You may have heard of cats who only come when they’re called or dogs who fetch. But did you know that there are also cats out there who can be trained to do tricks? It’s true: Cats are trainable and smart enough to learn simple commands like “sit” or “come here.”
Unfortunately, we often hear the myth that cats can’t be trained because they don’t respond well to training.
But the truth is that most felines do actually respond well to training if you know how—and what to do.
Here are 14 tips for getting your cat on its way towards becoming a more obedient pet:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Training your cat to do tricks is a fun and rewarding experience. |
| – Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. |
| – Avoid punishment when training your cat, as it can damage your relationship with your pet. |
| – Consistency is key when training your cat, so use the same commands and rewards every time. |
| – Be patient and understanding when training your cat, as it can take time for them to learn new behaviors. |
Contrary To Popular Belief, Cats Are Trainable
Contrary to popular belief, cats are trainable. They just have a different mindset than dogs and it’s not necessary for cat owners to learn all the tricks of dog training in order to get their cats on board with house rules.
Cats are more independent and naturally inclined toward problem solving, so positive reinforcement is usually best for their training style.
The key is understanding how cats learn best and using this knowledge when you train them:
Cats learn through positive reinforcement; if they do something right, they’ll be rewarded usually with food or petting to encourage them to continue doing things correctly.
This means that you shouldn’t punish your cat when he or she gets something wrong (such as scratching your newly upholstered couch). Instead, try rewarding him when he uses his litter box instead of your couch!
Training your cat to do tricks can be a fun bonding experience and a great way to keep your feline friend mentally stimulated. If you’re looking for an easy, step-by-step guide on how to train your cat to do tricks, check out our article on How to Train Your Cat to Do Tricks in 12 Easy Steps.
Place Cardboard Boxes In Your Home And Watch What Happens
Cats love boxes! They can be used for sleeping, hiding, playing and scratching. Cats will even use a box as a place to hide their food when they are not eating it right away.
What’s more is that cats need space to play and exercise so having cardboard boxes around the house or apartment will help keep them active while you aren’t home watching them every second of the day!
Strategically Place Sticky Notes
Cats love to walk on sticky notes, chase after them and jump on them. Sticky note cat toy is a great way to get your cat’s attention.
Once they’re in the mood, try placing a few on the floor and watch as your cat starts rolling around in them or batting at them with its paws.
Training your furry friend can lead to a stronger bond between you and your pet, as well as make life with your pet more enjoyable. Whether you’re working on basic commands or advanced training, our Ultimate Guide to Training Your Furry Friend has everything you need to know.
Food Puzzles Keep Cats Busy
Food puzzles are a great way to keep your cat busy and happy while training them how to use it. Cats can be trained to use food puzzles, which is convenient because they don’t require batteries and last for years!
If you want an interactive toy for your cat, consider getting a food puzzle instead of a regular toy. Most cats will be much more interested in the food puzzle than any other kind of toy.
| Puzzle | Description |
|---|---|
| CAT AMAZING Puzzle Feeder | A multi-level puzzle feeder with multiple hiding spots for dry or wet food. |
| PetSafe SlimCat Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser | A ball-shaped feeder that dispenses small meals or treats as a cat plays with it. |
| Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder | A three-bowl feeder system designed to mimic hunting in the wild. |
| Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center | A combination feeder and activity center with five different modules to stimulate the cat’s senses and intellect. |
| PetSafe Egg-Cersizer Interactive Toy and Meal Dispenser | An egg-shaped toy with adjustable openings that dispenses food or treats when a cat moves it. |
Lure Your Cat Onto A Scale To Easily Check Their Weight
- A scale is one of the most important tools for monitoring your cat’s health. It will help keep an eye on the weight, so you can notice if it starts to creep up or down.
- If your cat has a weight problem, it’s great to be able to catch it before it gets too bad and your pet is overweight or underweight.
- If your cat isn’t comfortable on a scale, try luring them onto one with treats or toys as rewards!
Rotate Toys To Keep Your Cat Interested
You may have heard that rotating toys is a great way to keep your cat interested in them, but you haven’t thought about how to do it. Here are some tips:
- Choose several toys and rotate them regularly. In other words, don’t just leave one toy out for 3 days and then take it away forever; put the same toy away for a day or two so your cat gets used to its absence every once in a while.
- Make sure that your cat can’t get at them when they’re not being played with! If you leave their favorite mouse on the floor, it’ll be gone long before you can say “gator.” (For this reason, I don’t recommend leaving old mice behind.)
