Can You Really Train a Cat? Yes, Here’s How

When people think of pet training, dogs often take center stage. After all, they’ll sit, stay, fetch, and even roll over with the right treat. But cats? Most folks assume cats are too independent, too stubborn, or too aloof to learn anything.
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking that way, it’s time to rethink what you know about cat training.

Here’s the truth: you absolutely can train a cat, and not just for tricks, but for better behavior, stronger bonding, and less stress for both of you.

Training your cat isn’t about control. It’s about understanding what motivates them, communicating clearly, and turning everyday moments into opportunities for cooperation. Whether you're hoping to stop your cat from clawing the couch, teach them to come when called, or even go on walks outside, this guide is your complete, step-by-step map to success.

Cat Training at a Glance

Training Type	What It Helps With	Success Rate	Tools You’ll Need
Litter Box Training	Bathroom habits	★★★★★	Litter box, treats
Clicker Training	Commands, behaviors, tricks	★★★★☆	Clicker, treats
Scratching Redirection	Saving furniture	★★★★☆	Posts, deterrents, rewards
Carrier/Crate Training	Vet visits, travel anxiety	★★★★☆	Carrier, calm environment
Leash Training	Safe outdoor exploration	★★★☆☆	Harness, leash, and patience

Understanding Your Cat Before You Begin

Keyword: cat behavior training

Before you attempt to teach your cat anything, you need to understand what motivates them. Cats aren’t driven by pack instincts like dogs. They’re independent, cautious by nature, and respond best to positive reinforcement, not dominance or correction.

The Key Differences:

• Cats need to choose to cooperate. That’s why rewards are so important.

• They’re motivated by outcomes, not praise. Food, play, and curiosity are your best allies.

• Training requires patience. You’re working with instinct, not against it.

Start by observing your cat's daily routines. When are they most active? What treats do they love? What spaces do they feel safest in? These are your starting points.

Setting Realistic Goals

Keyword: cat training expectations

Let’s be clear, your cat probably won’t learn to bring you slippers or guard the house. But they can learn:

• How to use a litter box (even in multi-cat households)

• How to come when called

• Not to scratch furniture

• To sit or give a high five

• To tolerate a harness for walks

• To ride calmly in a carrier

What won’t work? Trying to force your cat into submission or punishing them when things go wrong. Training a cat takes gentle persistence, not pressure.

The Tools You’ll Need

Keyword: best cat training supplies

You don’t need a fancy kit to start training your cat, but a few essentials will make your sessions smoother:

Basic Tools:

• Clicker or marker word ("Yes!" or "Good!")

• High-value treats – tiny, soft, and smelly work best

• Treat the pouch or bowl nearby

• Scratching posts or pads – both vertical and horizontal

• Calming space or crate – never force your cat into it

Optional:

• Harness and leash (for adventurous cats)

• Interactive toys (wands, puzzle feeders)

• Cat-safe pheromone sprays

Keep sessions short, 5 to 10 minutes tops. Cats learn best when training feels like play, not work.

Litter Box Training: Starting With the Basics

Keyword: litter box training tips

Thankfully, many cats instinctively use a litter box. But that doesn’t mean accidents won’t happen, especially with kittens, rescues, or senior cats.

How to Set It Up for Success:

1. Pick the right location – quiet, private, and always accessible
2. Use unscented, clumping litter
3. Scoop daily and deep clean once a week
4. Use one box per cat, plus one extra
5. Reward your cat when they use it properly

If Accidents Happen:

• Clean thoroughly with enzyme-based cleaners

• Try a different box size or litter brand

• Rule out health issues (especially urinary tract infections)

Clicker Training: Teach, Reward, Repeat

Keyword: clicker training for cats

Clicker training works wonders for cats, once they understand the sound means good things are coming. You can teach anything from “sit” to “spin” using this technique.

How It Works:

1. Click the moment your cat performs the desired behavior
2. Immediately reward with a treat
3. Repeat consistently

Easy Tricks to Start With:

• Touch – have them tap their nose to your finger

• Sit – lure them with a treat above their head

• High five – hold a treat in your hand and lift gently

• Go to mat – reward them for sitting on a towel or designated spot

Start in a quiet room with no distractions. Cats learn best in calm, controlled environments.

