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Though clicker training is widely associated with dogs, it can also be used with cats to teach them fun tricks, work on obedience skills, or train out unwanted behaviors. Training a cat is possible with a bit of patience. Whether you want to train your cat to come when called, walk on a leash, or simply curb scratching, clicker training offers a gentle, rewarding approach that can work wonders.
Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training that uses a small, handheld clicking device that makes a distinct and consistent click sound when pressed. During clicker training, your cat will learn that the clicking sound equals a treat. The clicker is used to mark a desired behavior from your cat and can be especially useful to train behaviors that would be difficult to mark with a treat.
What kind of clicker do I need for cat clicker training?
The good news is that you don’t need anything fancy. Any device that makes a consistent sound will do, but you can also successfully train your cat with this method without any device at all. Instead of a clicker, you can also make a clicking noise with your mouth or say the word “yes” each time your cat performs the desired behavior.
“Charge” your clicker
To begin clicker training, you must first associate the sound of your clicker (or verbal “yes”) with a reward, such as a treat. You may have more success if your cat hasn’t just eaten a meal so they’ll be more motivated to get treats.
- Get your clicker, your cat, and 10-15 small, pea-sized treats – ideally something very desirable or “high value” for your cat.
- Make sure you have your cat’s attention – the treats should help!
- Click (or say “yes”) once, and then offer a treat. Repeat this 10-15 times.
Note: Some clickers can be loud and potentially scary to your cat. You can muffle the sound with a towel if that’s the case.
Train your cat to come when called
Once your cat understands that clicking means a treat, you can begin training behaviors, such as coming when called.
Start training your cat to come when called while they are not too far from you. As they develop the skill, you can practice recalling them from a further distance.
- Sit on the floor with your clicker and treats ready. Call your cat’s name. When they come, click and offer a treat immediately after the click.
- Practice this a few times a day until your cat comes consistently.
Cat clicker training tips
- You can start training at any age: Your elder kitty isn’t too old to learn something new.
- Just like people, cats are individuals that learn at different rates. Patience is key when training a pet.
- Start with simple behaviors, like “sit” or coming when called, and gradually work up in complexity.
- Keep training sessions short and fun, stopping before you lose your kitty’s attention.
- You can use the clicker to “catch” cute behaviors. Keep the clicker in your pocket at all times, and when your cat does something adorable, click to mark the behavior.
