How to Train a Cat: Proven Cat Training Tips for Better Obedience

But did you know that cats are also very capable of learning commands and good behavior? While they may be more independent and less eager to please than dogs, cats are intelligent and can be trained with patience, consistency, and the right techniques. If you’ve ever wondered how to train a cat, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover effective cat training tips and introduce you to the basics of cat obedience training.

Can You Really Train a Cat?

Absolutely. Cats learn best through positive reinforcement, repetition, and short, focused sessions. While they may not sit on command as easily as a dog, cats can be taught a variety of behaviors including:

• Using a litter box properly

• Coming when called

• Staying off counters or furniture

• Walking on a leash

• Sitting, high-fiving, and even jumping through hoops

The key is to understand your cat’s motivations and work with their natural behaviors—not against them.

Getting Started with Cat Obedience Training

Unlike dogs, cats are less driven by social approval and more by rewards. The cornerstone of cat obedience training is positive reinforcement—rewarding your cat for good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. Never punish your cat for mistakes. This can make them fearful or aggressive, which makes training harder in the long run.

1. Know Your Cat’s Motivation

Some cats respond well to treats, while others are more motivated by toys or affection. Observe what excites your cat the most. This will become your primary training reward.

• For food-motivated cats: use high-value treats like cooked chicken, tuna, or commercial cat treats.

• For play-motivated cats: reward with a short game using a favorite toy.

• For attention-seeking cats: use petting or verbal praise as the reward.

2. Start With Basic Commands

A good place to begin is teaching your cat to respond to their name and come when called. This is a foundation for more complex behaviors and very useful in daily life.

How to train a cat to come when called:

1. Get your cat’s attention by calling their name in a cheerful voice.

2. When they come to you (even if it’s just a step), immediately reward them.

3. Repeat this several times a day in short sessions.

Once your cat associates their name with positive experiences, they’ll come more reliably.

3. Use Clicker Training

Clicker training is an effective method for reinforcing good behavior. It involves using a small device that makes a clicking sound, which marks the exact moment your cat does something right.

Steps:

1. First, “charge” the clicker by clicking it and immediately giving your cat a treat. Do this several times until your cat associates the click with a reward.

2. Next, use the clicker during training sessions. For example, if you’re teaching your cat to sit, click the moment their bottom touches the ground, then reward.

Clicker training helps bridge the gap between the behavior and the reward, making it easier for your cat to understand what they’re being rewarded for.

Cat Training Tips for Common Issues

Training a Cat to Use the Litter Box

Most cats instinctively use a litter box, but some need guidance—especially kittens or rescues. Here are some cat training tips for successful litter box use:

• Keep the litter box clean and in a quiet location.

• Use unscented litter that mimics natural sand or soil textures.

• If your cat eliminates outside the box, clean the area thoroughly and try placing another box there.

• Never punish accidents—redirect instead.

Discouraging Bad Behavior (Without Punishment)

If your cat scratches furniture or jumps on the counter, the key is redirection. Offer alternatives:

• Provide scratching posts and reward your cat for using them.

• Use deterrents like double-sided tape on furniture or citrus sprays (cats dislike citrus scents).

• Teach boundaries by training your cat to respond to a command like “down” or “off” using the click-and-reward method.

Advanced Cat Obedience Training

Once your cat understands basic commands, you can move on to more advanced training. Here are a few tricks cats can learn:

• Sit: Lure your cat with a treat over their head until they naturally sit, then click and reward.

• High five: Hold a treat in your hand and wait until your cat paws at it. Click and reward. Over time, pair it with the cue “high five.”

• Leash walking: Start with a comfortable harness indoors. Gradually introduce the leash and short walks around the house before moving outdoors.

Consistency is the most important factor in cat obedience training. Train in short sessions (5–10 minutes), and keep things fun and rewarding. End each session on a positive note so your cat looks forward to the next one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the reward: If there’s no incentive, your cat won’t be motivated to repeat the behavior.

• Training too long: Cats lose interest quickly. Keep sessions short and focused.

• Punishing mistakes: Yelling, spraying water, or other negative methods break trust and create fear.

• Inconsistency: Everyone in the household should use the same cues and rules for training to work.

Final Thoughts

Training your cat may take time, but the results are rewarding for both of you. Whether you want to improve litter box habits, stop unwanted behavior, or teach fun tricks, the right approach can make it happen. With these cat training tips and a commitment to cat obedience training, you’ll soon enjoy a happier, more cooperative feline friend.

Remember: patience, consistency, and a little creativity go a long way when figuring out how to train a cat. Start simple, stay positive, and celebrate every small win—your cat will thank you for it.