Any pet owner will tell you that their animal companion understands them and is smart in their way. We know that pets bond with their caregivers, so this assertion makes sense. However, the other question is whether you can teach an old cat or dog new tricks. Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Biology and evolution provide the evidence.
Scientists used to believe that new neural development slowed and stopped after an initial period of rapid growth. We thought the human brain was complete early in life. Evidence later revealed that It continued until around 20 years old. Your brain lays down new neural pathways or strengthens existing ones as you learn.
If that applies to humans, can we make similar conclusions about an old cat or dog?
Neuroplasticity in Mammals
Neuroplasticity describes the nervous system’s ability to establish new connections. Several things can trigger these events, like forming new memories and learning. It also occurs after brain damage. It’s well documented in the latter during stroke rehabilitation. It makes evolutionary sense.
An individual has novel experiences throughout life. Responding to them helps to ensure survival. The nervous system forms new nerve cells or neurons, a process called neurogenesis. Research has shown it can occur in adult mammalian brains like cats and dogs.
Evidence exists that it happens primarily in two brain regions: the olfactory bulb and hippocampus. The former is logical for a cat that lives in a world of scents and pheromones. The latter involves learning and memory formation, two essentials for an old cat to pick up new tricks. That tells us our pets have the neural hardware to do it.
Remember that wild felines are intelligent animals. It’s imperative for survival when faced with many decisions to navigate their worlds. Despite roughly 12,000 years of domestication, our cats are very much in touch with their wild side. Selective breeding is relatively new for our feline companions, with only 13 genes changed by natural selection.
The Age Cats Are Most Trainable
The juvenile period of development is the most critical for any species since it’s also when they’re most vulnerable. Learning must come online fast if an animal is to survive. It’s possible because of the presence of neural stem cells. All mammals have them, even adults. They give an animal some capacity to self-repair damage.
Neuroplasticity in cats and other mammals requires activity and input from the outside world to trigger these responses. One study documented an interesting example in sommeliers. The researchers found different functional and structural patterns involving memory and olfactory networks in these individuals. The brain “reorganized” itself to complete these tasks more efficiently.
What we can draw on this information for cats is that repetition is necessary to initiate neuroplasticity to learn new tricks and remember them. The other necessity is the reward. Cats are highly food-motivated with a heightened sense of umami. If you can teach your pet to associate a particular task with a treat, you’re well on the way to them learning new tricks.
The Benefits of Teaching an Old Cat New Tricks
Teaching an old cat new tricks is worthwhile on several fronts. It’s a bonding experience that helps to build trust. That can make pet ownership more fulfilling for you and your kitty. The other takeaway is the enrichment and mental stimulation it provides.
Cats are intelligent and need these challenges to thrive. Remember that a bored pet is a destructive one. Your cat may find their own entertainment, which may not be the thing you’d choose.
Tips for Teaching Cats Tricks
- Repetition and consistency are vital.
- Create a routine.
- Ensure the trick and the reward happen together to foster the association.
- Use a special treat as a reward to make it memorable.
- Remember that treats should only make up 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Final Thoughts
Pet ownership can continue to be rewarding, even with an old cat. The science tells us they can learn new tricks. Everything is in place for success: a food-motivation animal, tasty treats, and the opportunity. You can challenge your kitty by finding hidden snacks to provide valuable enrichment. After all, your cat’s mental health is vital to their well-being and quality of life.
Photo by Chaiyaporn Atakampeewong on Unsplash