While not as popular and accessible as dog training, cat training also allows owners to eliminate problem cat behaviors, teach them fun tricks, and provide them with the stimulation they need. Read on to find out which behaviors you can teach your cat and which you can change or eliminate altogether, the benefits of cat training, the tools you’ll need, and some proven cat training methods.
Why you should train your cat
In addition to eliminating unwanted behaviors and instilling healthy ones, cat training gives owners the chance to get to know their cats better. Through consistent examination of their behavior, over time owners are able to better identify and understand their cats’ signals and body language.
Training also provides them with the mental and physical stimulation necessary to satisfy their need for enrichment, especially if they are indoor cats. This can in turn reduce impulses that lead to negative behaviors.
However, if training is not done correctly, it could make existing problems worse or create new ones, as is often the case with punishments during training. That’s why we recommend consulting animal behaviorists and other experts for training tips and guidance.
Skills and behaviors your cat can learn and unlearn
Cat training can both teach your cat new tricks and skills and help it unlearn bad behaviors and reinforce good ones. The following tables outline some of the most common behaviors that cat owners want to instill in their cats and those they want to modify or eliminate.
Desired behaviors and tricks
- Sitting
- Give high fives
- Using the litter box
- Wear a leash
- Sitting in a carrier
- Scratching furniture
- Jumping onto the kitchen counter
- Go potty outside the designated area
- Bite
- Excessive meowing
Training tools and supplies you will need
Depending on the type of training you want or need your cat to have, there are different tools and items you may need. Cat treats are a must for positive reinforcement, regardless of the focus of your training. High-value treats like freeze-dried chicken and fish chunks might give your cat a little more motivation.
Scratching posts or horizontal scratching posts will be essential in training your cat to stop scratching the furniture in your home. If the problem is that they bite your hands or anything they can grab while playing, you probably need cat toys to redirect your cat’s attention to during play. Other common training tools include clickers, pointing sticks, and more.
Cat training methods
Below we discuss some of the most common training methods for cats. Keep in mind that not every approach will work on every cat, so you may need to try a few before narrowing down which one is best for yours. Plus, you don’t have to choose just one. If your cat responds to all three, then use all three.
- Clicker training: This method aims to associate a click, emitted immediately after your cat performs the desired behavior, with receiving treats and other rewards.
- Voice command training: With this method, the goal is to get your cat to associate your commands with the behavior you want him to display.
- Training with hand signals: Similar to voice command training, the goal of this type of training is to get your cat to associate commands with different hand gestures.
Frequently asked questions about how to train a cat
Not all cats will be equally easy to train. In fact, some experts believe that dogs are easier to train than cats due to their obedient nature.
What commands can I teach my cat?
Cat owners can teach their cats to come when called, sit, high-five, spin and do other tricks that dogs can do too.
Training your cat to do tricks isn’t really necessary. However, if they show behavioral problems such as biting while playing or jumping on the counter, then yes, you should train them. Committedly training your feline friend will ensure that these problems are resolved.
Summary of Money’s guide on how to train a cat
- Through cat training, pet parents can teach their cats tricks, reinforce or establish good behaviors, and modify bad or unwanted behaviors in young and adult cats.
- Cat training also helps owners become more in tune with their cats.
- Common types of cat training include litter box training, leash training, crate or crate training, and more.
- The tools and supplies you’ll need for your training sessions will depend on the type and focus of your cat’s training.
- Some cats may do certain training methods better than others, which is why owners should experiment with them until they find what works best for them.