How to train your cat to do six simple tasks

Many people assume cats can't be trained the way dogs can. In fact, many cats can learn simple tasks with patience and rewards. Training is also a good way to spend time together and build a closer bond with your cat.

Start with rewards, not punishment

Never punish your cat or tell them off when they get something wrong. Cats don't learn from punishment, and it can cause stress, which can lead to health and behaviour problems. Training works through patience and positive reinforcement: reward the behaviour you want, and simply ignore what you don't.

Using a clicker and treats

A clicker is a small, cheap training tool that makes a clear sound. Your cat learns that the click means a treat is coming, so it lets you mark exactly which behaviour earned the reward.

• Keep each session to a few minutes.
• Click at the exact moment your cat does the behaviour you want, then give a treat.
• Click only once. Lots of clicks can confuse your cat.
• When teaching something new, start small and reward each step along the way.
• Never push or pull your cat into position.
• Give a treat each time they do it, not just the click.

1. Coming when called

Start by making a distinct sound just before meals, such as shaking the food bag or saying a particular word. Your cat will soon link that sound with food and come to you when they hear it.

Once this works at mealtimes, try it at other times of day. Start from a short distance: make the sound, click when your cat comes to you, then give a treat. Gradually increase the distance. Up to two short sessions a day is plenty.

2. Going into their carrier

A cat who walks calmly into their carrier makes vet visits much easier for both of you.

1. Leave the carrier out in a room your cat uses, with the door open and a soft blanket inside, so it becomes a normal part of the furniture.
2. Put treats just inside the entrance, then further in as your cat gets more confident.
3. Click and reward when your cat steps in calmly.
4. Once they go in happily, try closing the door for a few seconds, then open it and reward them. Build up the time slowly.

3. Shaking a paw

This one takes a few attempts. Have a treat ready and get down to your cat's level. Gently tap their paw while saying "shake". When they lift their paw, click once and give a treat. Repeat until your cat offers their paw when you say "shake", without you touching it.

4. Walking in a harness

Choose a harness designed for cats that fits around the body, never a collar and lead attached at the neck.

1. Leave the harness near your cat's favourite sleeping spot or where they eat, so they get used to seeing it.
2. When they are relaxed around it, gently place it on their back and reward them.
3. Over time, fasten it on and reward them for staying calm.
4. Attach the lead and let your cat walk around indoors so they get used to the feeling, rewarding good behaviour.
5. When they are comfortable indoors, try a short visit to somewhere quiet outdoors, letting them explore while you hold the lead, and reward them as you go.

Not every cat enjoys a harness, so stop if your cat seems stressed. Make sure they are vaccinated and microchipped before going outside, and never tie your cat up or leave them on a lead unattended.

5. Sitting

Many cats pick this up quickly. Hold a treat just above your cat's head and say "sit". As their nose follows the treat upwards, they will often move into a sitting position. As soon as they sit, praise them and give the treat. Repeat a few times in each session until they sit confidently.

6. Ringing a bell to come in

If your cat goes outdoors, constant meowing or scratching at the door to be let in can be frustrating. You can teach them to ring a bell instead.

Hang a small bell on a piece of string by the door, at your cat's eye level. When your cat meows or scratches at the door, don't respond. Eventually they will touch the bell and make it ring. Be ready to open the door straight away when they do. If you do this every time, your cat will learn that ringing the bell is how to get back inside.