How to Target Train a Cat

Many people believe that cats can’t be trained because they are too independent. This is actually a misconception. Cats can be easily trained using a target training method. This technique focuses on conditioning your cat to associate touching a target with a positive reward. In order to target train your cat, you should gather the necessary materials, start with a close range target, and then teach your cat to follow the target.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Setting Up Your Training Regimen

In order to begin target training your cat, you need to select a target. You can use anything from the eraser end of a pencil, a chop stick, a sticky note, or even your hand.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Have treats ready. Treats are an important aspect of target training. For example, when you first begin training, each time your cat touches the target they should be rewarded with a treat. This is the primary form of reinforcement. Choose a treat that your cat really enjoys and break it into small pieces.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If your cat does not get motivated by food, you could use a nice rub as a reward.^{[3]XResearch source}
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3
Get a clicker. You can also use a clicker while target training. The clicker acts as a secondary form of reinforcement. Eventually your cat will begin to associate the sound of the clicker with the treat. This can help to speed up the training process.
- Clickers are optional for target training.
- If you are training a cat that is deaf, you can replace the clicker with a flashlight. This will act as a visible indicator or cue.^{[4]XResearch source}
Training sessions with your cat should be fairly brief. Do not try and train your cat for longer than three to five minutes at a time. Stop training sessions before your cat begins to lose interest. That way your cat won't get frustrated with the training process.^{[5]XResearch source}
It is always best to train your cat in a quiet area with few distractions. Choose a location, such as the living room, where your cat spends a lot of time and is completely comfortable. This will help you to gain your cat’s attention.^{[6]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Getting Started with Target Training

1
Present the target close to your cat’s nose. Begin target training by placing the target in front of your cat’s nose. It should be about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the cat. Your cat should automatically look at the target. It may even move towards the target.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can put a bit of catnip or wet cat food on the end of the target to help coax your cat to touch the target.^{[8]XResearch source}
When you cat looks at the target, press the clicker and give the cat a small treat. Your cat will begin to associate the target with the treat. While your cat is eating the treat remove the target from view.^{[9]XResearch source}
Once your cat has finished its treat, present the target again. Place the target directly in front of the cat and close to its face. If the cat does not notice the target after a few seconds, remove it from view and then present it again.^{[10]XResearch source}
This time, wait until your cat touches the target with its nose and then give it a treat. Continue to practice target training by placing the target close to your cat and then giving a treat once they touch it.^{[11]XResearch source}
5
Move the target slightly. Once they have gotten the hang of this skill, you can place the target slightly to the left or right of your cat’s face. Similarly, you could position the target slightly above or below your cat’s eyesight. Your cat should move and follow the target.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Continue to keep the target close to your cat, but position it so that it is not directly in front of your cat’s face.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Teaching Your Cat to Follow the Target

Once your cat has perfected target training at a close range, you can begin moving the target further away. For example, place the target close the cat and then once the cat moves towards the target, pull it further away. The cat should continue to follow the target.^{[13]XResearch source}
Once your cat follows and then touches the target, press the clicker and give your cat a treat.^{[14]XResearch source}
3
Continue to move the target further away. Try placing the target behind the cat, or move it further away from the cat. Continue to train this activity until your cat has mastered the skill of following the target.^{[15]XResearch source}
- After a few training sessions, your cat should be able to happily follow the target.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Applying Target Training

1
Target train your cat to move off surfaces. Target training is an excellent tool for stopping unwanted behaviours. For example, your cat may enjoy sitting on the kitchen counters while you are cooking. In order to stop this behaviour, place the target on the ground. Your cat will jump off the counter in order to touch the target.
- You can use this to coax your cat off of any type of furniture.
- Alternatively, you could use a target to get your cat to go to a certain space. For example, you may want them to sleep in their own bed or sit on their cat perch.
2
Lure your cat into a crate with a target. Some cats will hide or try to avoid being placed in their carrier. Once your cat is target trained, you can simply place the target near the door of the carrier and your cat will voluntarily enter. This can make trips to the vet much easier and less stressful for both you and your cat.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Give your cat a treat once it enters the carrier and touches the target.
- You can also coax your cat out of its carrier using a target.
3
Use target training to get your cat comfortable with touch. You may find that your cat is afraid of human touch. This is particularly common among rescue cats. One way to help overcome this is through target training. Once your cat has become comfortable touching a target, replace the target with your hands. Alternatively, you could use your hands as the target right from the beginning.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Eventually your cat will associate your touch with a positive reward in the form of a treat.
- When using your hand as a target, always keep your hand in a predictable position, such as an open palm, closed fist, or extended fingers.
Tricks are not only for dogs. Once your cat has mastered target training, you can begin to teach it tricks. For example, you can teach your cat to sit by holding the target in front of the cat’s face and then moving it upwards. Then say “sit.” Your cat should naturally sit as they look upwards at the target. Once sitting, reward the cat with a treat.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Things You’ll Need

Target
Clicker
Treats

Tips

Once your cat is trained you do not have to give them a treat every time they touch the target.^{[19]XResearch source}
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If you are using a clicker while target training, make sure to press the clicker at the exact moment your cat touches the target. Do not push the clicker before or after.^{[20]XResearch source}
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Do not push or maneuver your cat into the desired positions. Your cat’s movements should always be voluntary.
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