How to Train Your Cat to Stay In Position

Our feline friends are notorious for getting into mischief as soon as we turn our heads. Many pet parents wish they could train their kitty to stay in position so they won't step on a laptop, jump on a kitchen counter, or bolt out the back door. 

The main reason it's challenging to train your cat to stay in position is they'll need to learn a few other basic commands beforehand. It'll be nigh on impossible to teach your little lion to stay in position if they don't already know "sit" and "lie down". 

"Sit" and "lie down" will get your cat into a position where they feel comfortable staying still. If your cat doesn't know these commands, you'll have a lot more difficulty. Training your cat to come when called and to listen is also useful for learning to stay in position. 

While cats aren't as food-motivated as dogs, they'll still do a trick or two for a snack. Treats will be vital to training your cat to stay in position. During your training sessions, pay attention to which treats your cat responds to best.

Or, wait until your cat is hungry and place a few tester treats in front of them and see which one they pick. Don't give your cat too many treats, as it could lead to obesity. You'll also want to check your cat isn't allergic to your chosen treats. 

Training a cat is a multi-step process, so you'll need to ensure your cat is picking up on the association between command, action, and reward. There's no point arbitrarily giving your cat treats and praise just because they happened to do what you wanted. 

A clicker is an excellent tool for getting your cat to understand the association between an action and treats. After a while, your cat will actively look for treats when the clicker sounds, building an association between cause and effect.

Pet parents should come into each training session with a pocket full of treats and plenty of patience. Training a cat is never easy, so a consistent and patient approach is required. Getting frustrated or angry at your cat will result in setbacks. That said, if your cat has already mastered commands like "sit", you've probably got the right cat training approach already. 

Cats are aloof and easily distracted. Don't force your cat to carry on a training session if they lose interest. Training should be fun for your cat, and forcing them to perform tasks may put them off future cooperation. You'll find most training sessions last less than 10 minutes. To maximize the length of each session, place your cat in a familiar setting with no distractions. 

If possible, you should start training your cat during kittenhood. Like dogs, cats pick up commands quicker when they're young and may be reluctant to learn new tasks as they age. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they're most active around dusk and dawn. 

Try to work on training during the day, when your cat is more docile and less likely to get the zoomies. You should also arrange them for just before a meal so your cat is extra food-motivated.  

To start a training session, you'll need a clicker and treats. You should also keep some toys on standby to test your cat's staying abilities down the line.