Cats are quite independent creatures. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have discovered that even though cats have been kept as pets for at least 9,000 years, house cats are only semi-domesticated.
Which might make many people think training them seems unthinkable. But with the right approach, you can easily train your furry feline companion to be well-behaved and happy. Your cat will even enjoy the experience!
It’s even easier than training a dog, but why should you train your cat? The benefits are discussed in detail below rewards. As behaviourist Katenna Jones, ACAAB, and director of Jones Animal Behavior in Rhode Island, explains, “Cats love learning basic commands, and most kittens take well to leash training.” This expert advice underscores the effectiveness of training methods for cats.
Remember, you get what you put into a relationship, just like anything else!
Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a seasoned pet parent looking to refine your skills, understanding effective cat training techniques can help you build a strong bond with your feline friend and encourage positive behaviors that enhance your cat’s well-being. In this blog, I will walk you through everything you need about your cat training. Let’s dive in and make your training journey enjoyable and successful for you and your cats.
Why Should You Train a Cat?
Training your cats offers many benefits that can significantly enhance your life and your feline companion’s well-being. Cat training is a safety measure, as they start learning commands, they can prevent dangerous situations. The benefits of cat training are extensive. It helps to maintain both physical and mental stimulation, keeping them happy and healthy, as well as positive social contact.
According to research by the National Library of Medicine, proper training enhances the human-animal bond to be more flexible, fostering trust and communication between cats and their caregivers. As you work with your furry companion, you’ll better understand their personality, body language, and thinking. It will help maintain a closer relationship and be helpful in other areas of your cat’s life. According to veterinary behaviourist Dr. Wailani Sung, training a cat is essential. ‘Giving them proper training, doing clicker training, and teaching them basic things like a simple touch and saying go to your mat is important. If cat owners start doing that, they will develop a stronger bond with their cats.
Before You Start Training Your Cats
Training a cat can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to prepare properly to ensure success. Here are some key things to keep in mind before you begin training your feline friend:
- Understand Your Cat’s Personality
Every cat has its own unique character. Some may be more independent, while others might be eager to please. Observe your cat’s behaviour and tailor your training process accordingly. - Create a Positive Environment
Choose a quiet, distraction-free space for training sessions. This will help your feline focus and feel comfortable. Ensure the environment is safe, with no hazards that could cause stress or injury. - Gather the Right Tools
Keep plenty of your cat’s favourite treats on hands during training sessions, as rewards are essential. You can also use clickers or toys to make the sessions engaging and fun. - Set Realistic Goals
Start with simple commands or tricks, such as “sit” or “high five.” Setting achievable goals helps maintain your cat’s interest and boosts their confidence as they succeed. - Be Patient and Consistent
Training takes time. Be patient with your cat and stay consistent in your commands and rewards. Frequent, short training sessions are often more effective than long, irregular ones. - Know When to Stop
If your cat seems frustrated or loses interest, it’s essential to end the session positively. You can always revisit the training later when your cat is more receptive.
You’ve set the stage for successful cat training by understanding your cat and creating the right environment. Now, it’s time to equip yourself with the essential tools to make your training sessions effective and enjoyable. Next, discover the Must-Have Tools for Successful Cat Training to improve your training experience!
Must-Have Tools for Successful Cat Training
Having the right tools on hand is essential to effectively train your cat. Let’s look at the essential items you will need for successful cat training:
1. High-Value Treats
Cats respond quickly to rewards if they find particularly tasty. Choose treats that are small, soft, and easy to digest. Experiment with different flavours to find your cat’s favourites!
2. Clicker
A clicker is an essential tool for clicker training. Use the clicker along with a treat when a cat exhibits the desired behaviors, and your cat will begin to associate the click with a reward. Practice clicker timing to ensure you click exactly when your cat performs the desired behaviour.
3. Training Harness and Leash
If you are planning to train your cat outdoors, a harness and leash will keep it safe and secure whilst allowing it to explore. Introduce the harness gradually to ensure your cat feels comfortable wearing it.
4. Interactive Toys
Toys that stimulate your cat’s mind and encourage physical activity are useful for training sessions. For example, you can use feather wands or laser pointers to engage your cat and reward it for following commands.
5. Scratch Post or Cat Tree
These items redirect scratching behaviour and you can offer rewards during training sessions to encourage using them. Reward your cat when it uses the scratch post to encourage it to continue.
