What do you do when your cat won't listen to you?

I have a lot of cats that will actually come when I call them. If I tell them to get off the counter they usually listen as well. I never trained them, but I like to think a little affection goes a long way. If I pet my cat a lot he or she tends to like me. Therefore, when I call the cat it will come because it wants me to pet him or her again. My cats also walk up to me when I'm outside and meow to get my attention. It depends on the cat and how much the cat likes you. I've never tried to get my cat to sit or lay down, or anything like that. I'm sure it's possible. If you just want your cat to know when to get off the kitchen counter, well, I'm no expert there, but I simply clap my hands and the cat gets the message. If you want the cat to stop sharpening its claws on your furniture, by it a scratching post.