Oftentimes, people hear the words “cat training” and think there’s no way they’d be able to train their cat. The truth is that cats CAN be trained, and it’s quite easy to get started. Some might say it’s even easier than training dogs!
Whether you’re looking to correct problem behavior, teach some obedience skills, or train your cat to learn fun tricks, cat training is an enriching, rewarding, and fun activity the two of you can enjoy together.
Read More: Sitter Lost Dog
Reasons Why Cat Training is Important
Contrary to popular belief, cats do require mental and physical enrichment. If not given proper stimulation, cats can become bored, which then leads to problems such as destructive behavior, weight gain, depression, and other health issues. Training requires your cat to problem solve while also increasing their movement, which makes it an excellent form of both mental and physical exercise.
Training with your cat will also help to strengthen the bond the two of you share. It gives you a fun activity to do together, and it builds trust. As you work with your cat, you’ll get a deeper understanding of their personality, their body language, and how their mind works. This understanding will build a closer relationship and be helpful in other areas of your cat’s life as well.
Last but not least, training your cat can eliminate undesirable or problem behaviors. As mentioned, bored cats can become destructive, so if this is something your cat struggles with, training can help! You can also use clicker training to correct problem behavior such as unwanted scratching, biting, and counter surfing.
Before You Start Training Your Cat
While it is easy to get started clicker training with your cat, there is a little bit of prep work to do first!
Get the Necessary Cat Training Tools
There are just a couple things you’ll need to begin your cat training journey. The basic training materials include:
- A clicker and target stick – These two important tools come together in our Cat School Clicker Training Kit.
- Treats – You’ll need a treat your cat is willing to work for. This will be different for every cat. Your kitty might prefer dry kibble, freeze-dried treats, squeezable treats, or wet food. You might have to try out a few different options to find the right treat for your cat.
- Cat School membership – The Cat School curriculum is the most comprehensive resource for clicker training cats, accessible right from your home. Whether you want to teach your cat practical skills, tricks, or understand how to use the clicker to solve problem behaviors, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be able to ask questions, earn badges for your accomplishments, and get feedback from the teacher, an applied animal behaviorist. Students who purchase our Cat School Clicker Training Kit get one month for free!
If you’d like to go the extra mile and get all the materials you’ll eventually need, here are a few other recommended items:
- Small stacking cups – used for training a variety of skills, including high five, ringing a bell, etc.
- Yoga blocks – also used for a variety of training skills
- Treat pouch – to hold your treats and give you easy access during training sessions
- Mat – used for a variety of training skills, such as “stay” and “place” (Cat School Teacher Julie uses a laptop sleeve)
Decide What You’d Like to Train Your Cat to Do
The training possibilities with your cat are endless. This means you’ll never run out of things to do, but it also means it can be a bit overwhelming at first. With so many options of behaviors to work on, where do you start?
To help keep you and your kitty on track right from the beginning, it’s important to decide what kind of behaviors you’d like to start with. What are your goals? Are you wanting to fix an unwanted behavior, work on practical skills, or learn fun tricks? Making this choice doesn’t mean you can’t expand into other areas eventually. It just gives you a solid starting point and prevents you from trying to go in too many directions too soon.
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9 Cat Training Tips
Alright, so you’ve gotten the recommended tools and materials and you’ve chosen your training path. It’s time to get started!
- Start with Something EasyAs with anything new, it’s important to start with the basics first. As tempting as it may be to jump right into training your cat to jump through a hoop, chances are that would end in frustration for both of you. Start with some simple skills to show your cat that training is fun and easy.Teaching your cat that the “click” means they get a treat is the first step of clicker training. Once your cat understands the click, you may want to try teaching them to sit. Target training is also a good, beginner skill. By starting with these foundation skills, you will be well prepared to progress onto more advanced behaviors.
