How to Train Your Cat

When we go to train a cat, it's not as simple as training a dog because the cat is not necessarily eager to please. In fact, most cats need a bigger motivator that dogs. While Flotty and Jewel will sometimes respond to dry treats, they really prefer their favorite foods instead and will put more effort in to earn them.

The general outline of training a cat simple:

1. Ask the cat to perform using a gesture, spoken request, or both
2. If the cat performs correctly or takes a step in the right direction, click a clicker
3. Follow up immediately with a treat

A simple clicker

A clicker is simply a button you depress to create a noise. The reason we use a clicker to signal is because it produces a consistent sound each time and is easy for you and the cat to recognize.

You can buy a clicker in the cat or dog section of your pet store (should be $5 or less).


When you press the clicker and follow-up right away with the treat, you're telling your cat that he did something good and he'll get a reward.

Dry cat treats

A treat is a food-reward that the cat enjoys. Dry treats work fine, but it is difficult for the cat to take it from your fingers. Your cat may be more enthused by wet cat food, or cooked tuna, eggs, or meat. This may be a no-brainer but do not put seasonings or sauces on the cooked food you give to your cat.














There are certain things you should avoid doing when training your cat:

• If your cat is not responding or clearly doesn't want to train (cleaning themselves or walking away are big indicators), don't force it. Just wait until another time. My cats are not as responsive in the evening hours as the morning or afternoon because we put out their food at night. 
• Do not yell at, hurt, or scare your cat in any way. If they perform incorrectly, do not berate them. They won't understand and they will simply dislike you and the training. 
• Cats can't learn not to do things. They will simply wait until you are not around to perform the actions for which you told them off. For example, if you yell at your cats and chase them off the counter, they'll wait until you've left for work to continue their exploration. 
• Don't forget that an extreme amount of patience is required when training any animal. No two animals are the same and each individual will require your undivided attention. Results will take time and not all cats are able to perform all requests. 
• Don't vary the training time too much. An older cat with respond better if you keep the training interval around the same time daily. 
• Keep the training period short. Cats can only pay attention for so long. Although their attention span should grow as the training progresses - limit your sessions to no more than 5 minutes from the onset. It will be obvious when your cat walks away in disinterest or doesn't take a treat that your training period has ended. 
• Do not attempt to train two or more cats at once. If you have more than one pet, bring your kitty to a separate room without distractions for training. You may find that your cats are responsive as a team, but I find that mine try to steal treats from one another and can't focus on the requests or gestures. 

More tips to come!

Give your cat lots of love and attention and he will reciprocate!

Introducing: Flotsam and Jewel!

The intention of this blog is to follow the training of my two cats, Flotsam and Jewel. Training animals is not cruel, but rather allows the animal to stimulate their brain as well as build a bond with the owner. As of this writing, my cats are not trained - they do not know any commands or gestures. The only words they know are their own names (but not distinctly - if I call Jewel, Flotsam will always come over).

This blog might contain any of the following:

• Videos of the cats training
• Photos of the cats
• Reviews of cat-related products 
• Anything else pertaining to cats, cat ownership or care

The stars:

Name:              Jewel
Breed:             Part-Siamese, part-American Shorthair
Age:                 3
Origin:            Helping Hands Pet Rescue
Personality:    Jewel is a creature of habit and enjoys reclining on a human's lap. She prefers men to
                         women. She has a difficult time adjusting to environmental changes, however, she
                         will greet anyone who enters her home. Very smart, she does what she wants and
                         needs a strong incentive to try something new. She's exceedingly vocal and she lets
                         us know if she's unhappy. Also, she hates being in the car and meowls the whole
                         way.
Favorite toy:   Plastic ball with a bell inside
Sleeping spot:  Her cat bed. Always.
Favorite food: Tuna
Fun fact:          Although Jewel is a short-haired multi-colored cat with many patterns, her sister was
                          an all-grey cat with medium-length fur. Fancy that!

















Name:              Flotsam
Breed:             American Shorthair
Age:                 3.5
Origin:             Helping Hands Pet Rescue
Personality:     Flotsam, aka Flotty, is absolutely the most friendly, lovable cat. He enjoys snuggling
                          up with any human who has entered his home. He is cautious when faced with
                          environmental changes, but eagerly runs to greet anyone entering his house. When I
                          open the door upon arriving home, he is always sitting there waiting for me. He's                                 eager to please, but cannot concentrate for very long. Sometimes he'll take a few                                   steps and plop over on his side.
Favorite toy:    Laser pointer - he'll chase until he's out of breath
Sleeping spot:   Anywhere - the bathroom sink, the cat tree, half in-half out of his cat bed, on the
                           sofa, beside my bedroom door, in the middle of the living room. Pretty much
                           anywhere.
Favorite food:   Eggs
Fun fact:            Flotsam acquired his taste for eggs when he thieved some freshly scrambled eggs
                            right from our plate!






Disclaimer: I am not an animal trainer nor a veterinarian. Please contact a certified trainer or veterinarian with respect to any behavioral or medical issues your pet may have.