6. Target Stick
A target stick helps to guide your cat’s movements and is used for a variety of commands and tricks. It facilitates precision and focus during training. Start by allowing your cat to investigate the target stick. Use it to teach commands like “touch” or to lead your cat to specific locations, rewarding them for each successful interaction.
7. Mat or Training Pad
A designated training mat helps your cat learn where to sit or stay, reinforcing boundaries during training. Use a mat with a unique texture or smell that your cat finds appealing.
8. Notebook or Training Journal
Keeping track of your cat’s progress, challenges, and training sessions as it will help you stay organized and allow you to review and adjust your approach as needed.
Note any successful behaviours and the methods used to achieve them for future reference.
12 Easy Cats Training Tips at Home
You’ve obtained the appropriate supplies and tools and determined your training path. It’s time to start!
1. Come when called
When training your house cats, it is crucial to start with a simple command. Teaching your cats to come when called is one powerful trick. This process helps you keep your felines safe and makes it easier to find them when necessary.
Steps to train:
- Choose the best command: Use words like “come” or “here, kitty.”
- Using positive reinforcement: offering them a toy and plenty of treats when they respond accurately.
- Consistency: Make short practice sessions regularly, always rewarding your feline for the response.
2. Sit on command
Training your feline to sit on command is the best way to manage their behavior, especially during mealtime or when guests arrive. The sit command is very useful for calming your cat in various situations.
Step to train:
- Lure them with a treat: Hold a treat near your feline nose and start moving it upwards and back towards their tail.
- Wait for them to sit down: Their bottom will naturally start lower as they follow the treat.
- Reward and repeat: once they sit, say “sit” and give them plenty of treats.
3. Gentle
Encourage your kitties to regard hands as consistently rewarding. To prevent biting, apply some homemade or store-bought treat paste on your knuckles or the back of your hand. Say “gentle” when your cat or kitten licks your hand, and calmly pull your hand away if she starts to nip or bite.
4. Keep the training session short
Keeping your cat’s attention during initial training sessions can be quite challenging. To maintain their focus and prevent frustrations, keep the training sessions brief. Shorter sessions will keep your cat focused. So start with 3-5 minutes of sessions once or twice daily. Short, frequent, and consistent sessions will be more effective than longer ones. By passing time, as your cat starts to progress, you can gradually increase the length of the training sessions. If possible, aim to end each session on a positive note before your cat loses interest.
5. Don’t punish bad behavior
Cats generally do not respond well to negative reinforcement. Punishing your cat can cause anxiety and nervousness and harm the trust you’re trying to create. Some cats will even see punishment as a reward; bad attention is attention!
Clicker training aims to reinforce positive behavior and consistently reward desired actions. Instead of punishing your cat for negative behavior, attempt to redirect or distract him. Discover why your cat is engaging in that behavior and try to prevent it or teach it an alternative. For example, if your cat is scratching the couch, you should train it to scratch something more acceptable.
6. Maintain consistency in your cues
Consistency is essential for effective cat training. Using the same voice commands, gestures, and rewards all the time helps your cats understand and remember what you want them to do. Following this consistency will make the training process much smoother and successful. Also, be sure that anyone who trains with your cat knows the correct commands and signals.
7. Train at the right time
Choosing the right time for a training session is important to ensure your cat is attentive and responsive. Cats are usually active in dawn and dusk periods, making these optimal times for training. Train them in a quiet, calm environment, preferably within a secure cat outdoor enclosure, where they are less likely to be distracted by noise, other pets, or people. Right before meal times are also ideal because your cat will be more ready to work for treat rewards if hungry. If your cat is active before bedtime, you can also have a training session with them to help tire them down.
8. Involve Others
Involving other home members in your cat’s training is also beneficial. This is especially critical if you’re attempting to train any unwanted behaviors. All household members should understand the training approach and aim so that they can handle negative behavior appropriately and consistently when it occurs. Involving others in your cat’s training also helps to improve its sociability abilities.
9. Teach One Command at a Time
Focus on one command or trick at a time. This prevents confusion and allows your cat to master each skill before moving on to the next. Once they have a command down, you can be more successful when introducing a new one.
10. Use Body Language
Cats pick up on body language, so use it to help with training. For example, crouch down to their level when calling them or use hand signals along with verbal commands to support learning.
11. Monitor Your Cat’s Mood
Pay attention to your cat’s and energy levels. If they seem tired or disinterested, it’s better to end the session or try again later. Training should always be a positive experience.
12. Celebrate Progress
Celebrate small victories during your feline training. Whether it’s a simple “good job” or an extra treat, acknowledging your cat’s progress boosts confidence and reinforces their behaviour.