- Keep the Training Sessions ShortIt can be hard to keep a cat’s attention when they are new to training. Shorter sessions will keep your cat focused, and prevent them from losing interest or getting frustrated.When your cat is first beginning, we recommend starting with 3-5 minute sessions once or twice a day. Short but frequent and consistent training sessions will be way more effective than longer ones. For example, having two to three 5-minute training sessions in a day is typically better than one 15-minute session.As your cat advances, you can increase the length of your training sessions. If possible, try to end your session on a positive note before your cat loses interest.
- Eliminate Any DistractionsPick a quiet area of your home for your cat training sessions – someplace with as few distractions as possible. Family members, other pets, and noises can be quite distracting, and your cat may not be able to focus.If you have other pets, close them off in another room of the house so you and your cat can focus only on each other and the training. While there are strategies to train multiple cats at once, it’s best to start off working with just one cat at a time.
- Reward Immediately and ConsistentlyThe clicker takes a snapshot of the correct behavior and lets your cat know which behavior earned the reward. For clicker training to work properly, it’s essential to click right at the precise moment your cat performs the desired behavior. Because the click is a promise of a reward, it’s necessary always to give your cat a treat after you click. Behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated, so once your cat knows what behavior is earning treats, they will start to offer that behavior making it easy for you to add a signal down the road.
- Find the Right RewardThere is no magical, universal training treat. Just as with humans, different cats have different treat preferences. Some may prefer dry treats or kibble, while others prefer wet food or squeezable treats. It’s good to have multiple treats that your cat will work for.You may also find that your cat is willing to perform easy behaviors for one type of treat, but that they require a higher-value treat for more difficult behaviors. A high-value treat doesn’t necessarily mean a more expensive treat. It is just a treat your cat sees as being special.Again, this will be different for every cat, but typically it will be something they don’t get to have on a very regular basis. For example, if your cat only eats wet food for their regular meals, they may see dry food as something extra special!
- Don’t Punish the Bad BehaviorAs a general rule, cats don’t respond well to punishment. Punishing your cat can lead to stress and anxiety, and it can damage the sense of trust you’re building. Some cats will even view punishment as a reward – negative attention is attention, after all!Clicker training is all about positive reinforcement. The idea is always to reward the desired behaviors. When your cat engages in a negative behavior, you should try to redirect or distract your cat rather than punish. Better yet, figure out why your cat is doing that behavior and try to prevent it or teach them an alternative one. For example, if your cat is scratching the couch, the goal is to teach them to scratch a more appropriate option.
- Be Consistent with Your CuesTo avoid confusion, always use the same voice commands and hand signals for the behavior you are working on. Be sure that anyone else who trains with your cat also knows the correct commands and signals.
- Train at the Right TimeTraining requires a lot of focus from your cat, so you will want to be strategic about when you do your training sessions. After a nap or first thing in the morning is usually a good time, as your cat will be rested and ready for an activity. Right before mealtimes are great too because your cat will be more willing to work for their treat rewards if they’re a bit hungry. If your cat tends to be active at bedtime, you can engage in a training session with them before you go to sleep to help tire them out too.
- Involve OthersIf you have other members of your household, it is beneficial to include them in your cat’s training process. This is especially important if you’re working on training out any unwanted behaviors. All members of the household should know what the training method and goal is so they can also correctly and consistently address the bad behavior when it comes up.Involving others in the training also helps to build your cat’s socialization skills.
Obedience Skills
Obedience skills are a natural place to start. These include commands such as “sit,” coming when called, “stay,” “drop it,” target training, eye contact, etc. Many of the basic obedience skills are used as building blocks for future skills.
Target
Target training involves teaching your cat to touch an object with a specific part of their body for a reward. For example, getting your cat to touch the end of a target stick with their nose.
Using the target stick, you can:
- Have a clear signal to move your cat from one point to another
- Guide your cat willingly into a carrier or backpack
- Teach fun tricks such as jumping over your arms or legs
- Help a shy cat overcome their fear of strangers. You can use the target as an icebreaker with strangers by providing a constructive way to interact
- Tire your cat out before bed. Grab the device and get your cat moving around the room like an agility course
Check out this target training article for more information, or watch the video below:
Sit
Teaching your cat to sit is quite easy and doesn’t usually take much time at all. All you have to do is capture your cat’s “sit” by clicking and rewarding whenever they do it naturally. Pair it with a hand signal and voice cue, and eventually your cat will learn to do it on command.
