While dogs often steal the show with their ability to perform tricks, cats are just as capable of learning impressive feats—and the bond formed during training can be just as rewarding. Take, for example, TikTok user Holly (@holly.gittins) and her brother Luke, who turned their family cat, Misty, into a viral sensation by teaching her a repertoire of tricks.
In a now-viral video posted in September, Luke demonstrates Misty’s skills—sitting, spinning, speaking, and even playing dead on command. The clip has racked up over 25.1 million views, with viewers charmed by Misty’s enthusiasm and Luke’s proud reaction.
How to Train a Cat: Patience and Positive Reinforcement
Training a cat follows similar principles to dog training but requires some feline-specific adjustments. According to Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Pet Health & Behavior Editor at Daily Paws, the key lies in understanding what motivates the animal.
“Dogs are typically food-driven and eager to please, while cats can be more selective about rewards,” Stregowski explains. Cats also tend to be independent thinkers, often opting for efficiency over effort—a trait hilariously demonstrated in a follow-up TikTok where Misty bypasses tricks altogether and goes straight for the treats.
This cleverness means trainers must keep sessions engaging, ensuring the cat remains mentally stimulated rather than relying solely on treats. The approach clearly worked for Misty, proving that with the right motivation, even cats can become star performers.
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