Cats have a reputation for being independent, mysterious, and sometimes a little stubborn.
While it’s true they march to the beat of their own drum, cats are also incredibly intelligent—and yes, they can be trained. It just takes patience, the right approach, and a healthy dose of treats.
Whether you’re trying to curb bad behavior or simply want your feline friend to come when called, here are some helpful tips to guide you through cat training the right way.
1. Understand Your Cat’s Personality
Before you dive into training, take some time to understand your cat’s unique personality. Some cats are social butterflies, while others are shy and reserved. Training should never be one-size-fits-all. Recognize what motivates your cat—is it treats, toys, affection, or a combination?
Tip: Respect their space. A confident cat might love clicker training sessions, but a nervous one may need more time and gentle encouragement.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Cats respond best to positive reinforcement. That means rewarding the behavior you want instead of punishing the behavior you don’t. If your cat sits on command, reward them immediately with a treat or praise. This teaches them that good behavior leads to good things.
Avoid punishment: Yelling, squirting water, or using harsh tones can break trust and make your cat fearful. Instead, focus on what they’re doing right.
3. Clicker Training Works Wonders
Clicker training isn’t just for dogs—it works great for cats, too. A clicker is a small tool that makes a clicking sound. When paired with a treat, the sound becomes a signal that your cat has done something right.
How to start:
- Click the device and immediately give your cat a treat.
- Repeat this a few times so your cat links the click with a reward.
- Begin using the clicker when your cat performs a desired action (like sitting, coming, or touching a target).
With consistency, your cat will start repeating behaviors to hear that magical click.
4. Train in Short Sessions
Cats have short attention spans. Trying to train your cat for an hour straight will likely end in frustration (for both of you). Instead, aim for short, 5-minute sessions a few times a day. Keep it light and fun, and always end on a positive note.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until your cat is full or sleepy. Training works best when your cat is alert and a little hungry.
5. Teach Basic Commands
Believe it or not, cats can learn basic commands just like dogs. Start simple:
- Sit: Use a treat to lure your cat’s head up and back. As they sit, click and treat.
- Come: Call their name and reward them when they come to you.
- High five or paw: Hold a treat in your fist and wait. When your cat paws at your hand, reward them. You can then add a verbal cue like “high five.”
With time and repetition, your cat will start to connect words with actions.
6. Discourage Bad Behavior – Gently
If your cat is scratching furniture, jumping on counters, or getting into things they shouldn’t, redirect rather than scold.
- Use cat trees, scratching posts, or interactive toys to give them better options.
- For surface problems (like counters), place double-sided tape or aluminum foil temporarily—cats hate the texture.
- Praise them when they make the right choice (e.g., using their scratching post).
Cats don’t misbehave out of spite. Usually, they’re bored, curious, or following instinct. Redirecting their behavior works better than punishment.
7. Be Patient and Consistent
Training takes time. Don’t get discouraged if your cat doesn’t pick up a trick right away. Every cat learns at their own pace. What matters most is consistency. If you reward the right behavior every time, your cat will eventually understand what’s expected.
Be consistent with commands, tone, and timing. If multiple people are training the cat, make sure everyone’s using the same cues and reward system.
8. Make Training Fun
Your cat should look forward to training time. Use their favorite treats, bring out a toy they love, or follow training with cuddle time. If it feels like a chore, your cat will quickly lose interest. Keep things playful and lighthearted.
9. Litter Box Training
Most cats instinctively use a litter box, but some need help, especially if they’re kittens or newly adopted. Make sure the litter box is:
- Easily accessible
- Cleaned daily
- In a quiet, low-traffic area
If accidents happen, never punish. Clean up thoroughly and consider if the box location or type of litter might be the issue.
10. Know When to Ask for Help
If your cat is showing serious behavioral issues (like aggression, extreme fear, or litter box refusal), it may be time to consult a vet or a feline behaviorist. Sometimes, underlying health issues or past trauma could be affecting their behavior.
There’s no shame in asking for help—your cat deserves a peaceful, happy home.