Cats are smart critters. So if you want to train them, you have to be smart about it. And with patience, because you need that. Want to know how to reward good behaviour and what not to do? Find out here!
Tip 1. A happy and relaxed cat learns faster
Cats are hunters by nature and love to sharpen their nails on objects. Every cat therefore needs a cat tree! Because on a cat tree they can sit up high, they can hide in it and climb in it. But also very important: cats can scratch on it to their heart’s content.
They need that, because scratching something marks their territory, they groom their nails and stretch their muscles. And all this adds up to a happy and relaxed cat. And such a relaxed happy egg learns much faster than a stressed and unhappy cat. Want to train your cat and teach it fun things? Then always provide a good and high scratching post in your home!
Tip 2. The power of rewards
As fond as we humans are of sweets, cats love rewards in the form of a tasty cat treat or a cuddle. Want to reward good cat behaviour? Then spoil your cat with a stroke, cuddle or a nice cat treat. But be careful, timing is important: reward your cat immediately after the desired behaviour, because a cat links the reward to the action. Make that reward special though and give something special that your cat loves!
Reading tip: This is how to teach a kitten to use the cat tree.
Tip 3. The key word in cat training? Patience!
If you want to teach a cat something, you will need some patience. Cats are smart and, above all, very stubborn. So you do need to bring a good dose of perseverance. Break the task you want to teach your cat into small pieces and repeat the actions until your cat really understands what is asked of him.
An example: Most cats are not very good at waiting, especially when it comes to food. You’ve probably experienced it before: you have a cat treat in your hand and your cat has finished it before you know it. And that is a perfect starting point for cat training – because you can teach your cat to calmly wait for your command to start eating. And you do this in eight small steps:
- Always give cat treats in a fixed place in the house
- Sit opposite your cat
- Take the treat between two fingers
- And hold it up high
- Your cat will probably try to take the treat now
- But do not give it yet and say clearly, but not loudly: ‘wait
- Wait until your cat sits down or takes a step backwards
- Then give it the treat
Has your cat got the hang of it? Then you can also use this training technique for other things you want to teach or discourage. Like scratching your furniture, for example.
Tip 4. Words and sounds
Like dogs, cats are also sensitive to words and sounds. Are you going to train your cat? Then always make use of them. Is your cat doing something right? Then say “good job” in an encouraging way. Is your cat going outside and do you want to teach it to come in on command? Then call its name or whistle. And reward your cat as soon as it is inside with a pat on its head or a bowl of its favourite food.
You can also train cats with a clicker. This is a small device that makes a clicking sound. And you use it like this:
- Your cat does something good or something you ask of it
- Make a clicking sound with the clicker
- Immediately give a cat a treat
After a while, your cat will understand that the clicker will give it a treat. Has it got the hang of it? Then you can keep using the clicker and stop giving cat treats. Because your cat will always keep trying to earn a cat treat.
Tip 5. Never punish a cat!
Punishing a cat is not nice, of course, but especially unwise if you want to teach your cat something. Because cats are only sensitive to rewards. And not to punishments. Do you punish your cat anyway? Then it will become scared, shy or no longer want to have anything to do with you. That is pathetic and, of course, the last thing you want to achieve!
Training your cat is not only effective, but also a lot of fun. Because by spending time with your cat, getting to know him and giving him confidence, you strengthen the bond you have with your cat. Also curious about how to communicate with your cat? Then read our blog ‘A mini-course in cat language‘.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a vet or behaviourist: all content, information and tips on this blog are meant to inspire you and are informative in nature. Does your cat have complaints or problems and are you in doubt about your cat’s health? If so, always visit your vet or a behaviourist.