More than 90% of cat owners think that cats are untrainable. But did you know your cat can learn over 30 tricks with proper cat training?

Take a piece of paper, and write it down 10 times, “cats are trainable” because it’s all about how to train a cat properly.

Cats can sometimes be the easiest or hardest to train. But they all learn from their interactions with us. If you use your interaction as a guide to teach your cat proper manners, and obedience techniques, then you’re on a roll.

Training your cat is essential as it teaches them to learn some important behaviors they can follow.

This can be helpful in various situations such as: going to the vet, making them sit in a carrier, brushing them, and getting their teeth cleaned.

Here’s why you should train your cats:

• Prevents Destructive Behavior : Cats get bored easily. When they get bored they bite, become irritable, and sometimes destroy things. Training your cat properly can help eliminate boredom and promote proper cat behavior.

• Promotes Health : When cats get bored they tend to become sad and depressed. They need stimulation. Often times they like getting stimulated with toys or some proper training.

• Strengthens Your Bond : Training your cat consistently strengthens your bond with your cat, thereby boosting their mood and well-being.

To train your cat effectively you have to understand feline psychology and operant behaviour.

Associative learning is the most effective way to teach your cat. It uses operant conditioning by rewarding good behavior or discouraging bad behavior.

Cats link rewards or punishments to their actions, making it a powerful way to shape positive behaviors over time.

Positive reinforcement rewards good behavior with treats, while negative punishment involves withholding something enjoyable to discourage bad behavior.

Punishing your cat can lead to stress, damage your bond, and cause them to associate negativity with you. Instead, focus on guiding them toward desirable behaviors in a positive way.

To start training your cat effectively you have to make sure you have the right tools in hand. Here’s what you need:

• Clicker and Target Stick : If you have ever wondered how to train cats, then clicker and target stick is your friend. These tools make target training easier and help reinforce positive behavior by linking a sound to the cat's actions.

• Treats : This is a great way to teach your cat. Your cat will learn quickly if you give them the right treats like tuna, prawns, salmon, etc. Remember, don’t make them overeat when training. Always treat them in smaller portions.

• Distraction-Free Environment : Cats learn the best in distraction-free environments. This is because they’re not as social as dogs.

• Keep Sessions Short : Make sure you keep the sessions short as cats get bored easily. Train not more than 10 minutes 304 times a day.

When training your cat you need to start with something easy. So, that the training doesn’t become a burden on you and the cat. Show your cat that the training is easy and fun.

Here are some fun cat training tips:

1. Sit

Teach your cat how to sit. It is surprisingly one of the easiest things to do. All you have to do is, whenever your cat sits make a clicking sound and say, “Sit”. Pair this with a hand signal and voice command so they learn it and follow it properly next time.

2. Target

It is important to target-train your cats. When you teach your cat to touch something with a part of their body, you’re giving them target training. To target-train your cat, use a target stick or your hand, reward them when they touch it, and pair it with a cue.

3. Coming When You Call Their Name

Wondering how to teach a cat their name? Simply shake a treat packet, call their name to make them come to you, and reward them when they respond.

4. Self-control

You need to teach your cat self-control. Because if you don't they'll never stop biting you or that price of furniture. When they bite don't punish their behavior but provide them toys they can chase, bite, and catch. Provide them with something they can act on with their predatory instincts.

5. Spin

Want your cat to spin? Use your finger to lead your cat around a tight circle. Say the “spin” command and make the click sound when this trick is performed. Reward them with a treat afterward.

6. Jump

Just like the spin, you can teach your cat to jump by leading your cat to jump with your finger. Reward them when they do it.

7.  Potty Training Your Cat.

It's very important to potty train your cat well. What you can do is, after your kitty eats, move them to the litter box.

Take one of their front paws and scratch the litter. After they're done with the deed, reward them and remove them from the box.

8. Carrier Training

If you want your cat to not get scared of the carrier then it's time to do carrier training. You can do this by leaving the carrier door open and putting their favorite toy or a treat inside it.

Give your cat a pet, or a chin-scratch (positive reinforcement) when they enter the carrier.

9. High five

This is an easy trick to teach. Hold a treat in a closed hand, then open your hand and let your cat see the treat. When they reach for it, make their paw touch your palm. That’s a high-five! Reward them.

Training your cat is not only possible but also beneficial for both you and your feline companion. With the right tools, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your cat a variety of tricks and behaviors that improve their well-being and strengthen your bond.

Remember, consistency and fun are key to a successful training journey. Start with simple commands, keep training sessions short, and watch your cat thrive.

Training cats is easy, but it depends on the cat's personality and the methods used. While some cats may be quick learners, others might take a bit more time. Cats are more independent than dogs, and they tend to learn best when they’re motivated by treats, praise, or playtime.

Feline training helps your cat develop desirable behaviors and improves their quality of life. Training can teach your cat important skills like using the litter box, staying calm during vet visits, or learning commands like "sit" or "high five." It also prevents behavioral problems such as biting, scratching furniture, or excessive meowing.

Teaching your cat the command "no" can be challenging, but it’s achievable. The key is to make the "no" command associated with something unpleasant, but not harmful. When your cat is doing something undesirable, such as scratching furniture or jumping on counters, say "no" in a firm but calm voice. Follow up with a redirection, move them away from the behavior, and offer a toy they can interact with.