More than likely, you have heard people say “cats can’t be trained”, “cats are so aloof”, or “cats do whatever they want to”, and while at times, this can be true, we should also consider that cats can certainly be trained! We will guide you through everything you need to know about cat training and how you can begin with clicker training for cats! Starting with who qualifies, where to start, and even some tools to help you enhance your bond with your cat through training. We are so excited that you’re here!!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy here for more details
Who Qualifies for Cat Training?
While of course it may be a little bit easier to start training as a kitten, cats at any age can be trained!
What is Clicker Training?
Clicker training for cats is using a clicker stick to reinforce good behavior from your cat. Your cat will learn to look for cues and continue this behavior in exchange for a reward.
How Hard Is It?
Every cat is different, and if you’ve gone a long time without trying this, your cat certainly will find other ways to fill his or her time. However; once they realize that treats and time with YOU are involved, they may be more inclined than you’d think to engage in this fun practice!
How Often Should You Train Your Cat?
Cats can tend to have short attention spans, so 5-10 minutes of cat training may be an exhausting session for him or her. Depending on your schedule, you can plan for a session once daily, or even just once a week and you will continue to make good progress!
How Will This Benefit Me, My Cat, and Us Both?
One of the top reasons that cats are returned to the pound is for behavioral issues. Having a trained cat can help alleviate stress when dealing with unwanted behaviors such as counter surfing (jumping up on kitchen counters, for instance), getting in a carrier to go to the vet, leading them away from a dangerous object or area (such as a broken plate or glass in the kitchen), and teaching them not to meow in the early morning hours. This is also an excellent way to bond with your cat!! I have trained my two cats and have found them to be more compliant, happier, and more and more motivated to work for treats!
Where Do I start?
We love this Clicker Stick for training! It also includes a guidebook and a free 30 day subscription to Cat School!
What Types of Treats Do You Recommend?
This is arguably the most important part! We recommend using high-value, aromatic treats when just starting out. What does high-value mean? That is up to your cat! You want something that will make them want to "work for it" and that they get excited about. There may be some trial and error involved. Freeze-dried is a great place to start. Once more advanced, you can try the squeeze-up treats. We've linked a few of our favorites below!
We have tried some other brands of squeeze up treats that my cats turned their noses up at. Here's our favorite!
What Types of Training Are Available?
You can teach behavioral training, trick training, or even advanced training, where you teach your cat to sit still in a certain position. Some examples of when this may come in handy is if your cat needs to be examined by a vet, or given medications.
What Types of Commands Can I Teach My Cat?
Here is a list of some our favorites to start with!
Come
Touch
Sit
High Five
Sit Pretty
Paws Up
Lay Down
Jump Over
How Does it Work?
Positive reinforcement is the main driver of positive behaviors. You will want to invest in high-value cat treats that your cat(s) love, and will want to work for! Some of our favorites are these freeze dried PureBites or for more advanced learners, these Churu Lickable Treats are always a winner!
Lets Begin!
Let’s put all of this info to practice and try a few tricks! Before each session, start by calling your cat, ringing a bell, or always working in a certain space with your cat. We use these FluentPet Buttons, but you can verbally say “Training” and they will learn soon enough what this means!
Teaching “Sit”
Once you have your cat’s attention, make sure your treats are handy and slowly, with your palm facing up, hold your hand in front of your cat and gently move your hand a few inches down to up. This movement symbolizes “sit”. You may also want to say “Sit” as I personally like to give my cats verbal, and visual cues. Once they get it right, give them a click to notify them that this is the desired behavior, and reward them with a treat!
Teaching “Touch”
With your clicker stick or finger, hold either a few inches in front of you and say “touch”. As soon as your cat touches his or her nose to the stick or your finger, click and reward! Once they know touch, you can use this to guide them into a carrier, into a different room in the house, or even onto a high surface you would like them to jump up on!
Teaching “Jump Over”
Using a broom, stick, masking tape, or other barricade, securely station it a few inches above the ground. With your cat on one side of the barricade, stand on the other side and command them to “jump over”. Once they come over to your side (which will probably be pretty quick if you have treats in your hand), then click and reward!
Behavioral Training
There are many facets of behavior that you can train your cats to do, or not to do, but one common question I get is “how can I teach my cat not to meow in the early morning hours? Is this even possible?” It certainly is! As we discussed, cats react logically via reinforcement. If your cat meows, and when they do, you get out of bed, or moreover get up and feed them, they are learning that every time they meow, they will get food! So the best thing to do in this situation is to let them keep meowing without reacting. Don’t get up, Don’t feed them. Ignore them for 5 minutes at least, before feeding them, or wait until a later time in the day for their first meal (this is most ideal!). Try this for 5-7 days. They will learn that to break the cycle of meow-eat-repeat. We hope this has been helpful and look forward to hearing your training success stories!