Understanding the science behind cat training can help you better communicate with your feline friend and achieve better training results. If you’re interested in learning about the science behind cat training and what really works, check out our article on The Science Behind Cat Training: What Really Works.
If You’re Going To Be Away, Leave The Tv On For Your Cat.
While you’re away, it’s a good idea to leave your TV on in the background. It’s not only comforting for your cat but also keeps them from getting bored and destructive.
Just remember that you should never leave the TV on all day, every day that could be bad for both you and your furry friend.
Also be careful about where you place the TV: if it’s too close to a window or something fragile (like a plant), there could be some damage done by those claws!
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| TV Programming | Pet-specific programming, such as Cat TV or Dog TV, provides visual and auditory stimulation for pets left alone. |
| Puzzle Feeders | Puzzle feeders, like the Aïkiou Stimulo Interactive Feeder, provide mental stimulation and reward cats for persistence and problem-solving. |
| Window Perches | Providing a window perch, like the K&H Pet Products EZ Window Mount Kitty Sill, allows your cat to watch outdoor activity and stay occupied. |
| Smart Toys | Smart toys, like the Petcube Play 2 Smart Pet Camera, allow owners to interact with and monitor their pets through remote play and communication. |
| Catnip and Treat Toys | Toys that dispense treats or contain catnip, like the PetSafe SlimCat Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser or Yeowww! Catnip Toy, provide distraction and positive reinforcement for pets left alone. |
Don’t Give In To Begging
As a cat owner, you may have been tempted to give in to your kitty’s pleading. After all, it can be hard to resist those big green eyes and that quivering little nose.
But if you do this, your cat will learn that begging will get him what he wants and then continue doing so for the rest of his life.
Do not reward your cat for begging! If he begs for food or attention and you give it to him just once, he’ll keep doing it again and again because he knows it works.
This can lead to problems like aggression towards other people (including children), aggression toward other pets in the house (like dogs or birds), and maybe even litter box avoidance in favor of going on the floor next to where people sit around eating their meals (gross).
It’s best not reward any behavior at all not even good ones! In fact, when we think about how much training goes into getting an animal trained right before being put up for adoption by shelters and rescue organizations around the country every year just because they’ve been trained incorrectly by previous owners who didn’t know better themselves…well…that makes me want cry just thinking about all those poor animals.
Training your cat can be a rewarding experience, but coming up with creative training ideas can be a challenge. Our article on 15 Fun and Creative Cat Training Ideas provides some unique and entertaining ways to keep your cat engaged and learning.
Clean Up Messes As Quickly As Possible
As much as cats are known for their cleanliness, they can also get bored and start to play around. This often means making messes that you’ll have to clean up later. If you see your cat making a mess, quickly pick it up with a paper towel or washcloth and dispose of it.
Even if your cat hasn’t been trained yet, it will still get the message that this isn’t acceptable behavior and if he keeps doing it, try putting him in his litter box when he starts playing (he won’t want to go there again!).
Let Your Cat Out Of The Cage At Night So They Can Get Some Exercise And Feel Free
There’s a reason why cats make such great pets. They’re independent, playful and affectionate animals who are rarely demanding. The only problem is that they can get bored easily, especially when they are confined to a cage all day long.
This is where cat training comes into play. By giving your cat plenty of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis, you will be able to keep them happy and healthy while also building trust between the two of you as well as strengthening your relationship with one another.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Enclosure | An outdoor enclosure, like the Kittywalk Town and Country Collection, provides a safe and secure outdoor space for your cat to exercise. |
| Interactive Toys | Toys, like the Petstages Tower of Tracks, encourage exercise and playtime even when indoors. |
| Cat Wheel | A cat wheel, like the One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel, allows your cat to run and play without leaving the house. |
| Playtime with Owner | Spending time playing with your cat with interactive toys, like the Petlinks Electronic Motion Cat Toy, provides physical and mental stimulation. |
| Indoor Cat Trees | Indoor cat trees, like the Go Pet Club Cat Tree, provide a vertical space for exercise and exploration. |
Don’t Insist On Pets If Your Cat Doesn’t Want Them
Cats are independent animals who have their own personalities. They aren’t as social as dogs and they don’t need to be trained. You can train a cat, but it’s not necessary or required by law. Don’t force your pet to do something that he doesn’t want to do!
Before you start training your cat, keep these things in mind:
Cats are self-sufficient animals and don’t need much guidance from humans. So if your cat has had his own way for years, don’t expect him to suddenly become obedient when it comes time for training (or anything else).
