Can cats be trained?

Most people don't even think about training a cat the same way as they think about training a dog.

Cats are usually associated with words like aloof, independent, and laid back - they seem to focus on doing what they want, pretty much as and when they feel like it.

There are however a great number of people who are getting great pleasure from training their cats.  Not only does the owner get pleasure but they are convinced that their cats enjoy it to.

What are the benefits of training your cat?

Training your cat is a great way to enrich your cats life.

It builds a strong rapport between you and your cat, because training underlines your authority (your cat has to do what you want to get what he wants), it helps to curb dominant behaviour.

It keeps your cat's mind active and stimulated.

It's great interactive play, and teaches good social skills.

Anxious and highly-strung cats are reassured and soothed by the repetition and routine of training.

Looking at all the benefits of training your cat above, it makes me ask they question, why aren't we all training our cats if the benefits are so good?

The next question that needs to be answered is, How do I train my cat?

There are two popular methods of training a cat: target training and clicker training. A brief rundown of each:

Target training is where you attract your cat's attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of a designated tool. For example, during the 'beg' command, a particular target training tool called a training wand is used to attract the cat's attention upwards, and to encourage the cat to rise up on his haunches and 'beg'.

Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning (which is where the animal is taught to form a conscious association between a specific behavior and a result.) A small mechanical noise-maker (the 'clicker') is used by the trainer to create a short, distinct noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior - for example, during 'sit', the clicker is clicked at the very instant that the cat's bottom touches the ground. Directly after the click, the cat is fed a small and tasty treat. With repetition, the cat grows to associate the click with the food, and recognizes his own ability to earn treats by performing the desired action on command. The clicker is a particularly valued training tool because it allows the trainer to pinpoint the exact behavior that's being rewarded: without the clicker, it's too easy for the cat to form associations between the treat and a completely unrelated behavior (since it's impossible to feed the cat a treat at the precise moment that he's performing a trick.)

Practical tips for training your cat

- Remember to be patient. Your cat is an individual, with his own abilities and preferences. He will pick up some tricks quickly, but may struggle with others.

- If you're free-feeding your cat (leaving food out at all times for him to eat as and when he feels like it), stop doing this. Enforcing a feeding schedule has two main benefits: it increases the reward-value of food treats as training devices, and also introduces a semblance of routine into your cat's life (which, believe it or not, most cats actually prefer.)

- Train smart. If you're using food treats (which is highly recommended to achieve the desired results) then schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes: your cat's natural desire for food at his regular mealtime will sharpen his focus and increase his desire to obey you (so he can get a treat.)

- Take baby steps. When training your cat, it's best to build up a solid foundation of the basics before attempting to expand his repertoire.

- Cats have pretty short attention spans, and low boredom thresholds. Keep lessons short and interesting - and always try to end on a positive note.

If you think that you would benefit from training your cat. For step-by-step advice on how to train your cat in a huge variety of other obedience commands and tricks (from 'stay' to 'play dead' to 'fetch'), check out the Complete Cat Training book -http://www.product-bay.com/cat.html it's full of training how-to's, as well as a huge amount of detailed information on solving problem behaviors, cat psychology, and how to develop a more rewarding relationship with your cat.