The benefits of cat training are vast. Training your cat presents a wonderful opportunity to bond and impart the meaning of certain key terms. Ingrid Johnson, CCBC and director of Fundamentally Feline in Georgia, emphasizes the importance of allowing your cat to guide the training process: “Not all cats are inclined towards every action, so it’s crucial to select behaviors that align with your cat’s natural tendencies before attempting to teach them.”
She further suggests, “Maintain a positive approach,” highlighting the effectiveness of clicker training in identifying moments when your cat exhibits the desired behavior.
To summarize, cat training essentially involves associating words with innate behaviors and rewarding your cat for their cooperation. Here are seven words and corresponding actions to initiate training your cat:
01 Be Gentle
Promote the idea of hands being consistently associated with positive experiences in your cat training. If you want to deter biting behavior, lightly apply a homemade or store-bought treat paste on your knuckles or the back of your hand. As your cat or kitten licks your hand, use the cue “gentle,” and if she starts to nip or bite, calmly withdraw your hand.
02 Find It
Throw valuable treats near your cat’s paws, and once your cat becomes adept at tracking the toss, introduce the command “Find It.” It’s a straightforward process. Progress by engaging in a shell game using Tupperware containers or your hands. Should your cat claw or bite your hand, employ the cue “gentle,” applying a bit of cat paste to encourage licking. Show the treat after she gently licks or taps your hand with her paw.
03 Target
In this cat training section, you have the option of utilizing a self-made or store-bought target wand, or simply using your finger’s tip. Begin training your cat to focus on the target by placing it around two inches in front of her nose. As soon as she makes contact with the target, promptly click and reward her. As your cat consistently responds by approaching the target, introduce the word “target” to associate this behavior with the cue.
04 Sit
Every time your cat naturally sits, use the clicker and offer a reward. Over time, you’ll observe your cat intentionally sitting as a cue for treats. Once you can anticipate her actions, introduce the word “sit.” Then, attempt to guide her into the sitting position using a target wand or pointing signal. Click and reward this behavior in your cat training. As you progress, reduce the frequency of clicking for each correct response. Instead, intermittently use the clicker and treats. This method of intermittent rewards is potent for teaching—when your kitty isn’t certain when a reward might come, she’s more inclined to perform the desired action.
05 Stay On Your Mat
Prepare a cat mat by placing a flat mat, towel, or cloth napkin on surfaces like counters, sofas, or tabletops. Your cat’s curiosity is a powerful motivator! When she steps onto the mat, click to mark the behavior. Follow this by tossing a treat slightly away from the mat, prompting your cat to return for the next interaction. Gradually introduce the cue “on your mat.” Once your cat willingly goes to her mat and stays there, introduce the “stay” cue. Use the mat to encourage your cat to remain in a specific location, such as her cat tree, while you’re occupied with activities like eating or cooking. This mat can also be a comforting tool to bring along on vacations or visits to the veterinarian to soothe your cat during check-ups.
06 Come
From the moment cats arrive at your home, they can start learning to come when called. Associate positive experiences with the sound of a treat cup shaking along with the command “come” in your cat training. Begin by placing treats in a cup or container, then shake it and reward your cat until she associates the sound with treats. Click and reward your cat when she responds by coming over. Gradually extend the time between saying “come” and shaking the treats until she comes upon hearing the cue. As you progress, gradually reduce reliance on the clicker and offer intermittent rewards for her response.
07 Stay in the Box or Crate
Many cats willingly jump into boxes or explore bags, which can be beneficial when introducing the concept of a cat carrier. To prepare, bring out the carrier well in advance of needing it. Hide treats inside it and consider feeding your cat portions of her meal in the carrier. Whenever your cat enters the carrier or a box, use a clicker and reward the behavior. When your cat naturally engages, introduce the cue “in the box.” Gradually incorporate carrying her around in the box or carrier, rewarding her after each ride.
Learning sessions often demand concentrated attention, so it’s best to keep them brief and upbeat—sessions lasting less than five minutes tend to be effective. Conclude each session with an enjoyable activity using a feather flyer or a stuffed toy, allowing your cat to revel in carrying it away in triumph.
Don’ts for Your Cat Training
Disciplinary actions like swatting, spraying, or startling don’t resonate with cats in terms of learning,” explains Jones. “While such techniques might momentarily deter a specific behavior when used around you, they don’t address the behavior holistically. In fact, they can dampen your presence, fostering suspicion in your cat and undermining the bond you share. Moreover, resorting to physical discipline might trigger defensive attacks using teeth and claws, and once a cat learns these aggressive responses, they’re challenging to unlearn. That’s why prioritizing positive reinforcement training with your pet is crucial.
The behaviors we witness, especially the ones we wish to change, serve as a form of communication for cats,” Jones emphasizes. “Any method intended to punish or diminish a behavior essentially obstructs this communication channel. Redirecting training efforts towards encouraging desired behaviors proves more effective in a cat training process than focusing solely on discouraging unwanted behaviors.
