When new pet parents bring a puppy home, training almost always comes to mind – but the same can’t always be said of cats.
In fact, most people never consider training a cat because they assume they’ll be independent and aloof. But this certainly isn’t the case!
In this guide, we’ll dive into why cat training is an essential part of your new cat checklist, some expert training tips, and a few common commands that will benefit you and your feline friend.
Cat training 101
At its core, cat training is teaching your cat to associate a desirable behavior with a reward. By doing so, you can encourage them to stop bad behavior and start desired behavior so you can both live a happier, healthier life.
Although cats don’t instinctually work in partnership with humans, they can learn to follow commands and perform tricks just like dogs. Cat training can also provide positive mental and physical stimulation for cats, which can help reduce anxiety, aggression, or other destructive cat behaviors. Consistent cat training can also help you pick up on their body language and learn what they’re trying to communicate (including the many ways they show they love you!) If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to get a cat due to the prospect of bad behavior, factor in the effectiveness of cat training in your decision.
What to know before you start cat training
Stock up on treats
For starters, cats need motivation. Unlike dogs, cats won’t be as excited and eager to learn unless their rewards are worth their while. To make the most of your training sessions, be sure to stock up on their favorite treats and delicious cat food.
Find the best time
Cats’ daily lives follow a predictable cycle of hunting (playing), eating, grooming, and sleeping, so you’ll want to fit training sessions into their routine. Try training your cat right after they wake up from their nap as they’ll be ready to play and more likely to focus. They’ll also probably be hungry, which means they’ll work extra hard for those tasty treats.
Keep training sessions brief
Cats have short attention spans. A training session under 15 minutes is long enough to accomplish the goal but short enough to keep your cat focused. Remember: the goal should be progress, not perfection!
Eliminate distractions
A distracted cat can’t focus. Find a quiet place away from any pets and members of the family for your training session. Any background noise can throw your cat off, making the training session unproductive.
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Be consistent with cues
To avoid confusion, use the same signals (could be hand signals) or cues for the command you want to achieve. Making sure family members also know the right signals and cues will help maintain consistency.
Only train one skill at a time
Trying to teach a cat multiple skills at once can overload them. Only after your cat masters one skill, should you move on to the next.
Repeat, repeat, repeat
Repetition reinforces your cat’s behavior. Once your cat masters the skill, make sure you repeat it frequently outside of a training session so your cat doesn’t forget it.
Use positive reinforcement
Focus on the behavior you want your cat to continue rather than the behavior you want them to stop. Yelling, swatting, or spraying your cat for unwanted behavior won’t be productive and your cat will likely just avoid you.
Be patient
Learning new behaviors or solving behavior problems takes time. Be patient with your cat while it’s learning a new skill – they’re more than capable and very intelligent.