Training Your Cat: Yes, It's Possible!
Practical Advice on Training Your Cat to Follow Commands and Behave Well
Cats often have a reputation for being independent, aloof, and untrainable. Unlike dogs, who have been domesticated for their ability to follow human orders, cats are frequently seen as stubborn and resistant to training. However, this idea is more myth than fact. You can train your cat to follow commands and behave well—it just requires the right approach, patience, and a clear understanding of how cats think.
Here’s how you can transform your feline friend into a well-behaved companion.
Understanding Your Cat's Mindset
The first step in training your cat is understanding that they are not small dogs. Cats have their own motivations, instincts, and needs, and they respond to training differently than dogs do. Cats are not pack animals, so they don't naturally look to a leader for direction. Instead, they are more independent and tend to seek out activities that reward them directly.
This means that positive reinforcement is essential when training your cat. Cats need to feel that they are gaining something from their actions—whether it’s food, attention, or playtime. Negative reinforcement, like punishment, rarely works with cats and can often make them more distant or stressed. So, focusing on rewarding good behavior is the key to success.
Start With Basic Commands
It’s best to start with simple, practical commands before moving on to more complex tricks. Two of the most useful commands you can teach your cat are “sit” and “come.”
Teaching Your Cat to Sit
Choose the right treat – Find something your cat loves but doesn’t get all the time. This could be small pieces of tuna, chicken, or store-bought treats. The reward should be irresistible.
Pick the right time – Training sessions should be short and done when your cat is alert and not distracted. Pick a quiet environment without too many distractions.
Use a hand signal – Hold the treat in front of your cat’s nose, and then slowly raise it above their head. As they follow the treat with their eyes, their body will naturally lower into a sitting position.
Give the command – As your cat sits, say the word “sit” in a clear, firm voice. As soon as they sit, reward them with the treat and praise.
Repeat – Keep repeating the process, but keep the sessions short—about five minutes is plenty. Over time, your cat will begin to associate the word “sit” with the action and reward.
Teaching Your Cat to Come When Called
Pick a word – Choose a word that you will use every time you call your cat, like “come” or their name. Consistency is key.
Start close – Begin by calling your cat from just a few feet away. Use the word you’ve chosen and show them a treat. When they come to you, reward them immediately.
Gradually increase the distance – Once your cat is reliably coming to you from a short distance, begin calling them from farther away. Always reward them when they respond.
Use the command throughout the day – Incorporate this training into your daily routine. Call your cat for meals, during playtime, or anytime they are nearby.
Cats can learn to come when called surprisingly quickly, especially if they know a tasty treat is waiting for them!
Handling Unwanted Behaviors
Training isn’t just about teaching your cat new tricks. It’s also about shaping their behavior and discouraging actions that you don’t want, like scratching furniture, jumping on counters, or biting.
Dealing with Scratching
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it becomes a problem when they start damaging your furniture. To train your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces, follow these steps:
Provide scratching posts – Cats need an outlet for scratching, so make sure they have access to scratching posts or pads. Place these in areas where your cat naturally scratches.
Reward good scratching – Whenever your cat uses their scratching post, reward them with treats or praise. This reinforces the idea that scratching the post is a good behavior.
Use deterrents – If your cat continues to scratch furniture, you can use double-sided tape or specialized sprays designed to deter cats. These make the surface unpleasant for scratching without harming your cat.
Keeping Cats Off Counters
Cats love to explore high places, but you may not want them jumping on your kitchen counters. Here’s how to discourage this behavior:
Create alternative high spaces – Cats like to be up high, so provide a cat tree or other elevated space that is safe for them to explore.
Don’t reward bad behavior – If your cat jumps on the counter, avoid giving them attention, even negative attention. Simply pick them up and place them back on the floor.
Use gentle deterrents – There are safe deterrents you can use to keep cats off counters, such as motion-activated air sprayers or placing aluminum foil on the counter’s surface.
Patience is Key
It’s important to remember that training a cat takes time and patience. Cats learn at their own pace, and some may take longer than others to respond to training. The key is consistency. By using positive reinforcement and sticking to a routine, your cat will eventually learn the behaviors you want to encourage.
Short training sessions—about five to ten minutes—are best, as cats have short attention spans. You can gradually increase the length of the sessions as your cat becomes more comfortable.
Use Clicker Training
One useful tool for training your cat is a clicker. Clicker training involves using a small, handheld device that makes a clicking sound. When your cat performs the desired behavior, you click and then immediately reward them with a treat.
The click sound helps your cat understand exactly which behavior you are rewarding, and it makes training clearer for them. Many cats respond well to this type of training, and it can be used to teach both commands and discourage unwanted behaviors.
Final Thoughts
Training a cat is not only possible, but it’s also a rewarding way to bond with your feline friend. By understanding their motivations, using positive reinforcement, and being patient, you can teach your cat to follow commands and behave well.
Remember, every cat is different. What works for one cat may not work for another, so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first. Keep sessions positive, keep treats handy, and enjoy the process of training and connecting with your pet. Your cat may never be as obedient as a dog, but with time and effort, you’ll have a well-behaved, happy companion.