Cat Training Guide

How to train a cat

Contrary to popular opinion, it's possible to train your cat with some useful skills. Cats can be trained to recognise their name, as well as to come on command. And the earlier you start training, the greater likelihood of success. Just bear in mind that you'll need to be patient - and be careful: your cat is just as likely to be training you.

Starting out

Cats should be rewarded every time they perform a new task correctly. Once it's learned, only offer the reward every so often.

Teach your pet to associate a food reward with a sound such as a bell. Once the association between the noise and the reward is learned, always hit the bell or clicker at the exact moment your cat performs the desired behaviour.

If your cat isn't succeeding with the desired behaviour, you may be trying to progress too quickly.

Training for specific situations

Cats that habitually go to the toilet outside the litter box should be gently brought to the box once or twice a day. You could also try placing the litter tray where he keeps going to associate the tray with the toilet. If your cat chooses to go in a very unsociable place, try putting pieces of silver foil down - they don't like the texture on their paws.

Some cats that spend time outdoors can become frustrated or even destructive in their efforts to come back inside. Try suspending a small but loud bell on a string at his eye level. Eventually, he will touch that bell and make it ring, at which point you can open the door.

Training Tips and Advice for Cats

1. Train your kitten before mealtimes, as a food reward won’t be so tempting on a full stomach.
2. Eliminate any distractions by turning off the TV etc.
3. Keep sessions short. 15 minutes is ideal
4. Make sure the trainer, commands, signals and rewards are always the same.
5. Try to spend a minimum of 10-15 minutes every day and stick with it.

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