Check out this video for a tutorial:
Coming When Called
Teaching your cat to come when called, also known as recall, is a useful skill. Not only is it nice when your cat comes when you call their name, it can also come in handy if your cat were to ever slip out of your house. Basically, you just need to use treats to entice your cat to come when you call their name and always reward when it happens.
Check out this video for a tutorial:
Problem Behaviors
If your cat has a problem with things like biting, scratching, or counter surfing, don’t worry! You can correct your cat’s behavior with proper training.
Biting
The first step to correcting biting behavior is to figure out why it’s happening as different situations will require different treatment plans. If your cat is playing rough and biting during playtime, try to keep them calm by interrupting play sessions before your cat gets too overstimulated. This strategy is no different than interrupting wrestling matches with dogs at the dog park and asking them to do some sits and stays to take a breather from play. The goal is never to punish the behavior, but instead prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Biting can also occur when your cat is bored and not getting enough mental or physical activity. Provide them with the means to act on their predatory instincts with toys they can chase, bite, and catch. Engaging in training sessions can help curb the biting behavior by teaching your cat self-control.
Furniture Scratching
Scratching is an instinctual and natural behavior, that is important for your cat. If your cat is scratching your couch, the best way to correct this behavior is to provide them with plenty of other equally or more appealing scratching surfaces and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to make the correct choice.
Place the scratchers in various areas of your home, and also beside the piece of furniture they tend to gravitate towards and make them as enticing as possible, for example, with catnip and using your clicker to reward your cat.
Cover your furniture so you don’t need to get frustrated with your cat during the training process. Fortunately, today, it’s so much easier to find beautiful couch covers to protect furniture and make your home more cat-friendly.
Counter Surfing
If your cat tends to jump up on your kitchen counter tops and that’s not something you’d like, you can discourage this behavior in several ways. Here are a few suggestions for eliminating counter surfing:
- Keep food and other tempting things off the countertops; finding snacks on the counter will reinforce your cat’s jumping.
- Provide your cat with a nearby alternative “parking spot,” for example, a cat tree or high shelves from which they can be near you in the kitchen.
- Make this new parking spot a fun place where your cat finds their favorite treats and toys.
- Using clicker training, reward your cat for going to the new parking spot and teach them to sit there, for example, by training your cat to sit on a mat.
If your cat finds nothing exciting on the counter and their new parking spot is a source of treats and attention, they should start to choose the new spot over the counter.
Tricks
There are SO many fun tricks you can teach your cat. Trick training is a great way to engage with your cat and strengthen your relationship. Many of the tricks require prerequisite skills like target training or sit, so be sure your cat has mastered those skills first.
Spin
To teach “spin” you’ll need to use either a target stick or your finger to lead your cat around in a tight circle. Pair this behavior with the “spin” command, a click as the trick as performed, and reward with a treat!
Check out this video tutorial:
Jump
You can teach your cat to jump up onto objects on command by using the target stick to lead your cat. Just as with “spin,” you’ll want to combine with a voice command and then click and reward when executed successfully.
You can use the target stick to lead your cat to jump over obstacles as well, such as your legs or your arms. Eventually you can even try teaching your cat to jump through your arms like in this tutorial video:
High Five
Nobody can resist a cute kitty who high-fives! The training process for this trick has a few steps involving cups and sticky notes, so be sure to check out this tutorial video:
Cat Training 101
At its core, cat training is about teaching your cat to associate desirable behavior with a reward. By doing so, you can encourage them to stop bad behavior and start desired behavior, leading to a happier, healthier life for both of you.
