Training an outdoor cat presents some unique challenges compared to indoor cats. Outdoor cats have more distractions and opportunities to misbehave outside the home. However, with time, patience and consistency it is possible to train even free-roaming felines. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to train an outdoor cat.
Why Train an Outdoor Cat
Training provides many benefits for outdoor cats including:
- Safety – A trained cat is less likely to get lost, hit by a car or injured. You can teach important commands like “come” to keep them from wandering too far.
- Good Behavior – Training will curb undesirable behaviors like aggression, furniture scratching and excessive vocalizations. It also reinforces positive behaviors.
- Enrichment – Training is mentally stimulating and enriching for cats. It strengthens the bond between cat and owner.
- Health – Training makes it easier to give medication, trim nails, clean ears and perform other health-related handling.
While indoor cats receive constant supervision, outdoor cats have more freedom. Training gives you some control over your cat’s behavior when outside your direct supervision. A well-trained outdoor cat is a happy, healthy cat!
Tricks You Can Teach an Outdoor Cat
Many people are surprised at how intelligent and trainable cats can be. Here are some useful tricks you can teach an outdoor cat:
Come
This is the most important command for an outdoor cat to learn. Teach your cat to come when called using rewards. Practice often so they reliably return when you call them in.
Sit
Teach your cat to sit on command before receiving food, going outside or getting affection. This teaches patience and self-control.
High Five
Give your cat a mental workout by teaching them to high five on command. Make sure to use the same verbal cue and hand gesture each time.
Enter/Exit Doorway
You can teach your cat to sit patiently at an open doorway until you give them permission to go through with a release command like “OK.”
Walk on Leash
If your cat enjoys harness training, you can teach them to walk properly on a leash without pulling or wandering off. Use rewards to encourage them to stay close to you.
Leave It
This command teaches your cat not to touch objects or people until you say it’s OK. Helpful for keeping them from hunting/harming birds and wildlife.
Drop It
Trade your cat a treat for dropping an object on command. Useful for getting them to release dangerous, toxic or precious items from their mouth.
With persistence almost any cat can learn basic obedience! Start training outdoor cats young or ease adult cats into training gradually.
How to Train an Outdoor Cat
Training an outdoor cat takes patience, especially if they are stubborn, independent or easily distracted. Here are some step-by-step tips for effective training:
Start Indoors
Begin training in a distraction-free indoor environment. Once they master commands inside, slowly practice them outside with more distractions.
Short, Frequent Sessions
Cats have short attention spans. Keep training sessions to 5-15 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Don’t try to teach too much at once.
Use Rewards
Food treats, petting, praise or catnip make excellent motivators! Reward behaviors you want to reinforce immediately after they perform them.
Be Consistent
Use the same verbal cues and training techniques every time. All family members should participate to reinforce training.
Remain Calm
Don’t punish or scold for mistakes. Stay patient and positive. If your cat is frustrated, calmly end the session and try again later.
Practice Makes Perfect
Reinforce training with daily practice. Refresher sessions may be needed after they learn commands to maintain obedience.
Train One Step at a Time
Break tricks into small steps. Reward each step before moving onto the next. Raise criteria gradually.
Add Distractions Slowly
Gradually add distractions like toys, other pets, noise and different locations to increase difficulty.
Make It Fun!
Keep training relaxed and fun. If your cat stops cooperating, they may be bored or tired. Take a break if needed.
With this positive reinforcement approach, even stubborn cats will make progress over time. Customize your training plan based on your cat’s unique personality and needs.
Essential Training Supplies for Outdoor Cats
Having the right training supplies on hand will make teaching an outdoor cat easier. Here are some must-have items:
- Treat Pouch – Wearable treat bag lets you always have rewards ready. Look for one with zipper or magnet closure.
- Training Clicker – Click sound marks correct behaviors. Signals to your cat the precise moment to receive a reward.
- Harness & Leash – For training leash skills and preventing escape/wandering. Pick an escape-proof harness specifically sized for cats.
- Interactive Toys – Battery-operated toys to reward play, chase prey or perform “tricks” like dropping toys in baskets.
- Cat Treats – Irresistible soft treats are ideal training rewards. Find your cat’s favorites to keep them motivated.
- Brush or Comb – For tactile-motivated cats, a good brushing can substitute for food rewards.
- Target Stick – Teaches targeting and names trick cues. Touch target object to nose/paw as “handshake.”
- Verbal Markers – Specific words like “Yes!” or “Good” that announce rewards are coming.
Investing in quality training gear will increase your success teaching an outdoor cat. Shop at pet stores or online for the best selection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teach “Come” to Outdoor Cats
The most important thing to teach any outdoor cat is a reliable recall or “come” command. Follow these training steps to teach this potentially life-saving skill:
1. Say Their Name
Get their attention by clearly saying their name first before giving the “come” cue.
2. Give the Cue Word
Say “come!” in an upbeat, encouraging tone. Choose one word like “here!” or a phrase like “come here!”
3. Reward Approaching You
When they walk toward you, immediately give treats, praise and affection as soon as they arrive.
4. Increase Distance
Gradually increase the distance you call from and number of distractions. Reward every success!
5. Practice in the Yard
When recall is solid indoors, practice outside starting in a fenced yard or driveway.
6. Use a Long Lead
Attach a long leash to their harness so you can reel them in gently if needed until recall is reliable.
7. Add Real-Life Distractions
Practice with temptations like other people, animals, cars and open gates nearby.