Cats will only change their behavior if they see the benefit of doing so—and usually only when there’s no other option available (like being left alone outside).
Give A Calm Cat A Puzzle Toy, And An Active One A Feather Toy Or Laser Pointer
Cats love to play, but they also have their own preferences as to what kind of playthings they like most. Some cats simply cannot get enough of their favorite toys; others might prefer to be entertained by something that requires their owner’s participation.
Remember that while toys are fun for your kitty, they’re also important tools in the training process.
You want your cat to associate good feelings with the toys you give her so she’ll come back for more when you need her cooperation!
Avoiding common training mistakes is crucial when trying to train your cat effectively. Our article on 15 Common Cat Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them provides helpful tips to ensure that you’re on the right track with your cat training and getting the results you want.
You Can Train Your Cat With Small Changes That Might Not Seem Like Training At All
You can train your cat in many ways, but you might not realize that some of them are so simple.
When most people think of training a cat, they think about tricks and other complex behaviors that require treats in order to reinforce the desired behavior.
This is because cats are more motivated by their food than anything else (though there will always be exceptions!). However, if your goal is simply to have an easier time at home with your feline friend then there are lots of small changes you can make which will help accomplish this goal.
For instance:
If your cat has an issue using their litter box, try moving it closer to where they eat or sleeping areas so they don’t have far to walk when they need to go potty!
That way every time they wake up hungry/sleepy/thirsty etc., they’ll immediately associate these feelings with going outside first thing before doing anything else like eating breakfast or making coffee for themselves – thus encouraging good behavior without any extra effort on behalf of either party involved!
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Clicker Training | Use a clicker, like the OYEFLY Training Clicker, to reinforce good behavior with a unique sound. |
| Treat Dispenser | A treat dispenser, like the PetSafe SlimCat Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser, can encourage exercise and reinforce good behavior. |
| Scratching Posts | Providing a scratching post, like the AmazonBasics Cat Scratching Post and Hammock, can redirect your cat’s natural scratching behavior to a specific area. |
| Litter Box Placement | Properly placing the litter box, like the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box, can encourage consistent use and prevent accidents. |
| Playtime | Regular playtime with interactive toys, like the KONG Feather Teaser Cat Toy, can help your cat burn off energy and reinforce good behavior. |
Conclusion
If you’re a new cat owner and want to learn more about training your feline friend, we hope that you found these tips helpful.
Training your cat can be fun and rewarding, and when done correctly will save you time and money in the long run. Remember: patience is key—your cat will slowly learn what he or she needs to know!
Further Reading
Cat Tricks: Show Off Your Feline’s Skills! – Learn how to teach your cat some fun and impressive tricks with this step-by-step guide.
Cat Training: Tips & Advice on How to Train Your Cat – Get expert advice on how to train your cat, whether it’s to stop scratching the furniture or to use the litter box consistently.
How to Train Your Cat – This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of cat training, from basic commands to solving common behavioral issues.
FAQs
How can I train my cat to do tricks?
There are many tricks you can teach your cat, such as high-five, spin, and even fetch. Start with a simple trick and use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your cat to perform the desired behavior. Reward your cat every time they perform the trick correctly, and gradually increase the difficulty of the trick as they become more confident.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when training my cat?
Avoid punishment, as it can damage the bond between you and your cat and make them fearful. Don’t expect immediate results, as cats need time and patience to learn new behaviors. Consistency is key, so make sure to use the same commands and rewards every time you train your cat.
How can I train my cat to stop scratching the furniture?
Provide your cat with a scratching post and encourage them to use it by placing it near the furniture they like to scratch. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, every time they use the scratching post and redirect their attention to it whenever they start scratching the furniture.
How do I train my cat to use the litter box?
Place the litter box in a quiet, private area and show your cat where it is. Encourage your cat to enter the litter box by placing them inside it and rewarding them with treats and praise. Clean the litter box regularly and consider using a type of litter that your cat prefers.
How can I train my cat to come when called?
Use a specific sound, such as a whistle or click, to signal to your cat that it’s time to come. Reward your cat with treats and praise every time they come to you, even if it’s just a few steps. Gradually increase the distance between you and your cat and continue to use positive reinforcement to encourage them to come to you.
My name is Dr. Hellen James, and I am a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in pets training. My qualifications are that I have been involved in the pet industry since I was 16 years old. I have worked as a groomer, dog trainer, and veterinarian.
