Gojo's Guide to Being a Working Cat: Tips for Training Your Pet

Hi there! Gojo here. You might know me as S47's resident feline superstar, the face of Chewy campaigns, billboards, bus ads, and TV commercials. I've worked with major brands, signed with two pet agencies, and even had a C-stand collapse right next to me without so much as a flinch. Pretty impressive for a rescue kitten, right?

My humans, always get asked the same question: "How did you train Gojo to be such a professional?" Well, I thought it was about time I shared my secrets. Whether you want your pet to be a working animal, a social media influencer, or just a well-behaved companion, these tips will set you up for success.

Here's my guide to being a working cat.

1. Start Young, but It's Never Too Late

I was born back in July 13, 2023 as a tiny kitten. My humans adopted me september 2023 and started training me around december of 2023, which gave me a head start. Puppies and kittens are like sponges, they absorb everything. But don't worry if your pet is older. With patience and consistency, any animal can learn new tricks.

Gojo's Tip: Start with short, fun sessions. Keep it positive and always end on a good note.

2. Leash Training: The Foundation of Freedom

One of the first things my humans did was leash train me. This wasn't just for walks, it was to keep me safe and under control on set. Leash training teaches your pet to stay close, follow your lead, and remain calm in new environments.

Gojo's Tip: Start indoors with a harness, not a collar. Let your pet wear it around the house for short periods. Then attach the leash and let them (kitty) drag it around. Once they're comfortable, pick up the leash and practice walking. Use plenty of treats (Churu) and praise. Patience is key!

3. Food Motivation: The Secret Weapon

I'll be honest, I'm highly food motivated. My humans figured that out quickly, and they used it to their advantage. Treats are the best tool for training because they give your pet a reason to listen.

Gojo's Tip: Find out what your pet loves most. For me, it's Churu. Nothing gets my attention faster than that squeeze-up goodness. Use high-value treats for training sessions and save the extra special ones for big breakthroughs.

4. Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Down, Up

These commands aren't just party tricks. They're essential for a working animal. On set, I need to hold positions, wait for cues, and follow directions. Here's how my humans taught me:

• Sit: Hold a treat above my nose and move it back toward my tail. I followed it and sat down naturally. Then they said "sit" and gave me the treat. They used a clicker at first until I knew the command.

• Stay: Once I mastered sit, they added "stay" and slowly increased the distance and duration.

• Down: They waited until I layed down into position and tapped on the ground, then treated it and added the command. (harder to teach)

• Jump Up/Down: They used a treat to lure me into a jumping on to a counter and off with a target stick. (First they got me to make contact with target stick and treated me for it. Here’s a youtube video how to use one.

Gojo's Tip: Keep sessions short, five to ten minutes tops. Repeat daily and always reward success.

5. Desensitization: Preparing for Anything

This is one of the most important skills I learned. On set, anything can happen. Loud noises, bright lights, crowds, equipment crashes, you name it. My humans took me to new environments constantly, exposing me to different sounds, smells, and situations.

Gojo's Tip: Start small. Take your pet to quiet parks, then gradually move to busier areas. Introduce new sounds like traffic, music, or crowds. Always keep it positive and reward calm/confident behavior. The goal is to teach your pet that new things aren't scary, they're just part of the adventure.

6. Body Language: Learn to Read Your Pet

My humans are experts at reading my body language. They know when I'm getting tired, overstimulated, or just not feeling it. On set, they give me breaks, adjust the environment, and always prioritize my comfort.

Gojo's Tip: Learn your pet's cues. Ears back, tail flicking, yawning,panting or looking away can all mean stress. If your pet is overwhelmed, take a step back. Training should be fun, not stressful. My humans would put me back in my stroller for me to take a break from the environment.

7. Consistency Is Everything

You can't train a pet once and expect it to stick. Consistency is crucial. My humans practice commands regularly, even when we're not on set. They also make sure everyone in the house uses the same words and cues. A “no” is replaced with “aah aah” sound, so I know that means (no) in human terms.

Gojo's Tip: Practice a little every day. Consistency builds muscle memory and confidence.

8. Know When to Give Breaks

Even the most professional working cat needs a break. I have routines on set that include designated quiet time, water, and naps. My humans know that a well-rested Gojo is a happy and cooperative Gojo.

Gojo's Tip: Watch for signs of fatigue. If your pet is losing focus, it's time for a break. Push too hard and you'll undo all your hard work.

9. Patience, Patience, Patience

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was I. Training takes time, and there will be setbacks. The key is to stay patient and keep showing up.

Gojo's Tip: Celebrate the small wins. Every step forward is progress. And if your pet has an off day, that's okay. Tomorrow is a new opportunity.

10. Have Fun!

At the end of the day, being a working cat is fun! I love the attention, the treats, and the adventure. If you're stressed, your pet will feel it. Make training a positive, joyful experience for both of you.

Gojo's Tip: Keep it light, laugh at the mistakes, and always end on a positive note with lots of pets and praise.

Gojo's Final Thoughts

Becoming a working cat didn't happen overnight. It took patience, consistency, and a whole lot of Churu. But with the right approach, any pet can learn to be confident, well-behaved, and ready for the spotlight. Whether you want your pet to model for Chewy or just walk nicely on a leash, these tips will get you there.

If my humans can train a kitten to become a billboard star, imagine what you and your pet can achieve. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a shoot to get to. And maybe a nap after.

Want to work with Gojo? Contact S47 to book our feline talent for your next campaign or photoshoot.