The answer is, unfortunately, not simple; it all depends on your definition of ‘training’. If you are thinking of cat training as being akin to dog training, as in teaching tricks such as sit and stay, then the answer is no; cats cannot be trained to perform those tasks. Cats are a much more independent species that are largely devoid of the pack mentality; something that is hugely relied upon in dog tricks. The owner of a dog uses that pack mindset, with themselves as leader, to tell the dog what to do – and the dog happily obeys. Cats, unfortunately, are a little more stubborn.

This does not mean that cats do not have the capacity to learn; it’s more that they’re less interested in doing so, as they don’t have an inbuilt desire to follow a leader. While lions are famed for their habits of living in a pride, they are the exception of the cat world rather than the rule.

Cats can, however, be trained to obey simple commands. You can eliminate bad behaviour, such as scratching at furniture or excessive meowing for food. The difference is the process – whereas dogs learn tricks to follow and obey, cats must be trained to follow orders because not doing so is uncomfortable for them. This is achieved largely by making bad behaviour unpleasant and good behaviour is rewarded – while an element of this exists in dog training, it is all the more important to reinforce the point with cats.

This stubborn nature is what makes cats such a pleasure to own for most people, as well as the level of independence they have from humans. Where a dog can never really be left for long without company, cats – while still requiring attention – need a lot less monitoring. So while training your cat may be a frustrating process, it is nevertheless part and parcel of what makes a cat such an enjoyable pet.

Many kittens learn the idea of the litter tray from their parents. While they are not certain that this is the use, when actually shown the way by a human they understand quickly. This behaviour means that each kitten is different, so even if you have had a kitten train to use the litter tray quickly before, a new kitten may not – it all depends on the amount they have retained from watching their parents.

However, this only dictates speed and not method. The general way of training a kitten to use a litter tray is simple, but effective. The process needs to be repeated almost without fail, as you are having to instil behaviour and knowledge into a cat that will last their lifetime through. It is important to get the lessons right and be consistent in your training, as this will lead to the most effective learning.

Training a cat to use a litter tray is, thankfully, not a complicated procedure. In the early weeks of a kitten’s life, simply take them to the litter tray as often as possible – if you can, hourly is ideal. Make sure they know where the tray is and are comfortable there, and that the tray is clean but not heavy with detergent. The tray needs to be a pleasant place to be.

A good time to put your kitten in the tray is soon after they have eaten. Young kittens have quick digestive systems, and tend to need to use the bathroom soon after eating. Give the kitten a few moments when they have finished eating, then move them straight to the litter tray. Sit with them and gently stop them from leaving until they have done their business, then give them plenty of praise and fuss and allow them to leave the tray.

Cats are not stupid, and any kitten will quickly catch on to what they need to do and what the tray is for. For most cats, litter training becomes a habit of a lifetime if taught correctly and they rarely need to be reminded. Be consistent and keep calm, and soon your cat will use the tray as and when they should.

One cat, for example, may like one kind of cat treat, or one flavor, or a different toy as opposed to what another will – even if they are from the same litter. So if you want to encourage good behavior in a cat, learn what makes them happy. You will be able to tell when they are happy, because they respond with real affection to any touch. Most cats will rub against your legs or an outstretched hand in response to something that pleases them. This is their way of demonstrating high approval – the way they see it, they are putting their mark on you, showing that you are a highly worthy individual. Conceited on their behalf? Well, probably. But that’s how cats tick, generally.

So if your cat uses the litter tray correctly for the first time, respond with a treat that makes it clear how happy you are with them. They will associate your action with the action that they have just done. But you must seize the moment. They will forget what they have done if you choose to reward them half an hour later and the opportunity to give positive reinforcement for their good behavior will be lost. This is not what you want to happen – deal with a cat in the correct way and you will get the response you want. They will think that they are training you. Let them think that, because in the long run it leads to a positive experience as a pet owner.

The thinking on your part has to be that you, after all, are the one who buys and distributes food and gifts. In a cat’s mind, they can manipulate you to give them things that they like by behaving in a certain way. In the end, it does not really matter who is right and who is wrong, because the end result is that you end up with a cat who behaves well for a majority of the time. And if they behave badly, then the treats are withdrawn and kitty has to spend some time in isolation. This is best done by placing them in a cat carrier. While most cats love lounging around, if they are forced to do nothing but that they will soon get tired of it.

It is not to be confused with ruling by force. Your cat is smaller than you, and punishing it by using physical violence, even a slap, should be avoided. This kind of behavior will scare a cat and when it comes down to it that isn’t what you got a pet for in the first place. You have taken this eccentric, loveable animal as a pet for the love that they show you in return and for the crazy behavior that they sometimes display. A scared cat, who behaves itself for fear of what might happen otherwise, will not be a cat that gives you the hours of joy that make being a cat owner what it is. So while it is good to take a firm line with them, don’t try and scare your cat into behaving.

If your cat’s mischievous behavior extends as far as occasionally trying to drown its squeaky mouse in the water dish and playing with your hair as you nap, then you haven’t got a problem. You have a delightful, silly little creature who if they could talk would have some very interesting explanations to give. If it goes further, then you need to look at things differently. Is it regularly stealing food from your plate? Is it scratching up the furniture even after you have shoo-ed it away from the sofa for the 40th time? Is it going to the toilet in places where it should not? Then you need to look at remedial training, and a reward-and-punishment system that leaves your pet in no doubt.

Persistent unacceptable behavior is something that can only be cured by taking a firm line. One of the best ways to enforce this is dependent on catching your cat behaving in the way that you wish to prevent. If you do this, you must swiftly lift the cat up and carry it to the carrier that you use to take it to the vet or anywhere else. Place the cat inside – you may experience resistance – and lock the carrier. Your cat will not be too pleased at the period of enforced confinement, although it may attempt to make the best of it initially. It will come to associate this reaction with their own action, and this will lead to an improvement in time.