We have heard of dogs performing tricks, but not many people seem to train their cats, apart from the basic house-training such as using the litter tray. If cats can learn to use a litter- tray and come for food, they can be trained to do other things as well. The only thing we humans have to learn is how to train them. Using a cat’s natural traits to train them is one good way.

We know that cats dislike loud noise and water in the face, so a water gun to spray them with or something that makes a loud noise when they do the wrong thing is a good way to train. Remember, physical smacks and general abuse are not the way to train a cat. This will only serve to make kitty mistrust you and that will be the end of any training. You need to establish trust and friendship with your pet above all else, and any training needs to be carried out in a calm, quiet atmosphere, and at the right time of day. It’s no use deciding to get kitty out of a lovely snooze and expect to train him to jump or fetch for you. You need to wait until he is showing signs of liveliness and is ready to play.

Like dogs, cats have different temperaments. Some cats resist training, or else they seem to be dumber than others. A dumb cat can still make a great pet. It simply means that you will have to be content with him the way he is. Other cats seem to be very bright and willing to learn whatever you are trying to teach them. One thing all cats need is a close relationship with their owners. They need to be handled a lot as kittens. If you have to leave kitty alone all day, you are not likely to develop a close enough relationship with him to be able to train him properly.

Litter training doesn’t count as training here because it is a very natural thing for the cat to do. If he were outside all the time, he would dig a little hole to use somewhere soft like in the garden or in leaf litter. You have provided a litter tray inside, and it is very attractive to kitty to use it. It is other more specialised training that needs to have a close relationship established to be successful. Training such as learning to sit on command, or to come when called without it being feed time. But the most important thing is the loving relationship between you and your cat. That is why you have a cat in the first place. Our book covers this in more detail.