Top 16 'Brain-Boosting' Training Techniques to train your cat beyond the litter box basics - Goh Ling Yong
So, you think cats are untrainable? That they’re too independent, too aloof, or too stubborn to learn anything beyond the sacred art of napping in a sunbeam? It's a common misconception, one that paints our feline friends as beautiful but unteachable ornaments. But what if I told you that your cat’s brain is a supercomputer just waiting for the right software?
Training your cat is about so much more than cute party tricks. It's a powerful form of feline enrichment that builds confidence, busts boredom, and prevents behavioral issues. It's a shared language you can develop, strengthening your bond in ways you never thought possible. By engaging their natural intelligence and hunting instincts, you're not just teaching them to "sit"; you're giving them a fulfilling and stimulating life.
Ready to unlock your cat’s hidden genius? We're diving deep beyond the litter box basics. Forget everything you thought you knew about feline limitations. Here are 16 brain-boosting training techniques that will transform your relationship with your cat and reveal the clever companion hiding in plain sight.
1. Master the Clicker: The Foundation of Feline Communication
Before you teach a single trick, you need a way to communicate "YES! That's exactly what I want!" in a split second. Enter the clicker. This small plastic device makes a distinct click sound that acts as a bridge, marking the exact moment your cat performs the correct behavior and signaling that a reward (a tasty treat) is on its way.
First, you need to "charge" the clicker. This simply means teaching your cat that click = treat. Sit with your cat, click the clicker, and immediately give them a high-value treat (think tiny pieces of tuna or chicken). Repeat this 10-15 times. Do a few short sessions over a day or two. You'll know it's working when your cat looks at you expectantly for a treat after hearing the click, even if they weren't doing anything specific. Now, your clicker is a powerful tool for precise communication.
2. Target Training: Your Cat's Personal GPS
Target training is one of the most versatile skills you can teach. It involves teaching your cat to touch a specific object (the "target") with their nose. You can use a dedicated target stick with a ball on the end or even just a chopstick or the end of a pen. This technique is fantastic for guiding your cat without physical force.
Start by holding the target stick near your cat. The moment they sniff or touch it with their nose, click and treat. At first, they might do it out of sheer curiosity. Perfect! That's what we want. As they get the hang of it, start moving the target a few inches away, encouraging them to follow it. Soon, you can use the target to guide them onto a scale, into a carrier, or up a cat tree, making vet visits and daily management a breeze.
3. Luring: The Art of the Tasty Guide
Luring uses a high-value treat to guide your cat into a specific position. It's an intuitive way to introduce new movements and is especially effective for foundational behaviors like "sit." Your cat's nose will naturally follow the delicious-smelling reward, and their body will follow their nose.
To teach "sit," hold a treat near your cat's nose. Slowly lift the treat up and slightly back over their head. As their head tilts up to follow it, their rear end will naturally lower into a sitting position. The instant their bottom hits the floor, click and give them the treat. After a few repetitions, you can start fading the lure by using an empty hand with the same motion, eventually transitioning to just a hand signal.
4. Capturing: Rewarding Natural Genius
Sometimes the best training opportunities happen when you're not actively training at all. Capturing is the technique of observing your cat and "capturing" a natural behavior you like by clicking and treating the moment it happens. This is a stress-free way to put a name to an action your cat already performs.
Does your cat do a cute stretch when they wake up? You can click and treat it, eventually adding the cue "stretch." Do they meow politely for their dinner? Click! You're reinforcing a desirable alternative to screaming. Capturing is perfect for teaching behaviors like "sit pretty" (when they sit up on their hind legs) or even settling down on their bed. Just keep your clicker and treats handy!
5. Shaping: Building Behaviors Brick by Brick
Shaping is how trainers teach complex behaviors by breaking them down into tiny, achievable steps. Instead of waiting for the full action, you reward successive approximations—anything that moves the cat closer to the final goal. This is where your cat’s problem-solving skills truly shine. It's a core philosophy I, Goh Ling Yong, have always believed in: celebrate the small wins to build toward a big success.
Let's say you want to teach your cat to spin in a circle. You wouldn't just wait for them to spin. First, you'd click and treat for a slight head turn. Once they're reliably turning their head, you'd wait for them to turn their head and shoulder. Then for turning halfway. Then for a full 360-degree spin. Each step builds on the last, and your cat learns to experiment and problem-solve to earn the reward.
6. Leash and Harness Training: For the Adventurous Feline
Opening the door to the great outdoors can be incredibly enriching for an indoor cat, but only if it's done safely. Leash and harness training is a must. The key is to create a positive association with the equipment and the experience, taking it one slow step at a time.
First, just leave the harness out for your cat to sniff and investigate, leaving treats on and around it. Next, drape it over their back for a second, then click and treat. Gradually work up to fastening the buckles for a few seconds at a time. Once they are comfortable wearing the harness indoors, attach the leash and let them drag it around. Only then should you attempt a short, controlled walk inside before venturing out into a quiet, safe outdoor space.
7. High-Five: The Ultimate Party Trick
Teaching a high-five is a fun, easy way to impress your friends and bond with your cat. It builds on target training, but instead of their nose, the target is their paw. It's a fantastic way to teach your cat to be comfortable with you touching their feet.
Start by holding a treat in your closed fist. Your cat will likely sniff and then paw at your hand to get the treat. The moment their paw touches your hand, click and give them the treat from your other hand. Once they understand the goal, you can switch to an open palm as the target. Add the verbal cue "high-five!" as they become more consistent.
8. Fetch: It’s Not Just for Dogs
Believe it or not, many cats have a natural instinct to retrieve. The key is to find an object they absolutely love—a crinkly ball, a wine cork, a bottle cap, or a specific toy mouse. The game should be built around their prey drive.
