, is a smart and trainable breed. These cats are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them eager participants in training sessions.
Manx cats respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats and playtime, which encourages them to learn new tricks and commands. They are quick learners, enjoying activities that challenge their minds and bodies.
This breed’s friendly demeanor makes them excellent companions for families, as they bond closely with their human friends and enjoy interactive play.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is not only known for its majestic appearance but also for its intelligence and trainability. These cats love to climb and explore, making them ideal candidates for training.
They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new commands, especially those that involve physical activity. This breed’s curious nature ensures they remain engaged during training sessions.
Owners often teach them to walk on a leash, allowing these adventurous cats to explore the outdoors safely. Their combination of beauty and brains makes them a treasured pet.
Ocicat
Ocicats are known for their wild appearance and domestic temperament. This intelligent breed enjoys mental challenges, making them easy to train with the right motivation.
Positive reinforcement through treats and praise encourages them to learn commands and solve puzzles. Ocicats excel in activities that stimulate their minds, such as interactive toys and agility courses.
Their sociable nature means they enjoy spending time with their owners, making training sessions a bonding experience. The Ocicat’s ability to learn quickly and adapt makes it a wonderful addition to any household.
Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs are sleek, elegant, and known for their intelligence. These cats enjoy training sessions that keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
They excel in agility exercises and can be taught various tricks and commands with consistent practice. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and affection, helps maintain their interest in learning.
The Oriental Shorthair’s social nature means they thrive on interaction with their owners, making them a delightful and trainable companion. Their graceful appearance and keen mind make them a popular choice for those seeking an engaging pet.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are famous for their docile and relaxed temperament, which contributes to their trainability. These gentle giants enjoy being handled and often follow their owners around the house.
Training them with positive reinforcement, such as treats and gentle praise, proves effective. Ragdolls can learn commands like sit and stay, and some even enjoy playing fetch.
Their affectionate nature makes them receptive to training, as they aim to please their human companions. The Ragdoll’s calm demeanor and willingness to learn make it a favored choice among cat lovers.
Savannah
Savannah cats, with their striking appearance and adventurous spirit, are highly trainable. These cats thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, making them eager learners.
They respond well to leash training and can enjoy outdoor adventures, given the right precautions. Training sessions that incorporate play and rewards work best for this breed.
Savannahs can learn a variety of commands and tricks, thanks to their intelligence and curiosity. Their exotic look and active nature make them a fascinating pet for those who can meet their engagement needs.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds, with their distinctive folded ears, are known for their calm and loving nature. This breed’s gentle disposition makes them easy to train with the right approach.
They enjoy learning tricks and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Scottish Folds are also known for their adaptability, making them quick learners in new environments.
Owners appreciate their affectionate and easy-going nature, which makes training a pleasant experience. The Scottish Fold’s charming appearance and trainable personality make it a beloved pet choice.
Siamese
Siamese cats are renowned for their vocal and social nature, traits that contribute to their trainability. These cats enjoy mental stimulation and thrive in environments where they can engage with their owners.
They can learn a variety of tricks and commands, especially when motivated by treats and interactive play. Siamese cats are quick to adapt and enjoy activities that challenge their intelligence.
Their sociable personality makes them eager to participate in training sessions, fostering a strong bond with their human companions. The Siamese’s engaging nature makes it a delightful pet for any household.
Siberian
Siberian cats are known for their robust build and friendly personality. This breed adapts well to training, thanks to its intelligence and eagerness to interact with its owners.
They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats and affection, making training sessions enjoyable for both cat and owner. Siberians can learn various commands and tricks, showcasing their quick learning ability.
Their playful nature ensures they remain engaged during training, enjoying activities that challenge their minds. The Siberian’s combination of strength and gentleness makes it an appealing choice for families.
Singapura
The Singapura, often recognized by its petite size and large eyes, is an intelligent and trainable breed. These cats enjoy interactive play and respond well to training, especially when rewarded with treats.
Their curious and energetic nature makes them quick learners, eager to master new tricks and commands. Owners find that Singapuras adapt well to different environments and enjoy activities that stimulate their minds.
This breed’s playful demeanor and eagerness to learn make it a charming and engaging companion for those looking for a trainable cat.
Sphynx
The Sphynx, known for its hairless appearance, is a highly social and intelligent breed, making it easy to train. These cats thrive on attention and interaction, enjoying learning new tricks and commands.
Positive reinforcement through treats and praise ensures successful training sessions. Sphynx cats are also known for their adaptability, making them quick learners in various environments.
Owners appreciate their affectionate nature, which makes them eager to please and participate in activities. The Sphynx’s unique look and trainable personality make it a fascinating and lovable pet choice.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are a blend of Burmese and Siamese, resulting in a breed that is both social and intelligent. These cats love interaction and are quick to learn new tricks and commands.
Training sessions that incorporate play and positive reinforcement work well for this breed, as they enjoy engaging with their owners. Tonkinese cats adapt well to new environments, making them versatile companions.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them eager to participate in training, strengthening the bond with their human friends. The Tonkinese’s playful and trainable demeanor makes it a cherished pet.
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora, with its graceful appearance and flowing coat, is a surprisingly trainable breed. These cats are intelligent and curious, often seeking interaction with their owners.
Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and verbal praise, help in teaching them new tricks and commands. Turkish Angoras are quick to adapt and enjoy environments that stimulate their minds.
Their social nature makes them eager participants in training sessions, and they often form strong bonds with their families. The Turkish Angora’s elegance and intelligence make it a delightful addition to any home.
Kinkalow
The Kinkalow might not be the first breed that comes to mind when thinking about trainable cats. With its short legs and curled ears, it’s a mix of the Munchkin and American Curl breeds. Despite its unusual appearance, the Kinkalow is surprisingly intelligent.
This breed loves interactive play and can quickly learn to navigate puzzle toys or perform tricks for treats. Their curiosity and eagerness to engage make them a joy to train, especially in a stimulating environment.
Owners often find that Kinkalows are keen learners, enjoying activities like fetch or even leash walking. Their adaptability and affection make them a fantastic choice for families.
Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-Bob is a breed that often surprises cat enthusiasts with its trainable nature. Known for its bobbed tail and wild look, this breed is anything but feral. They are known to form strong bonds with their owners, making training a breeze.
Pixie-Bobs are often compared to dogs in terms of loyalty and trainability. They enjoy playing fetch and can even be trained to walk on a leash, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
With their social and intelligent nature, Pixie-Bobs thrive in interactive environments, where they can showcase their skills and form deep connections with their humans.