These expert tips show the best ways to train your cat. But even with the best intentions and techniques, mistakes can happen! So, let’s discuss some common training pitfalls to avoid for a smoother training experience.
How to Behaviour Train Your House Cat?
Training your house cat may be challenging, but it could also be a fun bonding experience. Behaviour training teaches your cat good habits and the enhanced interaction bonds you and your cat closer. With some patience and the right methods, you can enhance the relationship between you and your cat.
1. Litter Box Training:
Litter box training is the process of teaching your cat to use a litter box for their toileting needs. This is essential training if you have an indoor cat. Cat’s like to use the same place to toilet, so with a little patience and the right technique, you can easily teach your cat to use the litter box.
Simple guide to start litter training your cat:
- Choose the Right Litter Box: Choose a box which is easily accessible, and make sure your cat actually likes it. For example, some cats prefer covered trays while others hate them.
- Find a Good Spot: Place the box in a quiet, safe area away from food and water.
- Introduce the Box: Give your cat an introduction to where the box is and put them in it gently after meals and naps.
- Keep It Clean: Scoop daily and change litter regularly for a clean environment.
- Reward Good Behaviour: Give your cat praise or treats whenever they go to the box as this will help in forming good habits.
2. Crate Training:
Crate training is all about helping your cat feel comfy and secure in a crate or carrier. This training helps your cat see the crate as a cozy hideaway where they can relax and feel safe. The crate training process involves gradually introducing the crate, using treats and praise to encourage your cat to explore and spend time inside.
Steps involved in Crate Training:
- Choose the Right Crate: Choose a crate that’s the right size for your cat. It should be big enough to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Make It Inviting: Line the crate with soft bedding, with toys or treats inside to make it an inviting place to be.
- Introduce Gradually: Allow your cat to get used to the crate at their own pace. Leave the door open so it can come and go as it pleases.
- Reward Good Behaviour: When trying to get your cat in, put a treat or favorite toy inside the crate. Reward the cat immediately after they are inside.
- Begin Closing the Door: Once comfortable with being inside, shut the door while the cat is inside. Spending time in the crate starts gradually building up length.
- Practice Short Stays: Leave the crate in a known area and practice short stays while you’re in the house. This can help them associate the crate with positive experiences.
- Keep Them Calm During Travel: Start with short drives to get them accustomed to being inside a crate and travelling.
- Be Patient: All cats are different, so just take your time and move with your cat’s pace. Never force them to be in a crate, as this will make them fearful of them.
Final Thought
Remember, training your feline is a gradual process, and it might take a long time for the desired behaviour to be learned. It’s essential to be patient and calm constantly, and you might be amazed at how many “new tricks” your cat can learn!
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FAQs on How to Train a Cat
How do I reinforce good behaviour?
Reinforcing good behaviour involves providing immediate rewards, such as treats, praise, or playtime, right after your cat performs the desired action. This positive reinforcement creates a strong link between the behaviour and the reward. Always use a cheerful tone to encourage your cat, helping them learn and repeat the behaviour.
How can I help my cat feel more comfortable during training?
To help your cat feel comfortable during training, create a calm, distraction-free environment. Use their favourite treats or toys as rewards for engaging their interest. Start sessions when your cat is relaxed, and keep them brief. If your cat shows stress, take a break and try again later to build a positive association with training.
Is it too late to train an older cat?
It’s never too late to train an older cat. While kittens may learn faster, older cats can still acquire new skills with patience and positive reinforcement. Tailor your training to their personality, starting with simple commands. Consistency and gentle encouragement will help reinforce learning, building trust and a stronger bond over time.
What should I do if my cat refuses to train?
If your cat refuses to train, reassess your approach. Shorten training sessions or change the environment to minimize distractions. Experiment with different rewards to find what motivates your cat. Ensure the atmosphere is calm and positive, and allow breaks if they seem stressed.
How do I train my cat to use the litter box?
To train your cat to use the litter box, place the tray in a quiet, accessible location. After meals or naps, gently place your cat in the box to encourage instinctive behaviour. Keep the litter clean and fresh, as cats prefer cleanliness. If accidents happen, avoid punishment and redirect them back to the box.
Can you train a cat to walk on a leash?
Yes, you can train a cat to walk on a leash. Start by introducing the harness indoors, allowing your cat to adjust. Once comfortable, attach the leash and encourage exploration in a safe space. Gradually transition to outdoor walks, ensuring your cat feels secure.