Although cats don’t instinctually work in partnership with humans, they can learn to follow commands and perform tricks just like dogs. Cat training can also provide positive mental and physical stimulation for cats, which can help reduce anxiety, aggression, or other destructive behaviors. Consistent cat training can also help you understand their body language and learn what they’re trying to communicate (including the many ways they show they love you!). If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to get a cat due to the prospect of bad behavior, consider the effectiveness of cat training in your decision.
What to Know Before You Start Cat Training
Stock Up on Treats
For starters, cats need motivation. Unlike dogs, cats won’t be as excited and eager to learn unless their rewards are worth their while. To make the most of your training sessions, be sure to stock up on their favorite treats and delicious cat food.
Find the Best Time
Cats’ daily lives follow a predictable cycle of hunting (playing), eating, grooming, and sleeping, so you’ll want to fit training sessions into their routine. Try training your cat right after they wake up from their nap as they’ll be ready to play and more likely to focus. They’ll also probably be hungry, which means they’ll work extra hard for those tasty treats.
Keep Training Sessions Brief
Cats have short attention spans. A training session under 15 minutes is long enough to accomplish the goal but short enough to keep your cat focused. Remember: the goal should be progress, not perfection!
Eliminate Distractions
A distracted cat can’t focus. Find a quiet place away from any pets and members of the family for your training session. Any background noise can throw your cat off, making the training session unproductive.
Be Consistent with Cues
To avoid confusion, use the same signals (could be hand signals) or cues for the command you want to achieve. Making sure family members also know the right signals and cues will help maintain consistency.
Only Train One Skill at a Time
Trying to teach a cat multiple skills at once can overload them. Only after your cat masters one skill, should you move on to the next.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Repetition reinforces your cat’s behavior. Once your cat masters the skill, make sure you repeat it frequently outside of a training session so your cat doesn’t forget it.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Focus on the behavior you want your cat to continue rather than the behavior you want them to stop. Yelling, swatting, or spraying your cat for unwanted behavior won’t be productive and your cat will likely just avoid you.
Be Patient
Learning new behaviors or solving behavior problems takes time. Be patient with your cat while it’s learning a new skill – they’re more than capable and very intelligent.
Common Cat Training Methods
Whether you use a clicker, hand signals, voice cues, or a combination of all three, here are some cat training methods you can use.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a very effective cat training method. All you need is a tool that makes a gentle clicking sound like a training clicker, a pen, or even your tongue! The goal is to first associate the clicking sound with a reward, and then further associate a new skill or desired behavior with the click, so your cat knows they’ll be rewarded, creating a cycle of reinforcement.
Hand Signals
Using hand signals is another great way to train your cat. The key is to associate different commands with hand gestures. For example, making a fist when you want your cat to sit or making an open palm when you want them to give you a high five can help strengthen behaviors.
Voice Cues
Voice cues are saying certain words to indicate certain commands. Similar to hand signals, the key is to associate a word with a behavior and reward your cat when it’s done. For example, saying “sit” to get them to sit or saying their name to get them to walk to you.
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Cat Training: Reinforcing Good Behavior
Whether you want your cat to give you a high five or get into their carrier with ease, here are some specific skills and how to teach them.
Litter Training
Many kittens and cats come already trained to use the litter box. However, even if yours didn’t, you can litter train them fairly quickly.
Make sure the box is clean and in a quiet place. After your kitty eats, move them to the litter box and gently scratch the litter with one of their front paws. After they pee or poop, reward them and remove them from the box. Do this consistently, and they will soon figure out the litter box is their elimination area.
Tip: If your cat is suddenly urinating or pooping outside of their litter box, it could be a sign of a potential health problem like a UTI. Talk to your veterinarian about any out-of-character litter box habits.
Carrier Training
Carrier training can teach cats that the carrier is a safe place to be, thus, making traveling with your cat easier.
First, leave the carrier door open and put a favorite toy or a treat inside it. When your cat enters the crate, give them some positive reinforcement like a pet or a chin-scratch. Once your cat is comfortable, try closing the door. Start with just a few seconds and slowly build up as your cat gets more comfortable with the door being closed.
