Can You Train a Cat? Here’s What the Experts Say
- The Team at Around the World
- May 25
- 6 min read
Cats have a reputation for being a little on the moody side. If you’re a proud cat parent, you probably know what we mean! One minute, your sweet kitty is cuddling with you and making biscuits, but the next, they don’t want to be touched.
Your feline friend might be stubborn, occasionally feisty, and maybe even a bit aloof. Having that kind of personality to work with, can you train a cat? Absolutely!
Here, we’ll give you all the inside info on how to train your cat and why you should even want to. Let’s get started!
The Takeaways
Cats are highly intelligent and, yes, they can be trained.
You can train your cat to avoid unwanted behaviors and to do tricks.
Training also comes in handy when it’s time to trim your kitty’s nails, brush their teeth, or take them to the vet.
To clicker train your cat, determine their favorite reward, pair the reward with the click, click to communicate, and try target training.
Table of Contents
Can You Train a Cat?
Benefits of Cat Training
How to Clicker Train Your Cat
Tips for Cat Training Success
Can You Train a Cat?
Photo by Mariana Montes de Oca on Unsplash
The resounding answer to this question is yes! Contrary to popular belief, cats’ behavior can be influenced by their owners. Cats are not, in fact, stuck in their ways. Instead, felines are super intelligent and highly trainable.
You can get your cat to avoid unwanted behaviors by addressing the reason for the behavior, changing their environment if necessary, and using positive reinforcement (a.k.a. training). Say goodbye to accident messes on the floor, scratched-up furniture, and broken blinds!
Cat training can also be used to teach your furry friend cool tricks, like spinning in a circle or giving you a high-five.
Benefits of Cat Training
The main reason most people want to know if they can train a cat is to stop the cat’s destructive behaviors, like clawing furniture or tearing up bedding. Training also comes in handy when it’s time to trim your kitty’s nails, brush their teeth, or take them to the vet.
But training can do so much more than that! Clicker training, which we’ll talk about below, can actually reduce stress, help your kitty feel secure, and provide mental stimulation for them. It’s also a really great way to bond with your feline bestie.
How to Clicker Train Your Cat
Photo by Humberto Arellano on Unsplash
Clicker training (using a clicker to communicate that you're pleased with something your cat’s doing) can be just as successful with cats as it is with dogs. Here’s what you’ll want to do.
1. Determine Your Cat’s Favorite Reward
Before you can actually start training your feline, you need to determine what kind of reward they’ll best respond to. Treats usually work well and are the most popular option, but some cats aren’t as motivated by food as others.
If you have a cat that doesn’t respond to treats but loves attention, giving them a few pets as a reward might be your best bet. Or if your kitty likes to be groomed 24/7, brushing them could be just the ticket.
Whatever you choose, this reward is called a “primary reinforcer” in the clicker-training world. You’ll need one primary reinforcer that you use most often, but you may be able to swap it out occasionally for something different. It just depends on your cat’s preferences and personality.
2. Pair the Reward with the Click
You’ve figured out your primary reinforcer, so now what? It’s time to introduce your kitty to the clicker!
To do this, sit with your cat and wait for them to look at you. Once they do, click the clicker, and offer the primary reinforcer immediately after. Wait for them to look at you again (if they looked away) and repeat the process.
You’ll do this several times in a row. It can take 5 to 20 times for a cat to make the connection between the primary reinforcer and the clicker, so repetition is crucial.
3. Click to Communicate
Once you’ve established this initial introduction and your cat seems to be connecting the clicking noise with getting a treat (or pets!), you can start using the clicker to communicate with them.
How? By clicking and rewarding any time you notice your cat doing something you want them to do. For example, maybe they use the litter box instead of the floor. Click and reward. Or maybe they drag their claws down a scratching post instead of your favorite throw pillow. Click and reward.
Keep this up until the good behavior becomes second-nature to your cat.
4. Try Target Training
Ready to take your cat’s training to the next level? Start with target training. This is when you teach your cat to touch a target with their nose. The target should be something small, like the eraser end of a pencil.
Doing this is simple! Hold the target at nose-level with your kitty, about two inches away. They’ll naturally touch the target with their nose to see what’s going on. When they do, immediately click and reward, moving the target out of your kitty’s line of sight.
Let your cat finish their reward and look back at you, and then repeat the process. Just like when you first introduced your cat to the clicker, repetition is key, so keep going!
One thing to note: If your cat tries to get sneaky and touch the target with a different body part, like their paw, don’t click the clicker or offer a treat. Instead, start again.
Tips for Cat Training Success
Photo by Yerlin Matu on Unsplash
Train Before Meals
If your feline friend is motivated by food (like most are!), training before you feed them can encourage participation. After all, they’re ready for food, so offering a way for them to get a few yummy treats can be highly motivating.
Keep Sessions Short
The last thing you want to do is leave your cat frustrated or anxious. Making your training sessions too long or continuing when your cat loses interest (or gets the zoomies) is the fastest way to stress them out. Remember: training should be fun for both of you!
Be Consistent
Accomplishing anything worthwhile requires consistency, and training your cat is no exception. Keep your method and rewards mostly the same, and try to stick to a schedule if possible.
Avoid Punishing Your Cat
Punishment has no place in cat training. In fact, if you punish your cat when they do something you don’t want them to, they may start associating you with the punishment, and your bond could suffer. Keep training sessions positive.
Don’t Give Up
Like we said earlier, cats are smart. With consistent training and a positive environment, they can definitely be trained. So even if it seems like you’re getting nowhere, keep trying. Before long, your kitty will be high-fiving you left and right!
Your Cat’s Next Adventure
So, can you train a cat? Definitely! With the steps and tips in this article, you and your feline friend will be well on your way to training success.
Once you’re there, consider rewarding your kitty (and yourself) with a little trip! When you board your cat at Around the World Pet Resort, they get a vacation experience like no other. Our spacious accommodations and extensively trained staff make for a luxury stay that both you and your kitty will love.
Contact us now to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I calm my cat down?
Sometimes your cat can get anxious or upset during training (or other times) despite your best efforts. Maybe they came from a scary environment, or maybe they’re simply prone to anxiety.
If this happens, there are ways you can calm your kitty down. Start by removing whatever is causing their stress, and then darken the room and get rid of any loud noises. You’ll also want to avoid direct eye contact and give them space.
Calming aids, like synthetic pheromones, can also be helpful.
How much attention do cats need?
Although cats are much more independent than dogs, they still need your attention to thrive. But not too much! Twenty to 60 minutes each day, broken up into two or three short bursts, is plenty.
Of course, some cats need more attention than this, while others may need less.
What breed of cat is the most clingy?
Your cat’s breed plays a role in how clingy or needy they are. Some crave lots of love and affection, while other breeds shy away from it. Most experts agree that the Burmese and Ragdoll breeds are the most clingy. In fact, they’re commonly (and affectionately) referred to as Velcro cats!
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