How To Clicker Train A Cat – Get your cat’s attention

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You may have heard of clickers. What are they, and how are they used when training your cat?

Long haired cat with green eyes

Continue reading to learn more on how to clicker train a cat.

Click, Click, Meow!

If you have researched cat training, you may have heard of clickers. I have never used one personally for my cats because I have an alternative that works just as well. Jackson Galaxy is a fan of clickers. Many of his videos mention them. In one episode of My Cat From Hell, he shows a cat owner how to use a clicker to train their cat and dog to sit. Now that’s effective!

Another tool in your training arsenal

You can use clickers to train more than just cats. If you have a multi-pet household, you can use it for all your furry and feathery friends. However, we’re only focusing on your feline family members on this site. Keep in mind training isn’t much different between animals

According to The American Kennel Club,

A clicker (or marker) is a tool that can make positive reinforcement training more efficient. After being repeatedly associated with a treat or reward, a clicker becomes a conditioned reinforcer..”

Why do clickers work?

Clickers are a form of communication with your kitty that is easier to understand than verbal commands alone.

Cats are easily distracted, and without something to draw their attention, you will have a hard time getting them to do anything. In many ways, cats are like children. Do something that grabs their attention, give them something yummy, and you are the center of their attention!

When training, use the clicker first. Once your cat has performed the desired action, tap the clicker once more and immediately give them a treat. Eventually, you won’t even need the noms, just the clicker.

Alternatives to clickers

At the beginning of this post, I mentioned I don’t personally use a clicker to train my cats.

Here are a few alternatives:

  • A clicker app on your phone
  • Retractable pens
  • Saying a single syllable word such as “yes.”
  • Noises you make yourself

Using an app

An app is great because you don’t need more than your phone. You usually have your phone nearby. However, it may not be the fastest way to communicate with your cat. Worse yet, the app glitches, or your battery is low just as you’re about to begin training. You may lose your cat’s attention well before you have even started.

Retractable pen

Retractable pen

Another alternative to clickers is something you probably have lying around your house.

The good ol’ retractable pen. Just make sure it’s a pen that makes a sound that is loud and clear.

That’s write (pun intended) a clicky pen. I have tried using retractable pens when training my cats, and they respond to the sound well.

My main problem with using a pen is cats like Mio, who see everything as a toy. When trying to train her using a retractable pen, she bats at it.

Saying a single syllable word such as “yes.”

Don’t want a clicker or a pen? You can stick with a standard one-syllable yes.

The only problem with this is that it’s a common word used in conversation. If your cat hears you using it outside of the preferred actions, it may confuse them. Yes, cats are easily confused if you haven’t noticed already.

Noises you make yourself

My favorite method that I stumbled upon naturally is self-made sounds.

Growing up, I first learned how to train dogs. I found that they responded to certain sounds better than words. One particular dog, Lucifer, liked when I rolled the “R” in his name. He would not come when called by name alone. By changing how I said his name, he was by my side immediately.

Cats are the same way.

Early on, I realized my cats would look directly at me if I made a clicking noise with my tongue. It works with my cats and with unknown cats. You may think this would only work on domestic cats. However, I have found it works on ferals as well. I’ve never had a chance to use it on big cats, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it has a similar effect.

I don’t know precisely why it works. I have a couple of guesses:

1. It reminds them of sounds prey makes when it’s digging or scratching;

2. Or, maybe it’s because it’s a noise different from the ambient sounds in their environment.


Tips for clicker training

  • Avoid noisy places.
  • Don’t train on a full tummy.
  • Watch your timing. Provide a treat immediately after clicking.
  • Start with simple behaviors.
  • Click as soon as the action is performed, even if it’s not during training.
  • Keep it short to start. As you train them more, you will keep their attention longer.
  • Click for good behaviors. Don’t want Fluffy scratching your favorite chair? Make it an undesirable place to scratch with double-sided sticky tape. Prefer them to scratch on a nearby scratching post? When you see them scratching on the post, use the clicker and a treat.
  • Take breaks as needed. If you or your cat get frustrated, put down the clicker and pause training. Continuing to push them will cause negative reinforcement and confusion.

Now that you have your cats attention

It would be best if you experimented with different noise tools when training your cat. Which sound do they respond to best?

Whether you use a clicker, retractable pen, or create a noise, everything depends on you and your cat.

Try eliminating distractions and confusion when it comes to clicker training. As always, be patient. Training takes time, no matter what tools you use.

attentive cat looking up

Any thoughts, questions, or experience with clicker training? Comment below!


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4 thoughts on “How To Clicker Train A Cat – Get your cat’s attention”

  1. I have used clicker apps before, but that was mostly for my puppy when I first adopted her. Now, do clickers work on cats of all ages? Because mine isn’t trained. He knows the basics, but he’s almost 4 years old and isn’t really much into interacting with things that he has no knowledge about – he’d rather go sleep at the neighbors house. It’s interesting that you can train a cat just like you can train a dog. Different fury kids, but same strategy. 

    Reply
    • The strategy is exactly the same as training a dog. 

      Yes, you can train an old cat (or dog) new tricks. It requires more time and patience. Adult cats are going to be more set in their ways, however, they will still have the same interests and triggers as they did as younger cats (treats anyone?)  

      I once trained a five-year-old cat how to walk on a leash and come when called, so I know it can be done.

      Reply
  2. Click! Just had to get your attention. I love the idea of using a pen since I have it always handy. I haven’t used clicker training as yet but I’m sure going to try it out now. It seems pretty easy to do and your tips are great. They outlined exactly what I typically do wrong when I try to do the training. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Meow! The pen is mightier than the sword, especially when it comes to cats. 

      I can’t wait to hear more about your success with this kind of training. With cats, it’s easy to make mistakes when training since they like to feel like they’re in control. They’re like stubborn children!

      Reply

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