After your cat adapts to the door being closed, get them used to the crate being carried. Start by lifting it up and placing it back down, and slowly start taking steps. Do this enough and your cat will soon be comfortable when it’s time to travel or visit the vet.
Sitting
Teaching your cat to sit can come in handy. Simply stand or sit in front of your cat, and when they sit naturally, reward them. Start using the “sit” cue after they start sitting in anticipation of the treat. Soon they will associate the cue with the behavior.
High Five
The high five is a fun party trick. Start by having your cat sit in front of you, and offer them a treat. If your cat’s paw comes off the ground, give them a treat.
Once your cat is reaching for your hand, raise it up in small increments. Your cat will soon reach higher and higher for the treat. When your cat is finally performing the high five, replace the treat with praise and chin scratches.
Cat Training: Stopping Bad Behavior
Tired of your cat scratching furniture or clawing at your arms? Here are some tricks to stop bad behavior.
Staying Off Counter Tops
Cats love to jump on counter tops, which can be unnerving and cause damage. Training a cat to stay off the counter is possible by using double-sided tape or an object the cat doesn’t like to discourage them from jumping up there.
If they do jump on the counter, calmly and gently put them back on the ground. If they know the sit command, this is a good time to use it. When your cat sits and doesn’t jump back up onto the counter, give them their treat.
Biting or Kicking with Hind Legs
It’s not uncommon for cats to bite or kick, but it can become a problematic behavior. If your cat bites or kicks because of a boundary or privacy issue, respect your cat’s space. If your cat bites or kicks out of rough play, however, disengage, and ignore your cat. When your cat stops being rough, reward the calm behavior.
Another way you can discourage cat bites is by disengaging and offering your hand for licks instead. Do this by putting a treat or some cat food on the back of your hand or fingers. By letting your cat lick the treat off of your hand, they learn a better way to engage with your hand when in a playful mood.
Scratching Furniture
The easiest way to prevent scratching furniture is to provide a scratching post. If that doesn’t solve the problem, place double-sided tape over the area to discourage your cat from using it. Keep in mind: Cats use scratching posts for claiming territory and leave their pheromones around. A cat is more likely to use a scratching post if it’s in plain sight or a room others occupy, too.
Destructive Chewing
Not only is destructive chewing annoying to deal with, but it can also be very dangerous. This is especially true if your cat likes to chew on electrical cords.
Prevent destructive chewing by hiding objects or spraying them with a bitter apple deterrent. You can also redirect them to chew sticks or other cat toys like catnip balls.
Eating Houseplants
There are many houseplants that are poisonous to cats. Although you should avoid having these types of plants in your home altogether, the next best thing is to seclude them in one area and put double-sided tape, a screen, or foil around the base of the plant. You can also add foil strips into the pot to discourage your cat from climbing into it.
You can also offer your cat an alternative like cat grass when they feel the need to chomp on some greens.
Yowling for Food
Like clockwork, some cats will start yowling and meowing close to mealtime to get your attention.
The best way to stop incessant cat meows is by simply ignoring the behavior. Your cat will soon learn there is no reward for this and stop. Try making them sit while you prepare their food to show them only good behavior will get them what they desire.
Whether you want your cat to be safer in their environment, stop unwanted behavior, or show off some fun party tricks, training cats is a great way to get the job done. A few minutes of your time each day will not only keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated, but also forge a better relationship between you and your purring feline.
Is There Treatment for Behavioral Issues?
Even with expert cat training, behavioral issues like anxiety or aggression can still arise. We know how stressful this can be for both you and your cat, which is why unlike a lot of insurance plans out there, Pumpkin plans can help cover eligible vet bills for behavioral issues. Protect your kitty with one of Pumpkin’s cat insurance plans today.
*Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) (NPN#19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR CAT NOT TO DO SOMETHING
There is usually a good reason why a cat does a certain thing or behaves in a certain way. The best thing to do is try and identify the cause, or why your cat is doing something, and then give them an alternative. For example:
If your cat pesters you for attention while you’re sleeping:
| Identify the cause | Is your cat bored and simply looking for a source of entertainment? Did your cat get enough attention and play time before you went to bed? Do you usually give your cat attention when they pester you at night? |
| Provide alternatives | It may be that your cat would benefit from some puzzle feeders and interactive toys to keep them occupied at night. If you keep your cat indoors at night, it may be that they would be happier being able to have access to the garden. Ensure you have given your cat some ‘quality time’ in the evening before bed. If they do pester you, try to ignore them as much as possible so you’re not “rewarding” this behaviour. |
If your cat scratches on the furniture:
| Identify the cause | Does your cat have suitable places indoors and outdoors to scratch? Could they feel like their territory is under threat from other cats, either inside or outside? How do you respond when your cat scratches where you don’t want them to? |
| Provide alternatives | Make sure you provide your cat with lots of attractive alternatives to where they are currently scratching (We have more advice on this in How to stop my cat scratching the furniture). If you have more than one cat, keep an eye out to make sure they’re getting along. You can also try to deter other neighbourhood cats from coming into your garden and ensure they aren’t coming in your home. A microchip-operated cat flap is often the most effective way to do this. When your cat scratches, don’t pay them any attention, either good or bad. If possible, try restricting your cat’s access to the area where they’re scratching by placing something in front of it. If your cat might be stressed by other cats in the household, take a look at our advice on multi-cat households. |
If your cat pounces on your hands or feet:
| Identify the cause | Maybe you’ve used your hands and feet to play with your cat before? Does your cat have lots of other toys (e.g. moving feather wands and fishing rod toys), and opportunities to run and chase them? Does your cat have access to other things to keep them occupied, like puzzle feeders and access to an enriching outdoor space? |
| Provide alternatives | Make sure you provide your cat with lots of alternative things to entertain them and play with. It sounds simple, but don’t use your hands or feet to play with your cat as this will just reinforce the pouncing behaviour. For more information on ways to provide your cat with a stimulating environment, take a look at our advice on How to make your home cat-friendly and enriching for your cat or How to make your garden or outside space cat-friendly and enriching for your cat. |
If your cat is going to the toilet outside of the litter tray:
| Identify the cause | Is the litter tray in a suitable place where your cat feels comfortable? Is the tray clean? Does the cat have more than one option for where they can go to the toilet? Could another cat be blocking access to the tray? Could your cat be stressed or physically unwell? |
| Provide alternatives | Ensure your cat has at least one tray that is suitable for their age and size, is in a good location and is cleaned and emptied regularly (Take a look at Advice on litter trays for more information). If you have more than one cat in the house, make sure they’re getting on well. (Our advice on multi-cat households will help with this). Your cat may also need a check-up at the vet, or you may benefit from some support from a cat behaviourist (please see How to find a good cat behaviourist). |
If your cat is jumping on surfaces you don’t want them to be on:
| Identify the cause | Is there something on the surface that your cat wants? It might be that you are inadvertently reinforcing this behaviour by paying your cat attention when it happens. Cats generally enjoy being on elevated surfaces – does your cat have other suitable places to jump up to and rest on? |
| Provide alternatives | Make sure your cat has plenty of comfy elevated places that they can reach. Try luring your cat there instead with food or a wand/fishing rod toy. If your cat is somewhere he or she shouldn’t be, calmly and quietly lift them off and place them on the floor without paying them too much attention. |
If your cat behaves aggressively whilst you are stroking them:
| Identify the cause | Make sure you’re paying attention to where you’re touching your cat; are they are actually enjoying it? Could your cat be in any pain or physical discomfort? |
| Provide alternatives | Pay close attention to your cat’s behaviour and body language while you’re stroking them. Make sure the cat has sufficient choice and control during the interaction and that you stop stroking the cat before they are obviously uncomfortable. If you only stop once the cat has had enough, you are actually reinforcing the aggressive behaviour because the cat will learn that this is the best way to get you to stop. If you think your cat could be in pain, you should take them to the vets for a check-up. Take a look at our advice on Cat body language explained for more information. |
Conclusion
Training your cat to avoid unwanted behaviors requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to provide alternatives. By identifying the root causes of your cat’s actions and offering suitable alternatives, you can create a harmonious and happy environment for both you and your feline companion. Remember, positive reinforcement and consistent routines are key to successful cat training. If you encounter persistent issues, consulting a veterinarian or a professional cat behaviorist can provide additional support and guidance.
