When you bring home a new furry friend, like a cute little puppy, the thought of training often pops up.
But what about cats?
Many people don’t even consider training cats because they assume they’ll be independent and aloof.
Well, I’m here to tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Cats are intelligent creatures and can learn just like dogs.
In this guide, we’ll explore why cat training is essential, and provide you with some unique tricks to teach your cat that will strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion.
Cat Training 101: Unlocking the Potential
At its core, cat training is about teaching your cat to associate desired behaviors with rewards.
By doing so, you can encourage them to abandon bad habits and embrace positive behaviors, leading to a happier and healthier life for both of you.
While cats may not have an innate inclination to work in partnership with humans, they can learn to follow commands and perform tricks just like their canine counterparts.
Training can provide the following:
- Much-needed mental and physical stimulation for cats.
- Helping to reduce anxiety.
- Aggression.
- Other destructive behaviors.
Moreover, consistent cat training can enhance your understanding of your cat’s body language and enable you to decipher their attempts at communication.
Cats have unique ways of expressing love, and by observing their behavior during training sessions, you can learn how they show affection toward you.
So, if you’re considering getting a cat but worry about potential behavior issues, remember the effectiveness of cat training and how it can positively impact your decision.
What to Know Before You Start
Before embarking on your cat training journey, preparing yourself with some valuable knowledge and practical tips is essential.
Let’s dive into the key factors you should consider.
Stock Up on Treats: The Path to Motivation
Cats, unlike dogs, may only be as easily motivated to learn if there’s something in it for them. Treats are a great way to pique their interest and enthusiasm during training sessions.
Make sure to stock up on their favorite treats and delicious cat food, ensuring you have a wide variety to keep their attention and maximize the effectiveness of your training.
Find the Perfect Timing: Aligning with Your Cat’s Routines
Cats follow a predictable daily routine of hunting, eating, grooming, and sleeping.
To optimize your training sessions, it’s best to align them with your cat’s natural rhythm.
A great time to train your cat is immediately after they wake up from a nap. At this point, they’ll be refreshed, ready to play, and more likely to focus on the training session. They’ll likely be hungry, making those tasty treats even more enticing as rewards.
Keep It Short and Sweet: Catering to Their Attention Span
Cats are notorious for short attention spans, so keeping your training sessions brief is key. Aim for sessions that last under 15 minutes. This timeframe is long enough to achieve your goals yet short enough to maintain your cat’s focus.
Remember, the objective is progress, not perfection! Consistency and gradual improvement are what count in cat training.
Eliminate Distractions: Creating an Optimal Learning Environment
Distractions can be detrimental to your cat’s ability to focus during training. Find a quiet place away from other pets and family members for one-on-one training sessions with your cat.
Background noise, such as the TV or loud music, can disrupt the session and make it less productive.
So, create a serene environment to provide the best learning experience for your feline friend.
Consistency is Key: Establishing Clear Cues
To avoid confusing your cat, using consistent signals or cues for the commands you want to teach is important.
Whether a specific hand gesture or a verbal prompt, ensure all family members involved in the training are on the same page and use the same signals.
This consistency will help your cat understand the desired behaviors more effectively and maintain a clear line of communication.
One Skill at a Time: Gradual Progress for Success
It’s best to focus on one skill at a time when teaching tricks and commands.
Attempting to teach multiple skills simultaneously can overwhelm your cat and impede their progress.
Start with the basics, such as “sit” or “come,” once your cat has mastered a skill, move on to the next one.
Patience and a step-by-step approach are vital in helping your cat learn successfully.
Repeat for Reinforcement: Cementing the Behaviour
Repetition is the key to reinforcing your cat’s behavior.
Once your cat has learned a skill or command, repeat it regularly outside the training sessions. This practice ensures that the behavior becomes ingrained and prevents your cat from forgetting what they’ve learned.
Consistent reinforcement will help your cat retain their training and continue to showcase their newfound skills.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement over Punishment
When it comes to cat training, focusing on positive reinforcement is crucial. Rather than dwelling on unwanted behaviors, concentrate on rewarding and encouraging the behaviors you want your cat to continue.
Yelling, swatting, or spraying your cat for undesirable actions won’t yield the desired results and may even strain your relationship with them.
Instead, shower your feline companion with praise, treats, and affection when they exhibit the behaviors you’re targeting.
This positive approach will foster a loving and trusting bond between you and your cat.
Patience: The Virtue of Learning
Learning new behaviors and overcoming behavior problems takes time.
It’s important to be patient with your cat throughout the training process.
Remember, they are capable and intelligent creatures but need time to understand and adapt to your expectations.
Celebrate small victories along the way and appreciate the progress made.
With time and patience, you’ll witness the remarkable results of your efforts.
