You Really Can Train a Cat

Decoding Feline Behavior: A Master Guide to Training Your Cat

Everybody knows you can’t train a cat, right? A dog, sure. But cats are fiercely independent and prefer to do what they want. If you tell them to "Sit," you're likely met with a classic feline stare that clearly says, "Why should I?"

Actually, that’s a myth! While cats are independent, they also love rewards. If you ask them to do something and they know a tasty piece of tuna or a scratch behind the ears is in it for them, they will absolutely respond. You can train your cat, and understanding their psychology is the key to a harmonious home.

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• Positive Reinforcement: Cats learn best through rewards, not punishment. Clicker training works wonders.
• Redirect, Don't Repress: Natural instincts like scratching and hunting need acceptable outlets (like posts and toys), not elimination.
• Litter Box Success: Most accidents stem from medical issues, stress, or litter preferences.
• Expert Help: Don't hesitate to consult a feline behaviorist if aggressive or fearful behaviors escalate.

Banishing Litter Box Accidents

The first order of business with a new furry family member is ensuring they understand where their personal toilet is. Most cats take to it naturally, but for a deep dive on introductions, check out our guide on Welcoming Home Your Adopted Cat. If your cat is boycotting the box, don't despair. Here is a checklist to help reorient them:

Important Warning: Always have your cat checked by a veterinarian first. Often, sudden litter box aversion is a symptom of a painful urinary tract infection or other medical issue that requires immediate treatment.

• Evaluate the Setup: Try a different box style (covered vs. uncovered), change the litter filler, or adjust the depth. Move the box to a quiet, accessible location.
• Back to Basics: Treat them like a brand-new kitten. Confine them to a smaller room with their essentials (keeping the food far from the litter box) until they establish good habits.
• Establish a Routine: Cats thrive on predictability. A consistent feeding and play schedule significantly reduces anxiety.
• Practice Stress-Relief: Adopted cats may have trauma from past homes, shelters, or strays. Patience, gentle interaction, and minimizing loud household stressors will build their confidence.

Channeling Your Cat's Inner Hunter

Many "problem" behaviors—pouncing, biting, nighttime prowling, and delivering fresh "presents"—are actually just deeply ingrained hunting instincts. Instead of scolding your cat, we need to praise the instinct while redirecting the target.

Care Tip: A cat that sleeps all day will hunt all night. Engage in active, hunting-style play sessions during the day to reset their internal clock so they sleep when you do.

Never let your cat use your hands or feet as prey. Provide safe, stimulating toys and praise them when they "kill" the toy. If they do catch a real mouse, thank them for their protective service, and quietly dispose of it later. For maximum safety for both your cat and local wildlife, keeping your mighty hunter indoors is the best choice.

The Scratch Zone: Saving Your Furniture

Scratching is non-negotiable for cats. It sheds dead claw layers, conditions their muscles, and marks their territory using invisible pheromones from their paw glands. It tells other cats who is in charge.

Important Warning: Declawing is a painful, invasive amputation that strips a cat of its primary defense and climbing ability. Many veterinarians strongly oppose it. Please research thoroughly before considering this drastic surgery.

The solution? Teach responsible clawing. Provide multiple acceptable scratching posts like carpeted cat trees, sisal rope boards, or corrugated cardboard. If they scratch the couch, firmly say "No," carry them to the post, and gently guide their paws down the surface. Reward them instantly with praise or treats when they use it.

Figure 11-1: A scratching post provides an acceptable, satisfying place for your cat to exercise their natural instincts.

Decoding Catnip

Want to make a new scratching post irresistible? Rub some catnip on it. Here is a quick breakdown of this magical herb:

What is Catnip?	How it Affects Your Cat
A completely harmless, non-addictive herb from the mint family. Easy to grow in most climates or buy as a spray.	Causes purring, rolling, leg-kicking ecstasy, and harmless wobbling. It mimics feline "happy" pheromones.
Not all cats react! Sensitivity is genetic.	Overexposure causes them to lose interest. Use it as an occasional, high-value treat to lure them to beds or scratching posts.

Care Tip: If you need a temporary fix while training a stubborn scratcher, try "soft paws"—safe, plastic nail caps that glue onto the claws to protect your furniture and skin without harming the cat.