Start by tossing the toy a very short distance. When they pounce on it, click and treat. Next, encourage them to bring it back. You can do this by rewarding any movement back toward you with the toy in their mouth. Some cats will bring it all the way back on the first try! Keep sessions short and exciting to maintain their interest. Don't be discouraged if it takes a while; you are tapping into their inner hunter.
9. Puzzle Feeders: Making Mealtime a Mind Game
In the wild, cats spend a huge portion of their day hunting. Scooping kibble into a bowl takes about five seconds. Puzzle feeders are a brilliant way to combat boredom and engage their minds by making them "work" for their food. This simple change can alleviate anxiety and prevent destructive behaviors.
There are countless types available, from beginner-level balls they roll around to release kibble, to advanced multi-step puzzles. You can even make your own by cutting holes in a cardboard box or a plastic bottle. Start with an easy puzzle so your cat doesn't get frustrated, and gradually increase the difficulty as they become puzzle masters.
10. Scent Work: Unleash Their Super-Sniffer
A cat's sense of smell is a superpower we often overlook. Scent work, or "nose work," is a fantastic game that taps into this natural ability, providing incredible mental stimulation. It’s essentially a structured game of hide-and-seek with treats.
Start simple. Get three identical opaque cups. With your cat watching, place a treat under one cup. Encourage them to find it. When they paw or boop the correct cup, praise them and let them have the treat. As they get better, you can start hiding smelly treats in different spots around a room, teaching them a "find it!" cue. It's a quiet, focused activity that builds confidence.
11. Stationing (Go to Mat): A Place for Everything
Teaching your cat to "go to mat" is an incredibly useful behavior for household management. It gives your cat a designated spot to be during chaotic times, like when guests arrive, when you're bringing in groceries, or for keeping peace in a multi-pet household.
Choose a distinct mat or small towel. Use luring or shaping to encourage your cat to step on it. Click and treat for one paw on the mat, then two, then all four. Build up the duration they stay on the mat. The goal is to make the mat a wonderful, rewarding place to be. Soon, when you say "go to your mat," they'll happily trot over and settle in.
12. Come When Called: The Most Important Skill
A reliable recall is more than a convenience; it's a potential lifesaver. If your cat ever slips out the door, being able to call them back is invaluable. The secret is to make their name and the recall cue ("here!" or "come!") the best words they've ever heard.
Never, ever use their name to scold them. For recall training, use a specific, happy tone of voice. Start from a short distance away, call their name, and when they look at you or move toward you, reward them with a super high-value treat. Practice in different rooms, gradually increasing the distance. Keep it positive and fun, and they'll come running every time.
13. DIY Agility Training: Your Living Room Obstacle Course
Cat agility isn't about speed; it's about focus, confidence, and fun. You don't need fancy equipment. You can create an exciting obstacle course right in your living room. It's a great way to provide physical exercise and mental challenges simultaneously.
Use a cardboard box as a tunnel, a pillow as a low jump, and a chair to weave through. Use target training or luring to guide your cat through the course one obstacle at a time. Keep it low-pressure and safe, always letting the cat set the pace. This is a brilliant confidence-booster for shy cats and a great energy burner for rambunctious kittens.
14. Carrier and Handling Desensitization: Make "Scary" Fun
Does your cat vanish the moment the carrier appears? You can change that. The goal is to use desensitization (gradual exposure) and counter-conditioning (creating a new, positive association) to transform the carrier from a scary monster into a cozy, safe den.
Leave the carrier out all the time with the door open and a comfy blanket inside. Randomly toss treats into it. Start feeding your cat their meals near the carrier, then just inside the door, then all the way inside. Never force them. The same principle applies to handling. Touch a paw for a split second, then click and treat. Slowly build up to nail trims and brushing, always associating the experience with positive things.
15. Teaching a "Wave": The Adorable Greeting
Once your cat has mastered the high-five, teaching a wave is the logical next step. It's a simple, no-contact trick that looks incredibly cute. This is often taught by shaping the initial paw lift from the high-five.
Start by presenting your open palm for a high-five, but hold it just out of reach. Your cat will likely lift their paw to touch it but miss. Click and treat that paw lift in mid-air. Repeat this, gradually raising your hand higher. Soon, your cat will associate your hand signal with lifting their paw, creating the illusion of a friendly wave.
16. Problem-Solving with a "Help" Cue: The Genius Level
This is an advanced technique that demonstrates the true cognitive abilities of cats. You can teach your cat to use a specific signal, like ringing a small bell, to ask for something they want. It gives them a way to communicate their needs clearly instead of resorting to meowing or scratching.
As the Goh Ling Yong blog team always emphasizes, clear communication is the bedrock of a good relationship. To teach this, place a bell near a door they want to open or a toy they can't reach. The moment they interact with the bell (even accidentally at first), open the door or give them the toy. They will quickly learn that ringing the bell makes good things happen. It's an empowering skill that gives your cat a voice.
Ready, Set, Train!
Training your cat is a journey, not a destination. It’s a continuous conversation that deepens your bond, enriches your cat’s life, and reveals the incredible intelligence that lies behind those mesmerizing eyes. Remember to keep your training sessions short (just a few minutes at a time), overwhelmingly positive, and always end on a high note.
The most important tools you have are your patience, a good sense of humor, and a pocketful of your cat's favorite treats. Pick one or two techniques from this list to start with and see where the journey takes you. You’ll be amazed at what your feline friend is capable of.
Now it's your turn. Which of these techniques are you most excited to try? Have you already taught your cat a cool trick? Share your stories, successes, and questions in the comments below. We can't wait to hear about the genius you've unleashed
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!