The Truth About Cat Training: Yes, Cats Can Learn Commands and Tricks

Yes, cats can be trained. Cats learn basic commands and tricks with short, positive sessions that use a reward they love, such as a favourite toy or game, and a clear marker like a clicker or a word. Training is about communication and connection, not control. This guide shows you how to start, what to teach first and what to do when your cat loses interest.

Why train your cat?

A trained cat is often more confident and easier to live with. Training can help with everyday situations like going into a carrier, responding when called or using a scratching post. It also strengthens your bond by helping your cat link you with positive experiences. And it gives an indoor cat something to think about, which is a good thing for any curious mind.

Key principles

1. Find what motivates your cat. Cats work for rewards that matter to them, such as a favourite feather toy, a game or your attention.
2. Use positive reinforcement. Mark the exact moment your cat does something right with a clicker or a word like "yes", then reward right away.
3. Keep sessions short. Two to five minutes is plenty. End on a good note.
4. Be patient and consistent. Every cat learns at its own pace. Use the same cues each time.
5. Work with natural behaviour. Cats love to jump, paw, stalk and explore. If your cat naturally paws at you, you can shape it into a "high-five".

Teach the marker first

Before any trick, your cat needs to understand what the click or the word means. Click or say "yes", then immediately give the reward. Repeat this several times over a few short sessions. Soon your cat will look up the moment they hear it, because they have learned that it predicts something good. Only then should you start asking for behaviours.

What can you teach a cat?

• Basics: come when called, sit, stay, go to a mat.
• Fun tricks: shake paw, high-five, spin, jump through a hoop, fetch.
• Life skills: walk into a carrier calmly and use a scratching post instead of furniture.

Getting started

1. Choose a quiet space with few distractions.
2. Use a toy or your hand to guide your cat into the position you want, such as moving a toy above their head to encourage a sit.
3. The moment they do it, mark it and reward.
4. Slowly fade the guide until your cat responds to a hand signal or a spoken cue.

A first lesson: touch

Teaching your cat to touch their nose to your hand is a great starting point, because it opens the door to many other tricks.

1. Hold your closed fist or two fingers a few centimetres from your cat's nose.
2. Most cats will sniff it out of curiosity. The instant their nose touches, mark and reward.
3. Repeat a handful of times, then move your hand a little further away so they have to take a step.
4. Add a word such as "touch" just before you present your hand.

Once your cat is following your hand, you can lead them onto a mat, up onto a stool or around a small circle, which is the beginning of "spin".

Training your cat for a carrier

This is the most useful life skill on the list. Leave the carrier out in the room with the door open and a soft blanket inside, so it becomes part of the furniture rather than a sign that something stressful is coming. Mark and reward any step towards it: a glance, a sniff, a paw inside, then a full step in. Build up slowly to closing the door for a moment and opening it again. Never push your cat in. Calm, repeated practice makes real trips far easier.

Common mistakes

• Sessions that run too long. Stop while your cat still wants more.
• Late rewards. If the reward comes several seconds after the behaviour, your cat will not connect the two.
• Punishment. Scolding or startling a cat breaks trust and teaches them to avoid you, not to behave.
• Training when your cat is tired or scared. Pick a time when your cat is alert and relaxed.
• Changing cues. Choose one word and one hand signal for each behaviour and stick to them.
• Expecting too much too fast. Break every trick into tiny steps.

If your cat walks away

That is information, not failure. Your cat might be tired, distracted or just not interested in the reward you chose. Try a different toy, shorten the session or try again later. Always let your cat leave. Training works only when it is something they choose to join.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really train a cat?

Yes. Cats are independent, but they respond well to short, rewarding sessions.

How long should a cat training session be?

Two to five minutes, a few times a day if your cat is keen.

Is it different from training a dog?

The main difference is motivation. Cats work for something that benefits them, so make each session rewarding and fun.

Can older cats learn new things?

Yes. Go at their pace, keep sessions gentle and short, and pick behaviours that are comfortable for them.

What if my cat ignores the clicker?

Go back to the first step and pair the click with the reward again. Try a quieter environment, or use a word instead of a clicker if the sound bothers them.

See also: 5 online games cats love, bringing a cat home and paws vs claws. Curious about how cats think? Read 5 things your pet is really thinking. More in New pet parent.

By Team Stepevoli.