It might seem like a fool’s errand, like trying to teach a fish to climb a tree, good luck! This couldn’t be more wrong. While cats are commonly thought of as independent, aloof, and even stubborn, it is very possible to train cats using the same methods you would train a dog, and as a rule, they learn faster. Training cats, like any animal, starts with understanding their unique psychology. Cats are not designed to work for us, like dogs, based on loyalty, they do things if they see a reward for themselves. That is why training a cat is a training partnership, not a training control.
Why Cat Training is Important
Training cats is not just about teaching them fun behaviors like giving high fives or fetching their toys. Training cats can provide them with a better life. Can you imagine trimming your cat’s nails without the wrestling match? Can you imagine having your cat hop into the carrier without the claws flying? Training can improve the quality of daily life for not only the cats but also for their owners. Training decreases stress levels in cats and their owners, and it puts a cat’s brain to work, decreasing boredom behaviors like scratching the couch or excessive vocalization. Cats need mental stimulation, and training is mental stimulation! Training can give positive and constructive outlets to their instinctive behaviors, such as hunting, stalking, and problem-solving.
Preparing for Cat Training
You’d never bake a cake without the ingredients, would you? Just like when training a cat, preparation is everything. If you want a seamless ride, you will need to have the right setup, tools, and mindset. Having a go without preparing could leave you frustrated and your cat confused. Now, let’s simplify the process of preparation.
Finding the Appropriate Environment For Cat Training
Cats are sensitive animals. Noisy environments, fast-moving areas, or unfamiliar scents can build stress in your cat that is then likely to impede any training. It is best to choose a calm and familiar environment with as few distractions as possible. You cannot train in the living room when kids are flying around or with music/things blaring; if you are going to train, a quiet corner of the house is best, or a restful room. Make sure to balance the sessions out, too. Cats also prefer shorter, focused sessions instead of long ones. In a sense, you should think of training as a bunch of coffee breaks, short, fun, and quick.
Necessary Tools and Supplies for Cat Training
The right tools can make training enjoyable and successful. Here is what you need:
Treats: Small, tasty, and most importantly, a favorite treat. Examples are tuna flakes, chicken bits, and store-bought cat treats.
Clicker: Clickers help mark the exact moment your cat has the correct behaviour, so your cat can learn the correct behaviour.
Toys: Wand toys, balls, or feathers can also be used as rewards for play-driven cats.
Carrier and Harness: If you plan to train your cat to visit the vet or to walk on a leash, you will need to get these tools.
Patience: This comes from experience and not something you can buy. It’s the most important training tool you will need.
Setting Attainable Goals For Cat Training
One of the most common mistakes of many cat owners is expecting way too much too quickly. For instance, your cat is not going to learn to walk on a leash overnight. Training is a marathon, not a sprint. You should start small, like teaching them to respond to their name. Once they are reliable with that, you can build to harder behaviors. Also, remember that every cat is different. Some cats are quick learners, while others are not in a hurry. Setting attainable goals can prevent disillusionment and help your cat have a good time.
Positive Reinforcement Approaches
If there is one cardinal rule in feline training, it is that positive reinforcement always prevails. Cats do not respond well to punishment; it can lose trust and can oftentimes exacerbate behavioral issues. Instead, look to reward the behaviors you want them to do.
How Reward-Based Cat Training Works?
Positive reinforcement is simple: reward good behavior, and ignore bad behavior. When your cat sits, or comes when called, or uses the litter box, offer a treat or affection. Eventually, your cat will know to connect that behavior with a positive outcome. This is how wild cats learn in nature; they connect their actions to rewards, like food. You are simply recreating that same system at home.
Using Treats, Toys, and Praise
Every cat has different motivators. For some cats, food is stronger than any toy or any praise; for others, toys may be more exciting than a treat; still, for some, praise may carry more weight than any treat or toy. So think about what excites your cat the most and use that to help motivate your cat’s behavior. For treats, keep them small, and give the treat directly after the behavior so that your cat is making the association. If your cat loves to play, a quick jab with a feather toy may work better than a treat. Also, remember that verbal praise counts! Your cat may not understand the words you say, but they understand tone. Verbal praise, along with a gentle pet after saying a cheerful “good job!” will go a long way!
