Clicker Training for Cats: How to Create A Willing Student

March 13, 2023

Are you tired of your cat acting like they are in charge? Well, it's time to take control with clicker training! In this article, we'll show you how to turn your stubborn furball into a willing student.

But wait, are you thinking that cats can't be trained? Think again. Cats are smart, curious, and motivated by rewards, which makes them the perfect candidates for clicker training. Even if it does include a little bribery by treats, clicker training is a positive reinforcement method that avoids punishment and rewards good behavior.

How early can you clicker train a cat?

As soon as your cat is old enough to understand basic commands and shows interest in treats or toys, you can start clicker training. Kittens are especially receptive to learning new things since they are naturally playful and curious.

Is it ever too late to clicker train a cat?

It's never too late to start clicker training. Even the most stubborn cats can learn new tricks, and clicker training is a great way to teach them, and give them some exercise and mental stimulation to boot.

How often should you train your cat with a clicker?
Frequent and short training sessions are key. Cats have a short attention span, just like humans (can you say ADD?), and are bored easily. Aim for 5-10 minutes once a day, and build up to 2-3 sessions. You can also vary the time of day or the behavior you teach your cat to minimize boredom. But above all, don't run out of treats!

How long does it take to train your cat with a clicker?

Well, that depends on your cat's willingness to learn, their intelligence, and your ultimate goal. Cats can learn anything from simple commands to agility challenges. And yes, I said agility challenges. Just remember, no matter what your goal is, be patient. Some cats are a quick study and others may take a few weeks or more to get the hang of things.

What are the steps to clicker train a cat?

Step 1: Get your cat used to the clicker by pressing the clicker and giving your cat a treat. Repeat this process several times so your cat associates the clicker sound with a reward. It's like Pavlov's dog, but with a feline twist.

Step 2: Choose a behavior you'd like to train your cat such as teaching them to climb a ladder or coming to you when you call their name. Just don't expect your cat to do anything too strenuous. After all, they aren't dogs.

Step 3: Capture the behavior When your cat performs the behavior you want naturally, press the clicker and give them a treat. Never forget the treats!

Step 4: Add a cue Once your cat is consistently performing the behavior, add a visual cue (a word or hand signal) or verbal cue to initiate the behavior. If you want your cat to come to you, Say “Here Murry” right before you click, and then reward your cat for doing the behavior.

Step 5: Shape the behavior. If your cat isn't performing the behavior, use shaping to gradually teach your cat the desired behavior. Click and reward any small steps toward the behavior until your cat is performing the specific behavior you want. It's like creating a great work of art, just with tuna treats.

Step 6: Generalize the behavior Once your cat has learned the behavior, practice the behavior with distractions (people, music, other animals.) and in different locations. You never know when or where you'll have an audience!

Conclusion: With clicker training, you can teach your cat anything from basic commands to tricks and even agility challenges. Just remember to keep the training sessions short, the treats overflowing, and the rewards plentiful. Who knows, maybe your cat will even learn to play piano? Nah, just kitten…