Some people think that cats can’t be trained because cats tend to be more independent and sometimes even stubborn. But it’s certainly not only possible to train a cat but also quite easy and even enjoyable when it’s done right! Here’s a guide to help you learn how to train a cat.
How to Train a Cat
How to Train a CatLearning how to train your cat doesn’t have to be difficult. You’ll get tons of help in this post to make training your cat easy and effective. With patience and consistency, you can train your cat and solve any cat behavior problems.
(By the way, that’s my boy, Whiskers in the pic! Mr. Long Arms….haha)
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior
- Can Cats Be Trained?
- Common Cat Behavior Problems
- How to Train a Cat Step-by-Step
- Help With Specific Cat Behavior Problems
- My #1 Recommendation for Help With Cat Training
Understand Your Cat’s Behavior
Learning about your cat’s unique personality and behavior is a good way to start. Cats generally learn at their own pace, and it’s different for every cat.
Some cats will respond to cat training methods quickly and easily. Other will take more time and repetition.
Regardless, training sessions with your cat should be short. A maximum of 5 to 10 minutes is recommended, and make sure it’s a positive experience for your cat!
You’ll also want to learn what motivates your cat. Usually cats are motivated by treats, but I had a tomcat named Miron for 14 years who couldn’t care less about treats – go figure! Treats usually work, but if not, play and affection would also be a good motivation for most cats.
For more help on understanding your cat, read my post, How to Understand Cat Language.
Can Cats Be Trained?
Can Cats Be Trained?Cats are just as intelligent and teachable as dogs. Training your cat isn’t just about teaching your cat how to do fun tricks. It’s more about learning how to understand your cat’s specific needs, learning what training methods work for your particular cat, and having the time and patience to use simple methods consistently and repetitively.
Yes, cats can certainly be trained.
Common Cat Behavior Problems
Common cat behavior problems include:
- General disobedience
- Biting and scratching
- Aggression
- Getting into the garbage
- Jumping up on counters
- Housetraining
- Litter box issues
- Play aggression
- Separation anxiety
- Excessive meowing or howling
- Scratching furniture
- Getting along with other household pets
- Spraying (ugh!)
- Grooming problems
How to Train a Cat Step-by-Step
How to Train a Cat Step-by-StepUse Positive Reinforcement. Like I said earlier, most cats will respond well to treats. If not, use affection and play to reward your cat for good behavior.
(Sorry for the interruption. That beautiful cat in the picture was with me for 20 years. Yes, she lived 20 years! I miss her so…)
Use Clicker Training. Many cat owners have success with clicker training. That’s where you hold a small clicker and click it the exact moment your cat does the right thing, followed (instantaneously!) with a treat or reward.
Using a clicker isn’t necessary to train a cat. But if this method appeals to you, my recommendation to learn how to do clicker training is Karen Pryor Clicker Training.
Start with simple commands. Teaching your cat simple things first will start them off on the right track and build their confidence!
Sit. You can teach your cat to sit by holding a treat above the cat’s head, then moving it backward slowly, forcing them to sit in order to follow the treat. As soon as they sit, reward them with the treat. Remember to keep saying the word, “sit” repeatly and give the reward immediately when they sit.
Never try to physically push your cat’s rear end down to teach them what sit means. Use the technique I just described instead. It’s way more effective, and using any physical force with your cat will only stop them from trusting you.
Learning their name. You can teach your cat to respond to their name by calling out their name and rewarding them when they look at you.
Come when called. You can use a treat or their favorite toy to encourage your cat to come when you call them. Call your cat’s name, then give them the reward the moment they come to you.
Always make coming when called a positive experience for your cat. Many cat owners get frustrated and will scold their cat for not coming the first time the owner called. Your cat having any sort of negative reaction from you when they come (even if it took them 95 times before they did it), will only delay their getting it.
Ok, we’ve covered the simple stuff. Now for the stuff that will cause big problems if not corrected!
Litter box training. The best advice I can give on this issue is to read my post, How to Get Your Cat to Use the Litter Box. That post includes a video discussing 10 reasons why cats won’t use the litter box.
If you know all the reasons that will stop them from using the litter box, then you’ve got a big head start! You can also watch my video on the subject here.
But for now, know that these three things are most important:
Location: Make sure the litter box is easily accessible for your cat and in a quiet place.
Keep it clean. Some cats don’t care about this, but I’ve found they’re far more likely to use the litter box consistently if you keep it clean.
If your cat doesn’t seem to realize that the litter box is for going potty, place them in the litter box repeatedly and praise them when they pee or poop. And this sounds gross, but it’s a tip that will work if your cat really doesn’t get it:
Wherever else they poop, whether it’s in the house or outside, pick up a bit of the poop and put it in the litter box. That may make the light bulb go on! LOL
Consistently discourage unwanted behavior. This is where the whole family comes in. Everyone needs to be on the same page on exactly what your reaction should be if the cat scratches, bites, etc. One person can’t allow the behavior, and another person not. It’ll only confuse the cat.
