How to Train a Cat

Yes! You can train a cat to come on command, use a toilet, and more—and it’s all much easier than you thought. Start from short distances. Make the noise, use your clicker when your cat comes, and then reward your pet with the treat. Over time, call the cat from longer distances. The ASPCA recommends up to two “training sessions” a day, for five minutes or less, during which you should repeat the behavior up to 20 times.

First things first: Never punish

Cats simply won’t learn from what some owners would consider “discipline.” Worse yet, “punishing” your cat can induce stress, leading to behavioral and health problems. Remember that training your cat requires patience and positive reinforcement.

Next: Get a clicker—and treats

Commonly used as training tools for a wide variety of animals, a clicker will set you back just a couple bucks and help you give positive reinforcement to your cat. (You can also use a regular pen with a clicky button—the important thing is to have a distinct noise you can make instantly.)

Most training involves offering your cat a treat it likes following a click to mark the desired behavior. Without the clicker, your cat may be confused about why it’s being rewarded: If it obeys a command, hears the click, and then gets a treat, it’s more likely to catch on.

How to train a cat to: Come on command

Cats can learn to respond to a vocal cue and run your way. (The ASPCA notes that you might use this skill to bring your cat in should it dash out unexpectedly.) Start by making a distinct noise before feeding—before you open a bag or can—like vocally call your cat, or click your tongue. Your pet will learn to associate that noise with something positive (food) and will eventually head to you when it hears it. Then, encourage this behavior outside of normal feeding times.

Start from short distances. Make the noise, use your clicker when your cat comes, and then reward your pet with the treat. Over time, call the cat from longer distances. The ASPCA recommends up to two “training sessions” a day, for five minutes or less, during which you should repeat the behavior up to 20 times.

How to train a cat to: Use a toilet

This one takes some work, but think of the benefits: You’ll save on litter and enjoy a cleaner home. First, place a litter box adjacent to your toilet. Then gradually bring it closer and closer to the top of seat—you might need some phonebooks or a stool to make the process easier on the cat.

Once your pet is accustomed to using a litter box on top of the toilet, transition to a special litter box that fits within the toilet itself. (Buy flushable litter, and expect spillover.) Gradually use less and less litter to get your cat accustomed to doing its business without it, and then, remove the litter box entirely.

How to train a cat to: Shake hands

Simpler than you might expect: Get a treat ready, then align yourself to the same level as your cat. Tap your cat’s paw while saying “shake,” and use your clicker when it moves its paw. Repeat training until your cat offers its paw in response to the “shake” command without tapping. Like the “come on command” trick, this can take a few training sessions over the course of a couple of days.

How to train a cat to: Beg

This is similar to the “shake hands” trick. Hold a treat just above your cat’s head and give a “beg” command. Your pet should stand on its hind legs and reach up for the snack; click to mark the behavior and then give your cat its treat. Practice until your cat begs on command without needing a treat dangled overhead. (Make sure you still reward your pet, of course.)

Source: RD