Clicker Training for Cats: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Teach Tricks

There’s a rumor that cats aren’t trainable, but the truth is you can teach them how to do tricks, walk on a leash, and more. Training your cat is even easier when you use a clicker. Clicker training is one of the fastest ways to communicate and instill lessons in your feline.

If you’re ready to clicker train your cat, follow the instructions below to get started.

Buy a Clicker

Clickers are available at pet product stores, but any unique sound can suffice. Some cats prefer the softer "snick" of a ballpoint pen. Your cat might respond to a tongue-click, leaving your hands free. Be careful when selecting a common product (like a pen) or sound, as it may confuse your cat with irrelevant noises not meant for training.

Choose a Special Reward

The reward must be of high value to your cat; if it's always available, they won't be interested. Discover what your cat finds irresistible and reserve that reward for clicker training only. Many cats respond well to food treats. Cats react first to smell, then to taste (they won't taste it if it doesn't smell good!), so select a treat with a strong aroma. Fishy treats are popular, and some trainers use smoked turkey cold cuts. Only a tiny taste (about the size of the tip of your little finger) is needed for a reward. Ensure that treats do not disrupt their nutrition, and avoid filling your cat up to the point they lose interest in training.

Cats may instead prefer a toy or play rewards. A special feather tease, a fetch-ball, or catnip mouse toy could be the reward incentive that makes your cat want to work. Reserve that toy so it only comes out for training which will increase the power and value.

Introduce the Clicker

For clicker training to be effective, you must first load the clicker to associate the click sound with something enjoyable. Essentially, you link the sound (click) with a reward (treat or toy).

Sit with your cat and a saucer full of small, fragrant treats, and start to CLICK (toss a treat), CLICK (treat) as many times as your cat remains interested. If your cat prefers toys, then CLICK (offer the feather), CLICK (feather), and so forth.

You'll soon observe your cat looking at the treats (or toy) instead of the clicker when it makes the sound. Remember, cats typically have shorter training engagement than dogs and may be done after half a dozen repeats. Short, frequent training sessions are more beneficial than one lengthy session.

Identify the Training Behavior

Once your cat understands that the click means a reward, identify a behavior you want to reinforce. For instance, observe your new 8-week-old kitten (yes, you can train them at this age!) until they happen to "sit." Click the behavior and give a treat. The kitten may appear clueless and eventually "sit" again by accident (click-treat!). Ensure you time the click precisely when the cat performs the behavior, as timing is crucial. By the third occurrence, you might notice the "lightbulb" moment. Afterward, the cat may follow you demonstrating the behavior to earn a treat.

Training goes beyond tricks; it stimulates your cat's mind. You can expand training to include accepting a crate, using a halter or leash, taking car rides, and more. Training strengthens the bond between you and your cat, as it enhances communication. Your cat learns that they can influence outcomes through their actions.

Problems and Proofing Behavior

Don't be discouraged if your cat takes time to respond to clicker training. If treats aren't effective, try swapping them for a toy or more enticing treat. A common mistake is expecting immediate results; it may take time for cats to respond. Additionally, while your cat may respond to the clicker for one behavior, it doesn't guarantee the same for others.