Unleash the Potential: Unique Tricks to Teach Your Cat
Now that you’re equipped with the fundamental principles of cat training, let’s explore some unique tricks that will impress your friends and enhance your cat’s abilities.
These tricks will stimulate your cat mentally and physically and showcase its intelligence and agility.
6 Tricks to teach your cat
You might have taught them some cool tricks if you are a cat lover!
Fortunately, you can!
Start with the basics to help get your cat used to the training process, and then you can work your way up to more impressive tricks.
Below are six cool tricks to teach your cat
1. Teach your cat to Sit when you command
Hold a treat close to your cat’s face and slowly raise it up and back. Your cat will naturally lift its head and sit or turn to follow the treat.
Use the command “sit” as your cat sits and immediately reward it with a treat.
Practice this command regularly, and soon your cat will associate the word “sit” with the action.
2. High Five
Hold a treat at your cat’s shoulder height and encourage it to touch your hand with its paw. When its paw touches your hand, give the treat and say “high five”.
Repeat this training session, and your cat will learn that touching your hand with its paw results in a treat.
3. Teach them to Come when you call
Call your cat using its name or a cue like “kitty.” When your cat comes to you, provide a tasty treat as a reward.
With repetition and positive reinforcement, your cat will learn to associate coming to you with receiving a treat.
4. Teach them to Spin around
Show your cat a treat to get its attention, then slowly move the treat in a horizontal circle at eye level. Your cat will follow the treat as it moves around.
Practice this motion and command “spin” with the treat until your cat associates the verbal command with the action of spinning.
5. Teach your cat to Gentle Touch
Hold out your finger and use a treat to attract your cat’s attention. Switch the treat to your other hand and point your index finger towards your cat about 6 inches away. When your cat touches your finger with its nose or gets close, reward it with the treat and use the command “touch.”
Repeat this process, and your cat will learn to touch your finger on command.
6. Teach your cat to Roll Over
Sit beside your cat while it’s lying down and hold a treat about an inch away from its nose. Move the treat in an arc, allowing the cat to tilt its head and follow it. As the cat rolls to its side, give the treat.
Repeat this trick several times, and your cat will learn to roll over to receive the treat.
Remember to use positive reinforcement, be patient, and keep training sessions short and enjoyable.
With practice and consistency, your cat will master these cool tricks!
Reinforce good Behaviour and Address Specific Skills
To train your cat to be an indoor cat, by following these steps:
Litter training
Ensure the litter box is clean and located in a quiet area.
After your cat eats, gently move it to the litter box and use its front paw to scratch the litter.
Reward your cat when it is consistently eliminated in the litter box, reinforcing the association between the box and elimination.
Carrier training
Make the carrier a positive and safe space for your cat.
Start by placing a favorite toy or treat inside and reward your cat when it enters. Gradually close the carrier door for short periods, increasing the time as your cat becomes comfortable—practice carrying the carrier to help your cat associate it with positive experiences.
Sitting
Stand or sit before your cat and reward it when it naturally sits. Introduce the verbal cue “sit” after your cat starts sitting consistently.
Eventually, your cat will associate the cue with the behavior and sit on command.
High Five
Teach your cat to sit before you and offer a treat. As your cat reaches for the treat, raise your hand in small increments. Reward your cat when it performs a high five by replacing the treat with praise and chin scratches.
To address and prevent bad behavior
Staying off countertops
Discourage your cat from jumping on countertops by using double-sided tape or objects they dislike, placed strategically on the counter.
Gently and calmly remove your cat from the counter if it jumps up, use the sit command when it complies, and reward it with treats.
Biting or kicking
Respect your cat’s boundaries and personal space to prevent bites or kicks due to discomfort.
If your cat engages in rough play, ignore it until it calms down.
Encourage gentle behavior by offering your hand for licks instead of bites, rewarding calm behavior.
Scratching furniture
Provide a scratching post and make it appealing to your cat.
If your cat continues to scratch furniture, use double-sided tape on the targeted areas to discourage scratching.
Reward your cat when it uses the scratching post instead.
Destructive chewing
Prevent destructive chewing by hiding objects or using bitter apple deterrents on items your cat likes to chew.
Offer appropriate chew toys and redirect their attention to those.
Eating houseplants
Keep toxic plants out of your home or restrict access to them.
Use double-sided tape, screens, or foil to discourage your cat from approaching houseplants.
Provide alternative options like cat grass for your cat to chew on.
Yowling for food
Ignore excessive meowing for food and reward your cat when it behaves calmly.
Make your cat sit while you prepare its food, reinforcing that good behavior leads to rewards.
Note
Remember, training takes time, patience, and consistency.
Spending a few minutes each day working on training and providing a stimulating indoor environment will help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged and strengthen your bond.
Happy training!