Do Oriental Shorthairs learn tricks because they are smart or because treats are involved?

It’s really both, but I’d say the treats are the key that unlocks their intelligence. Oriental Shorthairs are naturally sharp, curious cats-they’re not just sitting there waiting for food, they’re actively watching you, figuring out patterns, and trying to communicate. But without a tasty motivator, that brainpower often goes toward things like opening cabinets or learning how to get your attention at 3 a.m.

The treat makes the trick worth their effort. Once they realize a behavior gets them a reward, they’ll learn it fast, and you’ll see how quickly they connect the dots. So yes, they’re smart, but the treat is what makes them want to show it.

The treat is the tool, not the reason. An Oriental Shorthair will learn a trick because it enjoys the game of training with you. They are highly social and people-oriented cats, so the real reward is the interaction and praise. A treat just gets the session started. I’ve seen them pick up “high five” or “fetch” in just a few minutes, then promptly ignore the treat once they realize they’ve mastered the routine and can show off for attention instead. Their intelligence shines in the speed of learning, but the motivation is the bond, not the snack.

Neither. They learn tricks because training taps into their natural drive for social bonding and problem-solving. Oriental Shorthairs are wired to engage with you-they’re not food-driven in the way a Labrador is. In my experience, a treat is just a cue to start; the real motivator is the interaction and the mental puzzle. I’ve taught one to ring a bell to go outside, and after the first few repetitions, the treat was ignored-she just wanted the routine and the response. The breed’s intelligence is often overstated as abstract smarts; it’s more about attention and eagerness to participate in your behavior.

Watch how an Oriental Shorthair approaches a new puzzle toy, and you’ll see the difference. They’ll stare, paw at it, then methodically work through each option until they get the treat. That’s not just hunger-that’s strategic thinking. I’ve trained one to retrieve a specific toy by name, not by luring with food, but by pairing the name with a click and a head scratch. The treat was there, but the drive to solve the problem and get my approval was stronger.

Forget the treat-or-intelligence binary. These cats treat training like a conversation. I’ve had one learn to sit on command in three repetitions, then ignore the treat completely because the praise and the game were enough. Their intelligence is the engine, but treats are the fuel you use to start the engine. Without the brainpower, no amount of food will make them care about your silly hand signals.