How to Train a Cat

If you’re reading the title of this article and thinking, “Ha, you can’t train cats!”, you’re not alone. Cats are often seen as aloof, independent, and—let’s be honest—untrainable. Many cat owners have accepted this as the truth. While dog training takes advantage of their desire to please, training cats can feel like a lost cause, especially when they insist on scratching the couch. But despite the common belief that cats and dogs are fundamentally different in their trainability, science is proving otherwise. Cats are trainable, but they require different techniques than dogs do.

Can You Use Treats to Train a Cat?

Yes, you can definitely use treats to train a cat! Cats respond well to positive reinforcement, so rewarding them with tasty treats is an effective way to encourage the behaviors you want to see.

In fact, you might have already been training your cat without even realizing it. Cats often interpret scolding or other forms of "discipline" as attention—something they crave. A study in Behavioral Processes found that most cats prefer human interaction over food. So, even when you’re giving your cat negative attention by scolding them for jumping on the counter or scratching the couch, she may still see it as a form of reward.

When it comes to training a cat, the key is simple:

1. Reward the behaviors you like.

2. Ignore or correct the behaviors you don’t.

Correcting Negative Behaviors in Cats

Let’s explore two effective approaches for training your cat out of unpleasant behaviors like biting or scratching furniture. But first, an important note: cats respond very poorly to aggressive punishments such as yelling or hitting. This will only make your cat fearful of you, potentially causing them to hide or, worse, become more aggressive.

It’s also essential to understand that what we may view as “bad” behavior could be your cat's way of communicating a need or discomfort. For example, scratching the couch or urinating outside the litter box might be their way of saying, “I’m bored!” or “Please clean the litter box!” Identifying the root cause of these behaviors will allow you to address the issue more effectively.

Keep in mind that attempts to correct negative behaviors will be much more successful when combined with positive reinforcement, which we'll discuss further in the next section.

1. Ignore your cat

Get ready to embrace some tough love. This training method is based on the idea that any attention given to negative behaviors can reinforce them, as your cat may just be seeking attention—whether it’s positive or negative.

This method is particularly effective for addressing behaviors like biting. Unless your cat is biting as a form of boundary communication, we want to train them not to bite. Here’s how it works: The moment your cat bites you, simply ignore them. Turn your back to your cat and use your body language to show complete disinterest.

Commitment is key to this method’s success. As you work to "extinct" a behavior (like your cat walking on your face in the middle of the night), be prepared for what’s known as an "extinction burst." During this phase, your cat may intensify their efforts to get your attention through the same negative behavior. For this method to work, you must remain consistent and resolute—ignore your cat, even when they gleefully chew on your shoelaces!

2. Gentle Discipline

If you're not ready for the full commitment to the “Ignore your cat” method, or if their behavior is simply too much to handle, there are gentler ways to discipline your cat. One effective approach is to use a firm tone and choose an uncommon word when you catch your cat in the act of misbehaving. This helps your cat associate the word with undesirable behavior. Avoid using common words like “Hey” or “No,” as these could confuse your cat.

It’s important to remember that discipline only works if you catch your cat in the act. Cats have short attention spans, so if you come home to the shattered remains of a vase, it’s too late to discipline them. If you try to reprimand your cat after the fact, they’ll be confused about why they’re being punished for something they did earlier, like trying to welcome you home.

a. Use a time-out.

A time-out can be an effective way to address undesirable behaviors in your cat. When your cat acts out, remove him from the situation by placing him in a separate room, ideally one that’s difficult to escape from. Alternatively, if your cat starts clawing at your arm during playtime, you can remove yourself from his presence to give him a brief break from the interaction.

b. Booby trap.

If your cat tends to jump on counters or tables, a booby trap can be an effective deterrent. Place lightweight objects on the edge of these surfaces so that they will fall and make noise when your cat attempts to jump up. The sudden sound will startle your cat, but not harm him. Over time, your cat will begin to associate jumping on these surfaces with an unpleasant experience.

c. Spray bottle.