Redirecting Scratching Behavior

Keyword: How to stop cats from scratching furniture

Your cat needs to scratch; it’s how they stretch, sharpen their claws, and mark territory. So the goal isn’t to stop scratching. It’s to redirect it to acceptable surfaces.

Do This:

• Provide multiple scratch options, pads, posts, and trees

• Place them near the current scratching areas

• Rub catnip or sprinkle treats on posts

• Praise and treat your cat when it uses them

Avoid This:

• Yelling or punishment

• Declawing (harmful and unnecessary)

• Only offering one scratching option

Cover furniture with double-sided tape or temporary barriers during the transition.

Carrier and Crate Training

Keyword: How to train a cat to use a carrier

Most cats hate carriers, but not because of the carrier itself. It’s the association with stress (vet visits, car rides, etc.). You can change that by making the carrier part of everyday life.

How to Train:

1. Leave the carrier out at all times, door open
2. Put treats, toys, or a soft blanket inside
3. Reward your cat for entering or lounging inside
4. Work up to closing the door briefly, then opening it
5. Take short, calm car rides with lots of praise

Do this slowly. The more relaxed your cat feels around their carrier, the less anxious they’ll be when it matters.

Leash Training Your Cat

Keyword: How to leash train a cat

Yes, you can take your cat for walks if they’re up for it. Not all cats will enjoy being outdoors, but for confident or curious cats, leash training opens up a whole new world.

Step-by-Step:

1. Introduce the harness indoors
2. Let them wear it during play or meals (no leash yet)
3. Clip the leash and let them drag it inside
4. Practice walking together in a fenced backyard or quiet patio
5. Reward every small success

Never tug on the leash. If your cat freezes or panics, back up and go slower. Patience is essential.

Measuring Progress and Staying Consistent

Keyword: tracking cat training success

Cats learn in small, incremental wins. One day they may be focused, the next distracted or sleepy. That’s normal.

Watch for These Signs:

• Your cat anticipates rewards

• They start responding before you ask

• They repeat good behavior on their own

Keep a short journal of your training goals, what works, and what doesn’t. If something isn’t clicking after a few sessions, tweak your approach.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Keyword: cat training problems

Even the best-intentioned pet parents make missteps. The good news? You can avoid them altogether.

Top Mistakes to Avoid:

• Training when your cat is tired, hungry, or overstimulated

• Using punishment or raised voices

• Expecting instant results

• Skipping rewards or delaying them

• Inconsistency across family members

Better Strategies:

• Train during quiet, low-distraction times

• Use tiny, irresistible treats

• Stick to a simple cue-word system

• Celebrate any progress

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Train Your Cat, And They’ll Thank You for It

Training your cat isn’t about changing who they are. It’s about helping them thrive in your shared space. Whether you're solving litter box issues, preventing unwanted scratching, or teaching fun tricks, the key is trust, consistency, and a dash of patience.

You don’t need to be a professional trainer. You just need to show up for your cat every day, in small, positive ways.

Start small. Stay curious. And enjoy the journey of watching your cat learn, grow, and surprise you.

❓ FAQs About Cat Training

Can cats really be trained like dogs?

Yes, but they learn differently. Cats respond best to positive reinforcement, short sessions, and choice-based training, not commands or force.

How long does cat training take?

It depends on the behavior. Litter training can take a few days, while trick or leash training may take several weeks of consistency.

Are some cat breeds easier to train?

Yes. Breeds like Siamese, Bengal, and Maine Coon tend to be more social and responsive to training.

Can I train an older cat?

Absolutely. Senior cats can learn new behaviors; it may take longer, but the process still works.

Do I need special tools to train a cat?

Basic tools like treats, a clicker, and a scratching post are enough. Fancy gear helps, but isn’t required.

Ready to Train Your Cat?

Start today. Choose one goal, like teaching them to sit or use the litter box consistently, and build from there. With a little love, patience, and a few tasty treats, your cat will show you just how clever they really are.

💬 Have you tried training your cat? Share your tips, struggles, or wins in the comments below, or tag us @all-aboutpets on Pinterest and let us know how it's going!