Scratching. This usually means furniture, but cats can also scratch the drapes and other things as well (including you!). You can redirect the cat’s scraching by providing a scratching post.
That’s Whiskers in the pic with his scratching post. He’s had it for three years and he loves and uses it. You can get it on Amazon here.
If your cat gets too rough and starts scraching or biting you, immediately stop playing and ignore them. And don’t forget to reward them whey aren’t being rough and are playing nicely.
*Cat Training Tip!*
When it comes to training cats (or dogs for that matter), the best thing to do is remember how your cat sees things. In their little kitty brain, they think…
“When I do this, something good happens.”
“When I do that, something bad happens.”
Keep it simple! Your job as the pet owner is to create a consistent pattern of rewards when they’re good, and no-lovin when they’re bad. Eventually, they’ll naturally choose behavior that gets them good stuff, not bad.
Leash Training a Cat
Leash Training a CatI’m personally on the fence when it comes to whether or not we should take our cat for a walk on the leash. I’ve considered it for Whiskers, but I’m held back by these two questions:
1. Is it even necessary? Whiskers is three years old and has never made an attempt to get outside. I follow the rules on how to keep indoor cats happy, and it works. He’s happy. So why risk taking him outside?
2. Is it dangerous? Even if I leash train him correctly (which is a MUST), what if we’re out walking and a dog approaches or worse, attacks my cat?
I just don’t know…
But, according to cat expert, Jackson Galaxy (the guy from that TV show, My Cat from Hell), leash walking a cat can be ok.
If you’re considering teaching your cat to walk on a leash, PLEASE read Jackson’s blog post first and watch the two videos contained in his post. Seriously, you have to make sure your cat is safe and know whether your particular cat would benefit from it or not.
You can read his post and watch the videos here.
How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash
How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a LeashIf you decide to leash walk your cat, follow these tips:
Get them used to a harness. Never walk your cat with just a cat collar. A harness is safer, more comfortable for your cat, and makes it way easier to control the cat or pull the cat from danger quickly without hurting their neck. You can get a cat harness on Amazon here.
It’s important to get your cat used to wearing a harness indoors first. Start with putting the harness on them for short periods of time, then gradually increase.
Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, attach a cat harness leash and just let them drag it around the house. Then, pick it up and practice walking your cat around the house with the harness/leash.
(You might want to close the drapes first. Your neighbors might see this and think you’ve lost your marbles LOL!)
The Best Way to Train a Cat
Be consistent. Always use the same rewards and commands. Consistency will help your cat to understand what you’re asking of them, and understand what you don’t like. Make sure everyone in the house is using the same commands and rewards.
Know when it’s enough. Always stop training exercises if you or your cat are getting frustrated or if the cat has lost interest. You always want the entire experience to be positive for your cat. So if the thrill is gone…stop for now and pick it up again later or the next day.
Have Fun Training Your Cat!
Have Fun Training Your Cat!Last but not least, remember to have fun! Training your cat should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you, not a chore. You might try mixing some fun bonding tricks into your training efforts like High Five!
Teach your cat to give you a high five by holding a treat above the cat’s paw and gently tap their paw with it. They’ll instinctively lift their paw. When they do, give them the treat.
Do this enough times while saying, “high five!” and your cat will learn high five means to raise their paw to get a treat.
That’s Whiskers in the pic with a mechanical squirrel he got for Christmas last year. He’s madely in love with it, so I named her Marsha. It’s from that song from the 50’s or 60’s where the two lovers moan…”John…Marsha!” Seriously, he’s in love with her. He takes her to bed with him every night!
Help With Specific Cat Behavior Problems
If you need help with a specific cat training issue, use these links to my posts regarding some common cat behavior problems. Each post includes a video!
How to Get Your Cat to Use the Litter Box
How to Stop Cats from Fighting
How to Stop a Cat from Spraying
How to Stop a Cat from Scratching Furniture
My #1 Recommendation for Help With Cat Training
If you feel you need more help with your cat’s behavior, I can recommend a downloadable eBook for cat training called, The Complete Cat Training Guide from KingdomofPets.com.
This eBook covers 25 common cat behavior problems and it comes with a money-back guarantee. You can read my full review here.
I Donate to Animal Charities
I Donate to Animal CharitiesThank you for visiting my website. I hope this post helps you to train your cat in any area you’re concerned with.
I donate 10% of my earnings to animal charities. You can see a list of the charities I donate to here.
If you found my site helpful, please share it with fellow pet overs. Thank you! Debra
