Contrary to popular belief, cats are not untrainable creatures of chaos. Studies have shown that our feline friends are indeed capable of learning and responding to training.
A 2017 study found that 79% of shelter cats mastered a specific skill after just two weeks of clicker training.1 This opens up a world of possibilities for cat owners looking to enhance their bond with their pets and address common behavioral issues.
With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can unlock your cat’s hidden potential and create a more harmonious household. Here are 18 tips to help you on your cat training journey.
1. Start with the basics
Begin your training journey by focusing on simple commands. Teaching your cat to respond to their name or come when called lays a solid foundation for more advanced training.
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Consistency is key when starting out. Use your cat’s name frequently during positive interactions, like playtime or feeding, to create a positive association.
This will make it easier for them to respond when you call them in the future.
2. Use positive reinforcement
Reward-based training is the most effective method for cats. Offer treats, praise, or petting when your cat performs the desired behavior to encourage repetition.
Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as these can damage your relationship with your cat and lead to fear or aggression. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted actions to more appropriate alternatives.
3. Choose the right rewards
Find out what motivates your cat the most. While many cats respond well to food treats, others may prefer praise, petting, or playtime as rewards.
Experiment with different types of treats to discover your cat’s favorites. Some cats go crazy for small pieces of cooked chicken or fish, while others prefer commercial cat treats.
Keep rewards small to avoid overfeeding during training sessions.
4. Keep training sessions short
Cats have short attention spans, so aim for brief, frequent training sessions. Five to ten minutes at a time is usually sufficient to maintain your cat’s interest and focus.
Multiple short sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session. This approach helps prevent boredom and keeps your cat engaged in the learning process.
5. Create a distraction-free environment
Choose a quiet, comfortable space for training sessions. Remove potential distractions like toys, other pets, or loud noises that might compete for your cat’s attention.
A calm environment allows your cat to focus on you and the task at hand. As your cat becomes more proficient, you can gradually introduce mild distractions to reinforce the behavior in different settings.
6. Use a clicker for precision
Clicker training can be an effective tool for marking desired behaviors. The distinct sound of the clicker helps your cat understand exactly which action earned the reward.
Start by associating the click sound with treats. Once your cat understands that the click means a reward is coming, you can use it to mark the exact moment they perform the desired behavior.
7. Teach the “target” command
Training your cat to touch a target stick with their nose is a versatile skill. It can be used as a foundation for many other tricks and behaviors.
Begin by presenting the target stick near your cat’s nose. When they naturally investigate it with a sniff or touch, click (or use a verbal marker) and reward.
Gradually increase the distance between your cat and the target to encourage movement.
8. Master the art of luring
Use treats to guide your cat into desired positions or movements. This technique is particularly useful for teaching commands like “sit” or “lie down.”
Hold a treat close to your cat’s nose, then slowly move it in the direction you want them to follow. For “sit,” move the treat up and slightly back over their head. For “lie down,” lower the treat to the ground once they’re sitting.
9. Harness train for outdoor adventures
If you’d like to take your cat on outdoor excursions, start harness training early. Introduce the harness gradually to help your cat feel comfortable wearing it.
Begin by letting your cat investigate the harness. Place it near their favorite spots or on top of their bed.
Once they’re comfortable with its presence, drape it over them for short periods, rewarding them for calm behavior.
10. Teach proper scratching habits
Redirect your cat’s natural scratching instincts to appropriate surfaces. Provide a variety of scratching posts and pads in different locations around your home.
When you catch your cat scratching furniture, gently guide them to the nearest scratching post. Reward them with treats and praise when they use it.
Consider using catnip or treats to make the post more appealing.
11. Address litter box issues proactively
Proper litter box training is crucial for a harmonious household. Ensure you have enough litter boxes (one per cat plus one extra) and keep them clean and easily accessible.
If your cat starts eliminating outside the box, consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues. Then, address any environmental factors that might be causing stress or making the litter box unappealing.
12. Socialize your cat
Expose your cat to various people, animals, and situations from a young age. This helps prevent fear and aggression later in life.
Make socialization experiences positive by offering treats and praise. Start with calm, controlled interactions and gradually increase the level of stimulation as your cat becomes more comfortable.
13. Teach your cat to come when called
This essential skill can help keep your cat safe and make interactions easier. Use a consistent verbal cue or whistle, paired with a high-value reward.
Start in a quiet room and call your cat’s name followed by your chosen cue. When they come to you, immediately reward them. Gradually increase the distance and add distractions as they improve.
14. Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
Engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation by using puzzle feeders. These toys make your cat work for their food, keeping them entertained and satisfied.
Start with simple puzzles and gradually increase the difficulty as your cat becomes more adept. This not only provides enrichment but can also help prevent behavior problems stemming from boredom.
15. Train your cat to accept grooming
Make grooming a positive experience by associating it with rewards. This is particularly important for long-haired cats that require regular brushing.
Begin with short grooming sessions, focusing on areas your cat enjoys being touched. Offer treats and praise throughout the process. Gradually increase the duration and expand to less preferred areas as your cat becomes more comfortable.
16. Teach your cat to stay calm during car rides
If you need to transport your cat, training them to remain calm in a carrier and during car rides is essential. Start by making the carrier a positive space in your home.
Leave the carrier out with comfortable bedding inside. Occasionally place treats or toys in it to encourage exploration.
Once your cat is comfortable entering the carrier, practice short car rides, rewarding calm behavior.
17. Leash train your indoor cat
Even if you don’t plan on taking your cat outdoors, leash training can be useful for vet visits or emergencies. It also provides mental stimulation and exercise for indoor cats.
Start by getting your cat comfortable with wearing a harness indoors. Once they’re at ease, attach a lightweight leash and let them drag it around under supervision.
Gradually progress to holding the leash and guiding your cat around your home.
18. Teach fun tricks for enrichment
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try teaching your cat some entertaining tricks. This provides mental stimulation and strengthens your bond.
Popular tricks include “high five,” “spin,” and “jump through a hoop.” Break each trick down into small, achievable steps, rewarding your cat for each successful attempt.
Remember to keep training sessions fun and positive for both you and your feline friend.
Training your cat is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond and enhances your feline’s quality of life. By implementing these 18 tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle various aspects of cat training, from basic commands to more advanced tricks.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.