Some people may think you can’t train a cat, but the opposite is true. Cats are actually very intelligent, and while at times sometimes stubborn, can learn a variety of behaviours. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two useful things you can teach your cat.
Coming on Cue
If you want to teach your cat to come when called, it’s important to start small and set them up for success from the beginning. Start by putting some treats in a plastic bag and keeping them in your pocket. Do this when your cat isn’t aware, and wash your hands to remove any scent.
When your cat is heading your way, use your chosen cue, such as [Cat’s Name], come”. Make sure to stick with the same cue every time. The moment they reach you, reward them with a treat.
Once your cat starts to understand the connection between the cue and the reward, you can gradually increase the difficulty. But don’t rush it, the easiest and fastest way for your cat to learn is to build on their success. If your cat stops responding or seems uninterested, that’s your sign to end the training session for the day and try again tomorrow.
The Key: Set Your Cat Up for Success
Progress should be gradual. Only move on to the next step when your cat consistently responds to the current one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Give the cue when your cat is already coming toward you.
Step 2: Give the cue when your cat looks at you, but before they start moving.
Step 3: Give the cue when your cat is in view and relaxed, but not looking at you.
Step 4: Give the cue when your cat is distracted but could still see you.
Step 5: Give the cue when your cat is in another room but can hear you.
Carrier Training
Training your cat to be comfortable in a carrier, and to enter on cue, can be incredibly useful, and even lifesaving in an emergency. But it all begins with helping your cat feel safe and comfortable with the carrier.
If your cat only sees the carrier during vet visits, they’ll quickly learn it means stress and discomfort. To avoid this, make the carrier a part of everyday life. Keep it out in a familiar spot, accessible at all times. Turn it into a cozy, inviting hideout. Cats naturally love boxes and enclosed spaces, so take advantage of that by adding a soft blanket or their bed inside and maybe draping a sheet over the sides to create a den. You can also place one of their favourite items inside or a piece of clothing that smells like both of you. Every now and then, toss in a few surprise treats to make it even more appealing.
If your cat chooses to relax inside the carrier on their own, reward them with a treat. Don’t force them in or make a big deal out of it, let them explore or ignore it at their own pace.
For Cats Who Already Dislike the Carrier
Some cats have already associated the carrier with negative experiences. In that case, you’ll need to go even slower. Start by turning the carrier into a neutral object. Make it cozy and inviting, just like described above. For some cats, it may be needed to partially disassemble the carrier by removing the top and door, leaving just the bottom. Let it sit out like that for a while so your cat can investigate on their own terms. Do not throw any treats around or in it yet.
Over time, your cat should become indifferent to the carrier. When that happens, begin placing treats a short distance from it, gradually moving them closer. Eventually, you can leave treats just inside the carrier.
As your cat grows more comfortable, reassemble the carrier in stages. First, put the top back on and continue leaving treats inside. Once they’re relaxed with that, you can add the door. At the start, you may want to secure the door to prevent it from swinging which can frighten your cat. If your cat shows signs of fear, take a step back and give them time to readjust.
Practicing with the Door Closed
Once your cat is comfortable being in the carrier with the door attached and the top on, you can begin training with cllosing the door. While they’re inside eating treats, gently close the door for a few seconds, before they even notice. Slowly increase the amount of time the door stays closed, but always keep an eye on your cat. If they start to look uncomfortable, shorten the duration and build back up more gradually.
Adding a Cue to Enter the Carrier
Just like teaching your cat to come on cue, you can teach them to go into the carrier on command. Once your cat is confidently stepping into the carrier, start introducing a cue, such as [Cat’s Name], in carrier or any other cue you wish to use. Just as with training to come on cue, start with small steps, and give the cue as they are already walking into the carrier, and reward them with a treat. As they begin to understand, increase the challenge slightly by giving the cue when they’re approaching the carrier, then when they’re sitting in front of it, and so on. Always work in small steps and set your cat up for success.
Getting Used to Movement
The final stage of carrier training is getting your cat used to the motion of the carrier. Start by gently lifting it for just a second, then put it back down. Gradually increase the movement, carrying it for short distances around the house. When your cat is totally relaxed with that, you can begin taking short car rides. Again, slow and steady progress, paired with lots of treats and praise, is key.
Conclusion
Training a cat might require a bit more patience and creativity than training a dog, but it’s definitely possible. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and a little understanding of how your cat thinks, you can teach them useful and fun things while strengthening your bond and make everyday life easier for both of you.
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