Foiling the Feline Acrobat (Climbing)

Cats naturally seek high vantage points to survey their kingdom for prey and danger. To keep them out of your curtains or the Christmas tree, you must block off forbidden zones while providing irresistible alternatives like tall cat trees or wall shelves. If they climb the drapes, gently relocate them to their tree and shower them with praise.

Taming the Attack Cat: Biting and Pouncing

It's terrifying when your sweet kitty suddenly turns into a wildcat, sinking teeth into your ankle. Often, this is mock hunting behavior learned (or poorly learned) during kittenhood. It can also stem from boredom or "transferred aggression" (e.g., seeing a stray cat outside and taking the frustration out on you).

Learn to read your cat's body language. You know an attack is imminent when you see these symptoms:

• A rapidly twitching or swishing tail.
• Dilated, completely black pupils.
• A low, tense crouching posture.

How to stop it: If attacked, freeze. Cats love chasing moving prey; standing still makes you boring. Immediately redirect their energy to a wand toy or stuffed mouse. If they bite your skin, instantly walk away and withdraw your attention. They will quickly learn that biting ends the fun.

Helping Your Shy Kitty Blossom

Some adopted cats have endured trauma, leading to extreme shyness and hiding. Never force a fearful cat out of their safe space. Speak softly, leave treats near their hiding spot, and maintain a quiet home. Celebrate tiny victories—like one paw stepping out from under the bed. It takes time, but your patience will build an unbreakable bond of trust.

Keeping Your Escape Artist Safe

Former strays may desperately want to slip back out the front door. However, the outdoors is incredibly dangerous, filled with cars, predators, and diseases. To keep them safe:

• Train family members to watch their feet when opening doors.
• Ensure all window screens are tightly patched.
• Consider leash-training your cat for supervised outdoor adventures.
• Mandatory: Ensure your cat is microchipped and wears an ID tag just in case the worst happens.

Decoding Endless Meows and Sibling Rivalry

If your cat won't stop talking, they are trying to communicate a need: attention, food, or playtime. Avoid rewarding begging with food, as this leads to obesity. Instead, reward them with a quick play session or a cuddle.

Introducing a new cat to a resident pet can trigger intense territorial disputes. Both pets need their own bowls, litter boxes, and vertical escape routes. For a step-by-step introduction method, revisit our guide on Welcoming Home Your Adopted Cat.

Calming Kitten Chaos & Advanced Training

Kittens are furry little tornados. You cannot expect them to sit still. You must drain their energy with at least two vigorous play sessions a day (think fetch, laser pointers, or wand toys) to stimulate their bodies and minds.

Did you know? You can train a cat to sit, stay, come, and walk on a leash! Read our Doggy Boot Camp: Basic Training and Behavior Management guide and apply the exact same principles to your feline.

Clicker training is the absolute best way to motivate a cat. By marking a good behavior with a "click" and rewarding it, your cat will be mastering cues in no time.

When to Call a Feline Behaviorist

If you're dealing with severe aggression, fear, or persistent litter-box woes, it's time to call a pro. Ensure you hire an Applied Feline Behaviorist, not just a dog trainer. You can find qualified experts through:

• A direct referral from your veterinarian.
• The online directory of certified applied animal behaviorists at www.animalbehavior.org.
• Searching for remote/phone-based feline behavior consultants online.

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Ask the Vet: Feline Behavior FAQs

Why did my cat suddenly stop using the litter box?

Sudden litter box avoidance is usually a red flag for a medical issue, such as a urinary tract infection or crystals. Once cleared by a vet, evaluate if the litter brand changed, if the box is dirty, or if a new stressor (like a new pet or moving furniture) was introduced to the home.

How do I stop my cat from waking me up at 3 AM?

Cats are naturally crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). To sleep through the night, engage your cat in a highly active play session right before your bedtime, followed by a meal. This simulates the "hunt, catch, eat, sleep" cycle and encourages them to rest when you do.

Is it ever too late to train an older adopted cat?

Never! Older cats are highly intelligent and often have longer attention spans than kittens. Using high-value treats and positive reinforcement (like clicker training), senior cats can easily learn new tricks, leash-walking, and appropriate household boundaries.

Source: Original Book by Eve Adamson - Edited by the Admin Board