Train Your Cat

A loving home for every cat and a loved cat for every home.

Cat Soul Secrets

Train Your Cat

Come, Kitty!

The key to training your cat is repetition and reward. And remembering he is a CAT, not a dog. Your cat is not interested in pleasing you, but rather is interested in pleasing himself. Get him to understand what he needs to do to get your attention, and he will do it. Again, repetition and reward.

First, choose a behavior your cat already does. Does he come running when he hears the kibble rattling in the box? Rattle the box and say, “Come Kitty.” (You can substitute your cat’s name for “Kitty.”) When he does, give him some kibble from your hand. This works better, of course, if there is not always kibble available to him. Or you can use a special treat instead of kibble. Always praise him after he comes to you—”Good Kitty.”

Does your cat prefer a good brushing to food? Whenever you pick up your cat’s brush, call out “Brush? Brush?” Do this when he can see you and promptly start brushing him. If you consistently repeat “Brush” with brushing him, soon all you will have to do is call, “Brush” and he will come running. Don’t forget to praise him for the behavior.

Want to teach him to SIT? Using kibble as an example, sit on the floor near your cat and get his attention with the food, when he comes close to get it, gently push down on his rear and say “Sit.” Immediately give him some kibble and praise him. Repeat over and over, and soon he will sit on command.

This works the same way with “Give me your paw” or “Shake,” only you hold out the kibble or treat in your hand over his head so he has to reach up with his paw to get it and say, “Give me your paw.”

We would love for you to let us know how smart your cat is!