A spray bottle is a quick and effective way to stop undesirable behavior. Set the bottle to the mist setting and spray your cat from behind when he misbehaves. Be sure to use a calm, firm tone to reinforce the correction. Avoid using the stream setting, as it can be too intense and potentially harm your cat’s eyes or ears.

3. Redirection and Diversion

Redirection and diversion are effective techniques to train your cat out of unwanted behaviors. The idea is to redirect your cat's attention to a more acceptable activity. For instance, if your cat is scratching your couch, gently guide him to his scratching post instead. Similarly, if you catch your cat nibbling on your plants, offer a toy to divert his attention. By consistently redirecting his focus, your cat will learn to associate certain behaviors with positive, acceptable alternatives.

Using Treats to Train Your Cat

When it comes to training your cat, positive reinforcement is one of the most effective and easiest methods, and yes—this means using treats! While treats are a great starting point, the ultimate goal is to gradually replace treats with praise and affection, like chin scratches or gentle petting. As positive behaviors become more habitual, your cat will begin to associate these actions with your attention and affection, rather than just food.

However, it’s important to manage your cat’s diet when using treats for training. To maintain a healthy weight, reduce the amount of their regular meals slightly to account for the extra calories from treats.

Here’s how to use treats effectively for training your cat: whenever your cat performs a desirable behavior—such as scratching their scratching post, allowing you to trim their nails, or responding to commands—reward them with a treat. Over time, this positive reinforcement will help solidify the behavior.

Here are a few strategies to maximize the effectiveness of treats for training:

1. Reward Immediately

Timing is key when using treats to train your cat. To ensure your cat connects the behavior with the reward, give the treat right after the positive action occurs. This immediate reinforcement helps your cat understand exactly which behavior is being rewarded, making the training process more effective.

2. Reward Desired Behaviors

Whenever your cat engages in positive behaviors, such as playing with toys independently or using soft paws when pouncing, be sure to reward him with a treat, praise, or physical affection. This reinforces the behavior and encourages your cat to repeat it in the future.

3.  Focus on One Behavior at a Time

It can be more effective to focus on one desired behavior at a time. For instance, if you’re working on litter box training, reward your cat with a treat every time they successfully use their litter box. This targeted approach helps your cat clearly associate the behavior with the reward.

4. Involve the Household

For successful training, it’s crucial that everyone in your household is on the same page. Make sure everyone understands the training goals and methods you're using. This consistency ensures that your cat receives the same message from everyone in the household, reinforcing the desired behaviors. 

5. Go slowly.

Training your cat to perform more complex behaviors, like tolerating a nail trim, requires patience. Don’t expect too much too quickly. For example, if your cat allows you to hold their paw, reward them with a treat. If you manage to press out one claw, that’s another opportunity for a reward. Progress may be gradual, but with consistent, slow steps, you'll see success over time.

Using CBD to Help Train Your Cat

Incorporating CBD into your cat’s routine can be an effective way to support their training. Pet Releaf offers high-quality CBD products specifically designed for pets, including hemp oils that provide calming and behavioral support. One excellent option is Feline Stress Releaf CBD Oil, which contains Organic Full Spectrum Hemp, along with natural calming ingredients like Catnip and Ashwagandha.

CBD can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation, making it easier for your cat to focus during training sessions. Whether you're teaching basic commands, working on litter box habits, or addressing stress-driven behaviors, CBD helps create a more receptive training environment. By easing your cat's nerves, CBD reduces distractions and helps them respond more positively to rewards, improving the effectiveness of your training efforts.

Cats have an endocannabinoid system, which is part of their nervous system. This system plays a key role in regulating several body functions, including the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems. Training can be a stressful experience, both for you and your cat, but CBD may help calm your cat’s nerves, making them more receptive to learning. Additionally, CBD may enhance your cat’s sense of contentment during training, making it easier for them to adjust to the changes in their routine.