Positive Cat Training: Building Good Behaviors

Training Your Cat with Positive Reinforcement

Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained! Here’s how to do it effectively:

Basic Training Principles:

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play
• Be Patient: Cats learn at their own pace
• Keep Sessions Short: 5-10 minutes maximum
• End on a Positive Note: Always finish with success

Essential Commands to Teach:

• Come When Called:
  • Use treats and a consistent sound (clicker or word)
  • Start close and gradually increase distance
  • Reward immediately when they respond
• Scratching Post Use:
  • Place scratching posts near furniture they target
  • Use catnip or treats to attract them to the post
  • Praise when they use the correct surface
• Litter Box Training:
  • Keep boxes clean and accessible
  • Use positive reinforcement for correct usage
  • Never punish accidents

Behavioral Issues:

• Scratching Furniture: Provide alternatives, use deterrents
• Jumping on Counters: Make surfaces unappealing, provide cat trees
• Aggression: Identify triggers, use positive redirection
• Excessive Meowing: Ignore attention-seeking behavior, reward quiet

Training Tools:

• High-value treats (small, soft, and tasty)
• Clicker for marking good behavior
• Interactive toys for mental stimulation
• Cat trees and scratching posts

What NOT to Do:

• Never use physical punishment
• Don’t spray with water (creates fear)
• Avoid yelling or loud noises
• Don’t force interactions