How to Train a Cat

Yes! You can teach your cat to come when called, use the toilet, and much more—and it's a lot easier than you might think.

First things first: Never punish

Cats are incapable of learning from what some owners consider "discipline." Worse, "punishing" your cat can cause stress, which can lead to behavioral and health issues, which you don't want to deal with during cat training. If you're learning how to train a cat, keep in mind that patience and positive reinforcement are vital. Trying to find out what's going on with your cat? Here are several examples:

Next: Get a clicker—and treats

A clicker, which is commonly used as a training tool for a broad range of animals, will only cost you a couple of dollars and will assist you in providing positive reinforcement when learning how to teach a cat. (You can also use a conventional pen with a clicky button—the crucial thing is to be able to generate a distinct noise quickly.) Most cat training includes rewarding your cat with a favorite goodie when he or she performs the desired action. These methods also work when it comes to giving your cat medicine. Without the clicker, your cat may be perplexed as to why it is being rewarded: If it obeys an order, hears the click, and then receives a reward, it is more likely to learn. To keep your cat from scratching you

How to train a cat to Come on command

Cats may learn to run in response to a verbal stimulus. (According to the ASPCA, you might use this technique to bring your cat in if it darts out unexpectedly.) This phase in cat training begins with producing a distinguishing noise before feeding—before you open a bag or can—such as loudly calling the cat or clicking your tongue. Your pet will soon link that noise with something good (food) and will come running to you when it hears it. Then, outside of usual feeding times, reinforce this habit. Begin with small distances. Make the noise, then use your clicker to lure your cat in, and then reward your kitty with a goodie. Call the cat from greater distances over time. The ASPCA suggests up to two "cat training sessions" every day, each lasting five minutes or fewer and repeating the behavior up to 20 times. By the way, here's how to tell how clever your cat is.

How to train a cat to use a toilet

It takes some effort to train a cat to use the bathroom, but consider the benefits: You'll save money on litter and have a cleaner house. To begin, install a litter box near your toilet. Then gently push it closer to the top of the seat—you may need to use a stool to make the procedure easier for the cat. Once your pet has become used to using a litter box on top of the toilet, switch to a specific litter box that fits within the toilet itself. (If you buy flushable litter, anticipate spillage.) Gradually reduce the amount of litter used to acclimate your cat to performing its business without it, and finally eliminate the litter box. If you hate cleaning up cat poo, try one of these self-cleaning litter boxes that will clean the mess up for you.

How to train a cat to Shake hands

This cat training is much easier than you would think: Prepare a reward, then place yourself with your cat on the same level. Tap your cat's paw while saying "shake," and when it moves its paw, use your clicker. Repeat training until your cat gives its paw without tapping in response to the "shake" instruction. This, like the "come on command," can require a few training sessions spread out over a couple of days. Once you've mastered this technique, your cat will be well-behaved and ready to star in some internet cat memes.

How to train a cat to Beg

This is a variation on the "shake hands" technique. Hold a goodie right over your cat's head and say "ask." Your pet should stand on its hind legs and reach for the snack; click to note the behavior, and then reward your cat. Practice until your cat begs on command without the need for a reward hanging above his head. If you want to learn how to teach a cat properly, always praise your pet—but never offer your cat milk.

How to Train a Cat to Walk on a leash

Purchase a harness with a leash that hooks to the cat's back rather than its neck. The ASPCA suggests that you keep it out for a few days in locations where your cat travels, such as its eating area or preferred napping position so that the animal is acclimated to the look of it before putting it on. Then, after rewarding the cat, you'll drape the harness over it (without fully fastening it). You'll ultimately go to fastening the harness on the cat without the leash—at first, leave it on your cat for a few minutes, then gradually extend the time over a few days. Attach the leash to the harness after your pet is familiar with it, and let your cat roam freely inside with it. Begin retaining the leash during training after a few days. Then: Take it easy in the wonderful outdoors! Allow your cat to explore a new environment at its own pace, and begin in a peaceful location. Now that you know how to properly teach your cat, avoid these typical cat owner blunders.