How To Train An “Untrainable” Cat

The best method for successfully training your cat out of those unwanted behaviors.

Have you heard that cats are untrainable or that cats cannot be trained to do tricks or desired behaviors like dogs can? Ever wonder what leads people to think this? One reason is that cats and dogs respond differently to training techniques. Training pets gives the best outcome when an individualized approach is used. So, what training techniques allow you to individualize your training? Clicker training and positive reinforcement!

What is clicker training?

It has been shown that cats respond well to clicker training and positive reinforcement. This is done by catching your cat in the act of doing something you like and rewarding them for it. Cats respond better to being praised for doing the right things, rather than being punished for doing the wrong things. With clicker training, it is easy to customize your training plan and prioritize the goals you want individually for every cat. Everyone can focus on the specific things they want to work on with their cat.

Main Benefit Of Clicker Training?

Many people have issues of unwanted behaviors with their cats. These can include scratching the furniture, jumping on the counters, keeping you up at night, running out the door, and much more! So how can you train those behaviors out of your cat with clicker training? Here are two examples!

1. If your cat is scratching up your couch and you want them to stop, here is how what you can do. First, you want to make the couch a less desirable place to scratch. You can do this with whatever method works with your cat, maybe add double-sided sticky tape or a citrus spray on the couch. Second, you want to supply an appropriate spot for them to scratch, such as a scratching post or cat tree. Now, whenever your cat scratches on the couch, interrupt them by picking them up and bringing them to the scratching post. When they start scratching that, click and reward them. This will help your cat associate the scratching post as a good place to scratch, as they get rewarded there.
2. If your cat is a door dasher, it can put them in serious trouble if they slip out and you cannot get them. To train them to not door dash…