What Exactly Is Involved In Learning To Train Your Cat?

Target training and clicker training are some of the more effective techniques used in training cats.

Target training
This is a type of training where you get your cat to perform specific actions with the use of a designated instrument, for example a training wand.

Clicker training
This is a form of operant conditioning. A small mechanical noise-maker (the ‘clicker’) is used by the trainer to create a short, distinct noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior. For example, for the ’sit’ command, the clicker is pressed at the exact moment your cat places it’s bottom on the floor. Straight after the clicking noise, the cat is given a small treat.

As this is repeated over and over again, the cat will start to associate food with the clicking sound and recognize that he can earn treats by performing the actions based on the specific commands.

A few quick tips for training cats properly

• The key is patience. Your cat is an individual, with its own abilities and preferences. Make allowances for his personality, and don’t lose your temper if it doesn’t go exactly according to schedule.
• Enforce a feeding schedule. Your cat should not have access to its food all the time during the day to have as it feels like. Enhance the reward-value of food and treats as training aids in order to improve your cat’s routine.
• Train smart. Schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes. The routine of its usual mealtime will increase your cat’s focus and its desire to listen to your commands.
• Take it one step at a time when training your cat. It’s best to build up a solid foundation of the basics before attempting to expand his repertoire.
• Keep lessons short and interesting and always try to end on a positive note.

Training cats to sit: training your cat to ’sit’ on command
‘Sit’ is the perfect first command to train your cat to do as it acts as a foundation to build upon for other commands and tricks such as ’stay’ and ‘high five’.)

Make your training wand extra-effective by smearing the tip in a little tuna oil, and use it to attract your cat’s attention. As he comes closer to you, hold the wand slightly above and behind the back of his head around the crown area.

In order to keep his eyes on the wand he will move his head backwards. When he does this, he will naturally sit down. Obviously as your cat sits down you should say the command ’sit’ in a clear tone. As soon as his bottom touches the ground, click the clicker. It is critical that the timing is perefct here.

As soon as the click sound is heard, give him a tasty treat. Make sure it’s cut up very small – if it takes him more than two seconds to eat it, he’ll forget why you gave it to him.

Repeat this process a few more times, and over the next few weeks, keep doing so until he’s comfortable with what’s expected of him. Once he is sitting down on command you can start to phase out clicker training but still give treats now and again. It’s important to bear in mind that patience and a consistent approach are crucial.

More information on training your cat
To find out more about training cats, whether for obedience or tricks, and how to get the best results check out our Complete Cat Training Review.