Mistakes You Can Make
When training a cat, many cat owners unintentionally interfere without realizing it. Here are a few things to avoid:
Inconsistency: If you allow your cat on the counter one day and don’t the next, your cat will not understand the rules.
Mistreatment: Yelling or spraying water doesn’t teach; it frightens your cat.
Long Sessions: Cats can only focus for a short amount of time. Keep your training session to under 10 minutes for the best training results.
Delayed Reward: If you wait too long to reward, your cat will not connect the treat with the behavior.
Advanced Skills For Cat Training
Once your cat has completed the basic skills level, it is time to take it up a notch. Advanced training allows you to provide mental stimulation for your cat and will create a new challenge for you both to enjoy.
Clicker Training for Cats
Clicker training is a game-changer for learning. The clicker allows you to mark the point exactly when your cat performs the correct action. This results in faster learning and makes it clearer for your cat. Start using the clicker by pairing it with a treat until your cat associates the sound of the click with receiving a treat, and they understand the cue “click = reward”. Use the click to mark behaviors, such as sitting, high-fiving, or jumping onto a perch. The clicker provides clarity for your cat in their learning because it takes away ambiguity.
Cats can walk on a Leash.
Yes, it’s true, cats can walk on a leash! It’s not just for dogs! The first step is getting a comfortable harness made for cats. Let your cat wear the harness while inside, and get them used to wearing it before adding a leash. You can clicker in rewards (treats) for the cat to stay calm and not try to get the harness off. Once your cat gets comfortable with the harness, practice having them walk inside before you walk them outside. Walking a cat is different from walking a dog, as cats will want to explore at their own pace! This takes patience!
Fun Tricks: High-Five, Fetch, and More
Tricks aren’t just tricks for parties; they are enrichment! Tricks like high-fiving, fetching toys, or jumping through hoops keep a cat’s problem-solving skills digitally stimulated. You can start with simple behaviors like “high-five.” Hold a treat inside your fist, and encourage the cat to paw at your hand. Once they touch your hand, click and reward. Eventually, the cat will associate the action with your cue. Fetch is also doable; many cats will already chase a toy and, with encouragement, learn to bring it back!
Conclusion
Cat Training can seem like an uphill battle at first, but training for your cat is one of the greatest investments you can make in your relationship with her. Through patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency, you can train your cat to do anything from basic commands to highly advanced tricks—including your daily care, which is easier than ever! Furthermore, training your cat deepens your bond with your cat and creates a special partnership based upon trust and respect. Whether you are training a kitten to sit, training an adult to walk on a leash, or training a shy rescue to feel safe, every training session is progress. The bottom line is that training is not a race to perfection—it is the journey towards connection!
FAQs
1. How much time does it take to train a cat?
This depends on the cat and the actual behaviour. Some cats can learn simple commands like “sit” within a few days, while some cats may take weeks. The most significant factors in learning speed are consistency and patience.
2. Can older cats learn new tricks?
Definitely! Older cats may learn at a slower pace, but they are usually more focused than kittens. Senior cats can learn new behaviours at the same level, using gentle methods and ongoing practice.
3. What are the best treats for cat training?
Small, soft, and irresistible treats work best. Freeze-dried chicken, tuna flakes, or small slivers of cooked meat are popular treats. The most important thing is to use something that your cat will love.
4. How do I stop my cat from scratching my furniture?
Offer your cat scratching posts or pads, and reward them when they scratch them. It can be helpful to place them next to where your cat currently scratches. Covering furniture with double-sided tape or covering the furniture can be a useful tool to remove the habit.
5. Does clicker training work for all cats?
Most cats are fairly responsive to clicker training because it marks the precise behaviour we are rewarding.