Congratulations on your new kitten! Bringing a furry friend into your home is an exciting and joyous experience. But along with all the fun and cuddles comes the responsibility of kitten training.
This guide shares 20 tips for kitten training to help your new pet grow into a well-behaved and happy feline. But before we dive into those tips, let’s answer a burning question.
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Can You Train a Kitten?
While everyone knows you can train a puppy, the idea of training a kitten may seem strange. After all, cats are known for their independent and aloof personalities(open in new tab).
But just like dogs, cats can learn and respond to training. You can teach your kitten good behaviors and habits with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Here’s why it’s worth the effort. Trained cats(open in new tab):
Will be easier to manage and care for
Are less likely to develop problem behaviors
Will have a stronger bond with their owners
Have the opportunity to use their mind and body in different ways
Kitten Training Basics
1) Be Prepared
Before you begin training, gather all the necessary supplies like toys, a clicker (if you choose to use one), and treats. Meaty Tender Sticks from SHEBA®(open in new tab) are a feline favorite! You can break each one into pieces to use as treats during training.
You’ll also want to prepare the area. Make sure you train your kitten in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
2) Start Early
The earlier you start kitten training, the easier it will be to establish good habits and behaviors. When you bring your kitten home, get them used to your house and begin basic training.
3) Conquer the Litter Box
Proper litter box training is essential for a happy and healthy relationship with your kitten. Accidents will happen, but with patience and consistency, your kitten should quickly learn where to do their business.
Here’s one method of litter box training:
Start by placing your kitten in the litter box several times a day, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.
Reward them with a treat if they use the litter box.
Clean up accidents promptly and avoid punishment or scolding.
4) Hold Your Kitten in Different Positions
Throughout their life, your kitten will be held in various positions. From vet visits to nail trimmings, your kitten must be able to be handled without fear.
Start by gently picking them up and holding them close to your chest. Gradually introduce new positions, like having them on their back or cradling them in your arms.
As you hold them, stroke them gently and talk in a soothing voice. This will help them see being held as a positive experience.
5) Introduce the Carrier
Car trips with untrained kittens can be a nightmare! Start getting your kitten used to their carrier by leaving it out for them to explore. Place treats and toys inside to encourage them to go in voluntarily.
Next, try closing the door while they’re inside. At first, keep it shut for only a moment or two before opening it again. Gradually increase their time in the carrier until they’re comfortable in it for longer periods.
At this point, you can introduce car rides. The noise and movement may be scary for your kitten, so start with short trips. Be sure to reward them with treats and praise after each successful trip.
6) Introduce Teeth and Fur Care
Caring for your kitten(open in new tab) involves more than just feeding them and cleaning the litter box. They’ll also need to have their teeth brushed, fur groomed, and nails clipped regularly.
Introduce these tasks early on so your kitten becomes comfortable with them. Start by touching their mouth and teeth with your finger to get them used to the sensation. You can then move on to using a soft toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste.
Use the same approach for their fur and nails. Gently brush or stroke their fur, and slowly introduce a pet-safe nail clipper.
Be sure to offer treats and rewards during and after these tasks to make them a positive experience for your kitten.
7) Develop a Feeding Routine
Kittens have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This gives you plenty of opportunities to teach them about proper mealtime behavior.
Establish a feeding routine and stick to it. This means feeding your kitten(open in new tab) at the same time each day. Place their food(open in new tab) in a designated spot, away from high-traffic areas or distractions.
Choose a high-quality, balanced kitten food, like SHEBA® Kitten Paté — Chicken(open in new tab) Entrée, to ensure your pet has the energy needed to participate in training. Follow the recommended serving size based on your pet's age and weight, and always provide fresh, clean water.
8) Offer Plenty of Praise
Kittens thrive on attention, affection, and positive reinforcement. When your kitten displays good behavior, offer plenty of praise and cuddles.
Remember to never punish or yell at your kitten. They don’t learn from negative feedback, and it can cause them to become fearful or aggressive.
9) Learn to Redirect
When your kitten does something undesirable, like scratching your furniture, redirect them to a more appropriate activity. For example, you might put them down by their scratching post and tell them to scratch it instead.
Here are some other ways to redirect:
Engage in a game
Offer a toy
Move to a different room
10) Decide on Your House Rules
Can your cat sit on the furniture or jump on the counter? What one pet parent allows another may be horrified by. It’s vital to decide on your house rules and then be consistent.
Cats are creatures of habit. If you don’t want them engaging in a particular behavior, put a stop to it right away. Consistently enforcing rules and boundaries will help your kitten learn their place in your household.
11) Teach Them Their Name
Choose a name for your new kitten and use it often. Call them whenever you open a tub of delicious SHEBA® Kitten Paté(open in new tab), and soon, they’ll come running at the sound of their name (and the package opening!).
12) Work on Harness Training
If you plan on walking your cat outside, a harness is a great option. However, not all cats take to harnesses right away.
Start by getting your kitten used to wearing the harness by putting it on inside. Reward them with treats and praise, gradually increasing their time in the harness.
Final Kitten Training Tips
17) Stay Calm
Cats are sensitive creatures, so it’s essential to be calm and positive during their training. If your kitten senses tension or negative energy, they may become anxious or fearful.
18) Go Slowly
Patience is key when training a kitten. They may not learn everything overnight, so go at their own pace and don’t give up.
19) Try Some Tricks
Kittens are brilliant animals and enjoy learning new tricks. Pick a few simple commands to teach and work on one at a time. Positive reinforcements and treats can make the training process more enjoyable.
Try tricks like these:
Sit
Shake
Parking spot (a place where they go to sit and wait for you)
20) Be Consistent
When it comes to kitten training, consistency is king. Practice the same commands and routines daily so your kitten learns to recognize and respond to them.
Train Your Kitten with SHEBA®
Kitten training isn’t easy, but with patience, consistency, and delicious treats from SHEBA®(open in new tab), you can successfully teach your new pet to be a well-behaved and confident feline.
Remember to give them plenty of love along the way!
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Kitten Training: Socialization
13) Introduce Other People
Socialization helps kittens become well-adjusted cats. To get there, you’ve got to introduce them to various people.
When your kitten is still young, invite friends to interact with them. Try introducing them to people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities to help them become comfortable around strangers.
14) Familiarize Them with Other Animals
People aren’t the only creatures your kitten will interact with. If you have other pets, make sure they get along well.
Introduce them to each other in a controlled, supervised environment. Reward good behavior and separate them if any aggression occurs.
15) Visit Different Environments
Help your kitten feel comfortable in many different places. Take them to the vet, to a friend’s house, and outside with a harness and leash.
Exposing them to new environments will help them become more adaptable and confident.
16) Give Your Kitten a Safe Place
Despite all the socialization and exposure, your kitten still needs a safe place to retreat(open in new tab). This can be a specific room in your home or a cozy crate with their favorite toys and bedding.