FAQs
Q: How do I stop my cat training from scratching the furniture?
A: Provide your cat with suitable scratching posts or pads. Ensure they are placed in areas where your cat likes to scratch. You can also use deterrents like double-sided tape on the furniture to discourage scratching.
Q: Why does my cat pester me for attention at night?
A: Your cat might be bored or seeking attention. Ensure your cat has enough playtime and interactive toys before bed. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
Q: How can I stop my cat from pouncing on my hands or feet?
A: Avoid using your hands or feet as toys during playtime. Provide your cat with alternative toys like feather wands and fishing rod toys.
Q: What should I do if my cat is going to the toilet outside the litter tray?
A: Ensure the litter tray is clean and in a suitable location. Provide multiple litter trays if you have more than one cat. Consult a vet if the behavior persists, as it could indicate a health issue.
Q: How do I stop my cat from jumping on surfaces where I don’t want them to be?
A: Offer your cat alternative elevated places to rest. Lure them to these places with food or toys. Calmly and quietly lift your cat off surfaces they shouldn’t be on without paying them too much attention.
Q: Why does my cat behave aggressively when I stroke them?
A: Pay attention to your cat’s body language. Stop stroking before your cat becomes uncomfortable. If you suspect pain or discomfort, consult a vet.
Q: How do I introduce a new cat to my existing cat?
A: Introduce them gradually, starting with scent swapping and supervised interactions. Ensure both cats have their own space and resources.
Q: How can I train my cat to use a litter tray?
A: Place your cat in the litter tray after meals and naps. Praise them when they use it correctly. Ensure the tray is clean and accessible.
Q: Why does my cat spray urine in the house?
A: Spraying is often a territorial behavior. Ensure your cat is neutered or spayed. Provide enough resources and reduce stress in the household.
Q: How do I stop my cat from biting during playtime?
A: Use toys instead of your hands during playtime. If your cat bites, stop the play session immediately to discourage the behavior.
Q: How can I train my cat to come when called?
A: Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Call your cat’s name and reward them when they come to you.
Q: Why does my cat meow excessively?
A: Excessive meowing can indicate boredom, hunger, or a health issue. Ensure your cat has enough playtime, food, and consult a vet if the behavior persists.
Q: How do I stop my cat from waking me up early in the morning?
A: Ignore your cat’s attempts to wake you up. Provide interactive toys and feeders to keep them occupied.
Q: How can I train my cat to walk on a leash?
A: Start by getting your cat used to wearing a harness. Gradually introduce the leash and reward your cat for walking calmly.
Q: Why does my cat hide when visitors come over?
A: Cats can be territorial and may feel anxious around strangers. Provide a safe space for your cat to retreat to.
Q: How do I stop my cat from eating houseplants?
A: Provide cat-friendly plants or grass for your cat to chew on. Use deterrents like bitter sprays on houseplants.
Q: How can I train my cat to use a cat tree?
A: Place treats or toys on the cat tree to encourage your cat to explore it. Praise your cat when they use the tree.
Q: Why does my cat knock things off tables?
A: Cats knock things off tables for attention or out of boredom. Provide interactive toys and playtime to keep your cat occupied.
Q: How do I stop my cat from chewing on cords and wires?
A: Cover cords with protective covers or use deterrent sprays. Provide chew toys for your cat.
Q: How can I train my cat to use a scratching post?
A: Place the scratching post near areas where your cat likes to scratch. Use catnip or treats to encourage your cat to use the post.
Q: Why does my cat follow me around the house?
A: Cats often follow their owners out of affection or curiosity. Ensure your cat has enough playtime and interaction.
