Tired of seeing the same old cat training advice in your community? Unpopular opinions can spark real conversations and help members see things from new perspectives. Use these ready-to-go templates to kick off respectful debates and get your group talking.
Get personalized templates for your community in seconds
Unpopular opinion posts tap into our natural curiosity and desire to challenge the status quo. By surfacing less-common or counterintuitive viewpoints, these prompts encourage members to think critically and reflect on their own experiences. This not only drives engagement but fosters a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and explored.
In cat training communities, members often stick to widely-accepted advice. Introducing constructive controversy can help surface new methods, debunk myths, and break up groupthink. When handled with respect, these discussions can lead to richer learning and a more vibrant, supportive community.
I think clicker training is overrated for cats. Anyone agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "I think clicker training is overrated for cats. Anyone agree or disagree?"
Unpopular opinion: Cats do not need treats as rewards to learn tricks.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cats do not need treats as rewards to learn tricks."
I believe leash training can make cats more anxious, not less. Thoughts?
💡 Example: "I believe leash training can make cats more anxious, not less. Thoughts?"
Who else thinks cat harnesses are unnecessary for indoor cats?
💡 Example: "Who else thinks cat harnesses are unnecessary for indoor cats?"
I do not believe in using baby gates to create cat-free zones. Agree?
💡 Example: "I do not believe in using baby gates to create cat-free zones. Agree?"
Unpopular opinion: Ignoring bad behavior works better than scolding.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Ignoring bad behavior works better than scolding."
I think most cats do not need scratching posts if you trim their claws. Agree?
💡 Example: "I think most cats do not need scratching posts if you trim their claws. Agree?"
Does anyone else think food puzzles are more trouble than they are worth?
💡 Example: "Does anyone else think food puzzles are more trouble than they are worth?"
Unpopular opinion: Cats can learn tricks just as well as dogs.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cats can learn tricks just as well as dogs."
I do not think catnip is useful for training. What do you think?
💡 Example: "I do not think catnip is useful for training. What do you think?"
Who else finds that routines make cats more stubborn, not less?
💡 Example: "Who else finds that routines make cats more stubborn, not less?"
Unpopular opinion: Training older cats is easier than training kittens.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Training older cats is easier than training kittens."
I believe cats should not be allowed on kitchen counters, ever. Agree or not?
💡 Example: "I believe cats should not be allowed on kitchen counters, ever. Agree or not?"
Anyone else think positive reinforcement is overhyped with cats?
💡 Example: "Anyone else think positive reinforcement is overhyped with cats?"
Unpopular opinion: Laser pointers should not be used for training.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Laser pointers should not be used for training."
I think cats can be trained to walk off-leash safely. Do you agree?
💡 Example: "I think cats can be trained to walk off-leash safely. Do you agree?"
Who else believes that food-motivated training is not sustainable long-term?
💡 Example: "Who else believes that food-motivated training is not sustainable long-term?"
Unpopular opinion: Cat training classes are unnecessary for most owners.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cat training classes are unnecessary for most owners."
I do not think spray bottles should ever be used in cat training. Thoughts?
💡 Example: "I do not think spray bottles should ever be used in cat training. Thoughts?"
Does anyone believe cats actually enjoy learning commands?
💡 Example: "Does anyone believe cats actually enjoy learning commands?"
Unpopular opinion: Free feeding makes training harder, not easier.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Free feeding makes training harder, not easier."
I think training a deaf cat is just as easy as training a hearing cat. Agree?
💡 Example: "I think training a deaf cat is just as easy as training a hearing cat. Agree?"
Who else thinks cats should not be taught to use the toilet?
💡 Example: "Who else thinks cats should not be taught to use the toilet?"
Unpopular opinion: Verbal commands are not important for cat training.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Verbal commands are not important for cat training."
I believe cats can get bored of the same training routine quickly. Do you?
💡 Example: "I believe cats can get bored of the same training routine quickly. Do you?"
Anyone else think cats learn faster with other cats around?
💡 Example: "Anyone else think cats learn faster with other cats around?"
Unpopular opinion: Cats should not be trained to shake hands.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cats should not be trained to shake hands."
I do not think punishment ever works in cat training. What is your view?
💡 Example: "I do not think punishment ever works in cat training. What is your view?"
Who believes outdoor cats are harder to train than indoor cats?
💡 Example: "Who believes outdoor cats are harder to train than indoor cats?"
Unpopular opinion: High-value treats are not the key to success.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: High-value treats are not the key to success."
I think training sessions should be longer than 10 minutes. Agree or not?
💡 Example: "I think training sessions should be longer than 10 minutes. Agree or not?"
Anyone else find that ignoring misbehavior is not effective at all?
💡 Example: "Anyone else find that ignoring misbehavior is not effective at all?"
Unpopular opinion: Cats do not need to be taught to use a litter box.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cats do not need to be taught to use a litter box."
I believe cats should have total freedom at night. Who agrees?
💡 Example: "I believe cats should have total freedom at night. Who agrees?"
Do you think using treats is bribery, not training?
💡 Example: "Do you think using treats is bribery, not training?"
Unpopular opinion: Cats should not be forced to interact with new people.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cats should not be forced to interact with new people."
I think training is more about owner patience than cat intelligence. Agree?
💡 Example: "I think training is more about owner patience than cat intelligence. Agree?"
Who else thinks cats should not be trained to fetch?
💡 Example: "Who else thinks cats should not be trained to fetch?"
Unpopular opinion: Most cats want to please their owners, just not in obvious ways.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Most cats want to please their owners, just not in obvious ways."
I do not believe cats care about praise during training. What is your take?
💡 Example: "I do not believe cats care about praise during training. What is your take?"
Anyone else think some cats simply can not be trained at all?
💡 Example: "Anyone else think some cats simply can not be trained at all?"
Unpopular opinion: Using a clicker confuses more cats than it helps.
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Using a clicker confuses more cats than it helps."
I believe punishment can sometimes be necessary in cat training. Who agrees?
💡 Example: "I believe punishment can sometimes be necessary in cat training. Who agrees?"
Pick a template that fits your community's vibe and post it as a new thread or discussion topic. Clearly invite members to respond, explain their reasoning, and share their own takes. Monitor the conversation to ensure respectful dialogue. Pin or feature the best responses to highlight thoughtful contributions and keep the debate going.
On all platforms, use clear language and set ground rules for civil debate. Use polls or reactions where available to let members vote on opinions. Highlight insightful replies with likes, pins, or badges to encourage thoughtful participation.
It is a ready-to-use prompt that presents a less-common viewpoint to spark respectful debate and critical thinking.
Set clear ground rules, actively moderate threads, and remind members to focus on reasoning rather than personal attacks.
Once per week is a good starting point. Adjust frequency based on engagement and your community's appetite for debate.
Step in quickly, remind members of the rules, and mediate as needed. Do not hesitate to close or remove threads if necessary.
Yes, but tailor the content to your specific audience and pet type to keep discussions relevant.
Absolutely. Model respectful debate, share your own reasoning, and encourage quieter members to join in.