Useful Cat Training Tips and Tricks

When you bring home a kitten or new cat, training your new feline friend may not be top of mind. However, there are several benefits to cat training, and it’s easier than you might think. Read on for cat training tips on different skills, some advice for new cat owners, and information about how MetLife Pet’s cat insurance can help you provide the coverage your cat needs.

When to Start Cat Training

The best time to start training your cat is when they’re a kitten. The earlier you begin, the more well-behaved your cat is likely to be. However, you should start by socializing your kitten before jumping to teach them specific actions. Introduce them to other animals, people, and environments so they’re comfortable around new people, situations, and objects.¹

Don’t fret if your cat isn’t a kitten anymore — older cats can be trained, too.

Benefits of Cat Training

The most obvious benefit of cat training is that your cat will be well-behaved. The natural result is that both kitty and owner will be safer and happier. Training will also strengthen the bond between you and your cat.²

Another pro of training your cat is the mental stimulation it provides. Cats can get bored, which can cause them to overeat, sleep too much, or engage in destructive behavior. The problem-solving that comes from completing a positive action or trick and receiving a reward gives cats a sense of satisfaction.²

How to Train a Cat

Positive reinforcement is a popular method for cat training. This means when your cat performs the action you want, you reward them with a treat they like, or praise them, or both. Before you begin training, make sure you have treats that you know your cat enjoys, whether they’re store bought or homemade.

Cat behavioral training tips

When your cat is doing something you don’t want them to do, you can correct that behavior in several ways. What exactly you do depends on the bad behavior you’re attempting to curb:^2,3

• Scratching furniture: Cats instinctually scratch because it marks their scent from glands in their paws and helps to remove dead parts of their nails. To solve this issue, get a scratching post, or make one yourself, and redirect your cat to scratch it instead.
• Biting: The best way to get your cat to stop biting you is to ignore them and give them a toy to bite instead.
• Not letting you brush them or cut their nails: If your cat is fearful of these grooming needs or other actions, desensitization is the best method to use. This means to slowly introduce them to the action in a way they tolerate. For example, placing the hair brush near them and letting them sniff and explore it, then barely touching it to them, and slowly working up to brushing them.

When your cat does the correct action, like scratching the post, biting the toy, and letting you brush them, be sure to reward them.

Cat litter box training tips

Using the litter box for eliminating is one of the easier actions to train your cat to do. This is because cats instinctively know how to use litter boxes. Put the litter box in a quiet, private spot away from their food and water. Then, simply introduce your cat to the litter box, and they’ll be naturally inclined to use it.² When they do, give them praise and treats to reinforce the behavior. Keep kittens under 8 weeks confined to the same room as the litter box so they don’t have to travel far to find it.¹

If your cat is refusing to use the litter box, try moving it to a different location or switching to a new brand of litter. If the issue persists, it could be a sign of a medical issue, so take your cat to the vet.

Cat crate training tips

Sometimes, you’ll need to go somewhere with your cat in a crate or carrier, and you’ll want your cat to get into the carrier as easily as possible. For a seamless start to your journey, you’ll need to first expose your cat to the crate before you put them in it. Feed them a meal just outside the door, then another just inside the door. Then feed them a meal in the very back of the crate. Between meals, put treats and toys in it as well. Close the door for increasingly longer periods to accustom your cat to being closed inside it.²

Cat clicker training tips

A clicker is a small handheld device that makes positive reinforcement training more efficient by helping your cat connect their correct behavior with the reward. For example, as soon as your cat begins scratching their post, click the clicker and follow with a reward.²

A clicker device isn’t the only option for this training method. You can use a marker that’s distinct, like a whistle or even a snap of your fingers or a spoken phrase like “good job.” When you immediately “mark” when your cat does the action you want, they’ll better connect that action with the reward.²

Cat leash and harness training tips

Taking your cat outside on a leash with a harness is a great way for them to safely explore the outdoors. It can also make trips to the vet easier. Before trying to put your cat in the harness, let them smell it and touch it. Then, put the harness on them for a short period of time, working up to going outside for a walk with the leash.

If your cat won’t let you put the harness on, start by placing a piece of string against your cat’s back so they get used to the feeling. Move on to a heavier material and then to the harness itself, putting it over your cat’s head and on their back without securing it. Once they’re accustomed to the feeling of the harness touching them, try to secure it on them.²

Other Cat Training Tips for New Cat Owners

If you’re a new cat owner, it’s important to learn as much as you can about how to train your cat. More cat training tips include:^1,3

• Keep training sessions short: Try to limit training sessions to 5 minutes because cats get bored easily.
• Consider training before meals: While cats aren’t as food motivated as dogs, your kitty will probably be more receptive to training if they’re hungry.
• Don’t punish for bad behavior: Cats don’t respond well to being scolded or punished. Stick to positive reinforcement strategies.
• Limit distractions: Train your kitty in a calm, quiet environment so they can focus.
• Consistency is key: Use the same cues and signals when teaching your cat an action. For example, don’t use both “come” and “come here” interchangeably when trying to teach your cat to come to you.

Remember that practice makes perfect, so even if your cat doesn't seem to be responding to training, just keep practicing.

Can You Train a Cat to Do Tricks and Follow Commands?

Cats can learn tricks and commands just like dogs do, and the method for teaching them is quite similar. To teach your kitty to sit, hold a treat just above their head and move it toward their ears. As their head moves to follow the treat, they will bend their legs and sit. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, give them the treat (or use a marker and treat). Pair this action with the verbal cue “sit” each time, and eventually, your cat will learn to sit when they hear that command.²

To teach your cat to come to you on command, first, give them a treat when they approach you. Then, throw a treat far away from you to send your cat away. Then hold up a new treat and say, “Come!” When they get close, give the treat. Repeat these steps until your cat understands.²

For high-fives, hold your palm up to your cat. When they touch your hand with their paw, give them a treat. Do it again a few seconds later, pairing the action with the verbal cue, “High-five!” With repetition, your cat will learn to put their paw to your hand.²

Consider MetLife Pet Insurance

As a cat owner, you just want what’s best for your kitty. When your cat is trained, it makes their life easier and happier, so take just a few minutes out of your day every day to train your cat for the betterment of both of you.

Cat training isn’t the only good thing you can do for both yourself and your cat. A pet insurance plan through MetLife Pet can be a great way to help keep your feline friend happy and healthy. Get a free quote today to get started.