Come On Command

Start by making a distinct noise before feeding—before you open a bag or can—like vocally call your cat, or click your tongue. Your pet will associate the noise with something positive and will head to you when it hears it. Then, encourage this behavior outside of normal feeding times. Start from short distances. Make the noise, use your clicker when your cat comes, and then reward your pet with the treat. Over time, call the cat from longer distances.

Use The Toilet

Although this technique may take a while to work, it is definitely worth it. First, place a litter box adjacent to your toilet. Then gradually bring it closer and closer to the top of seat—you might need some phonebooks or a stool to make the process easier on the cat. Once your pet is accustomed to using a litter box on top of the toilet, transition to a special litter box that fits within the toilet itself. (Buy flushable litter, and expect spillover.) Gradually use less and less litter to get your cat accustomed to doing its business without it, and then, remove the litter box entirely.

Shake Hands

Get a treat ready, then align yourself to the same level as your cat. Tap your cat’s paw while saying “shake,” and use your clicker when it moves its paw. Repeat training until your cat offers its paw in response to the “shake” command without tapping.

Walk On A Leash

Get a harness with a leash that attaches at the cat’s back, not its neck. The ASPCA recommends that before putting it on you leave it out for a few days in areas where your cat goes, like its feeding area or favorite sleeping spot, so that the animal is accustomed to the sight of it. Next, you’ll transition to draping the harness over the cat (without fully attaching it) when giving it a treat. After a few days, start holding the leash during training. Then: Ease into the great outdoors!

Beg For Something

This is similar to the “shake hands” trick. Hold a treat just above your cat’s head and give a “beg” command. Your pet should stand on its hind legs and reach up for the snack; click to mark the behavior and then give your cat its treat. Practice until your cat begs on command without needing a treat dangled overhead.

Extra Tip: Never Punish!

Cats simply won’t learn from what some owners would consider “discipline.” Worse yet, “punishing” your cat can induce stress, leading to behavioral and health problems. Remember that training your cat requires patience and positive reinforcement.

Also, Get A Clicker (And Treats)

Commonly used as training tools for a wide variety of animals, a clicker will set you back just a couple bucks and help you give positive reinforcement to your cat. (You can also use a regular pen with a clicky button—the important thing is to have a distinct noise you can make instantly.) Most training involves offering your cat a treat it likes following a click to mark the desired behavior.