How to Train Your Cat to Listen

Cats rely on a secure environment. They like stability and they like routine. Assess your cat to determine what environment suits them.

Is your cat not listening to you a new behavior? If so, think about what has changed. Is there a new family member, whether animal or human? Have you recently moved? If so, give your cat time to adjust.

Be aware of a cat’s instincts in their environment. Take scratching the furniture as an example. Innate traits like digging and tearing at fabric are common. Provide a scratching post for a cat who doesn’t listen. A content cat is more apt to be receptive to you.

Take your cat for regular veterinarian visits. Illness and health conditions like arthritis can cause pain, which your cat may associate with the environment. Getting their health back may open them to listening again.

Don't forget the importance of socialization. Raising a cat to be comfortable with family members and guests is key to listening.

As soon as you bring your forever buddy home, start familiarizing them with their name. Practice their name, using the same intonation, and giving affection.

When you speak to your kitty, use an upbeat voice and give them a treat now and then as reinforcement for acknowledging the name.

Try calling your cat by their name when they are involved in something like playing with a toy or gazing out the window. If your cat acknowledges you, even with a glance, give them a treat.

Know your expectations and know your cat’s limits. Not all cats will train easily, and not all will be trainable to the same level. Consider how much time you have to spend on teaching your cat to listen, and base your expectations on that, too.

Be consistent with keeping up with your cat’s needs. Keep their litter clean. Always have fresh food and water available. When they come to you for affection, greet them by their name and give them attention. This will reinforce the use of their name.

As with the other methods, keep the training positive. Don’t focus on training just when your cat is not listening. Use the times when your cat is receptive to you to train as well.

Don’t punish your cat physically or with loud and scary noises. This can lead to stress and fear, two hindrances to your cat listening to you. Fear and nervousness will lead your cat to not seek you out. They may avoid you, as a matter of fact.

To redirect behavior, associate the not listening with encouragement for change. Does your cat continuously beg for food when you are eating? Redirect them to another vicinity by exposing them to something that bothers them, such as a fruity or citrusy scent. Then, they'll make the decision to leave their own.

Is your cat biting? Are they scratching furniture? Redirect their behavior to a favorite toy. First, correct them with a firm ‘no’, take them to another area, and initiate play. Remember, cats do not understand punishment. Rewarding them when they behave (even when they are not displaying undesirable behavior) will encourage your cat to come to you and listen rather than avoiding you with fear.