8. Randomly Reinforce
Periodically reinforce “come” when not formally training with surprise rewards.
9. Avoid Repeating Cues
Don’t repeat “come” over and over if they ignore you. Retrieve or lure them to you, then reward.
With regular practice, your outdoor cat will quickly learn to come when called, potentially saving them from dangerous situations. Never use “come” to punish them or bring them inside from outside. Keep training positive!
Best Treats to Use When Training Outdoor Cats
Treats provide essential motivation for training cats. Here are the best cat treat options for outdoor training:
Soft Chewy Treats
Look for small, soft, chewy treats that are easy for cats to quickly eat outside. Salmon, chicken and liver are favorite flavors.
Lickable Treats
Squeeze tubes and paste treats are ideal for outdoor training since they don’t crumble easily. Plus, cats adore licking them off your finger!
Tiny Bite-Sized Treats
Tiny treats allow you to reward frequently without overfeeding. Look for low-calorie options cats love like PureBites freeze dried shrimp.
Human Grade Treats
Avoid artificial preservatives and flavors. Shop for natural treats made with human edible ingredients.
Meaty Treats
Many cats go crazy for the smell and taste of real meat and fish. Try small training treats with chicken, tuna, beef or salmon.
Treat-Dispensing Toys
Outdoor toys you can hide treats inside add mental stimulation to training sessions. Just be sure toys are sturdy and accessible outside.
Refrigerated/Frozen Treats
In hot weather, look for treats specially made to be served chilled or frozen for longer lasting outdoor motivation.
With so many irresistible cat treat products available, you can easily find just the right training rewards your special feline goes wild for!
Common Outdoor Cat Training Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when training outdoor cats. Watch for these common errors:
Inconsistent Training
Everyone in the home should use the same commands, cues, rewards and techniques to avoid confusing your cat.
Punishing Mistakes
Yelling, scolding or forcing them can damage trust. Just calmly end the session and try again later.
Skipping Practice
Regular short training sessions are key, especially for adult cats or newly learned behaviors.
No Rewards
Food, toys and praise need to immediately follow desired actions before moving to harder scenarios.
Rushing Sessions
Cats learn best with short, positive sessions. Don’t overload them with too many behaviors or cues.
Too Many Treats
Overfeeding leads to obesity and disinterest. Use highly motivating treats, but in moderation.
Impractical Commands
Focus training on useful behaviors like “sit” and “come” instead of complex circus tricks.
Lack of Patience
Progress takes time! Persist even if your cat seems stubborn, lazy or easily distracted at first.
Avoiding common mistakes will ensure you have the best chances of successfully training even the most difficult outdoor cat personality types.
How to Stop Unwanted Behaviors in Outdoor Cats
In addition to teaching commands, training can help curb undesirable behaviors when your cat is outside unsupervised. Here’s how to stop common outdoor cat behavior problems:
Roaming Too Far
Use a long lead to restrict roaming until a solid recall is trained. Provide safe outdoor enclosure spaces.
Aggression
Reward non-aggressive behaviors. Use calming supplements. Avoid punishing aggression – seek professional help.
Excessive Vocalization
Give attention for quiet meows instead of yelling. Address causes of anxiety or boredom. Discourage stray cats.
Furniture Scratching
Apply scratch deterrent sprays to problem areas. Redirect to appropriate scratching posts. Trim nails regularly.
Hunting/Harassing Wildlife
Distract with toys that satisfy prey drive. Supervise outside time. Use humane deterrents strategically.
Digging Garden Beds
Block access to gardens. Use citrus or flower essences to make areas unappealing. Provide approved digging spots.
Jumping on Counter Surfaces
Use sticky shelf liners as deterrents. Never leave food unsupervised. Reward ignoring counter surfaces.
Getting in Trash
Keep bins latched or in pet-proof cabinets. Set booby traps with motion detectors. Use natural repellents around perimeter.
With smart management, deterrents and training, you can modify undesirable outdoor cat habits. Be vigilant and proactively address problems early before they become ingrained.
How to Maintain Training with an Outdoor Cat
Once your outdoor cat masters behaviors, don’t declare training a done deal. Maintaining obedience requires an ongoing investment of time and practice.
Schedule Refreshers
Even trained cats can regress if skills aren’t periodically practiced. Do quick 5 minute training sessions several times weekly.
Vary Locations/Distractions
Work obedience in multiple environments with different temptation levels to keep them challenged.
Use Random Reinforcement
Sporadically surprise your cat with rewards for obeying commands when not formally training.
Remain Consistent
All family members should use the same commands, cues and techniques during and after formal training.
Simulate Emergencies
Occasionally stage practice runs of emergency situations like calling them inside from escapes or drops.
Rule Out Medical Causes
Urinary issues, arthritis, dental disease and other health problems can affect behavior. See your vet if issues arise.
Consider Refresher Classes
If your previous training has lapsed, a professional trainer can help you regain control of stubborn cats.
Keep Commands Practical
Refresh the most essential commands daily instead of complicated tricks. Prioritize safety-related skills.
Regular maintenance prevents outdoor cat training from fading over time. You want those obedient behaviors to become lifelong habits!
Troubleshooting Outdoor Cat Training Problems
Don’t get discouraged if your outdoor cat training hits some snags. Try these troubleshooting tips:
Problem: My cat keeps wandering off during training sessions.
Solution: Practice leash skills first in enclosed areas. Praise for focusing on you. Reward staying close by.
Problem: My cat meows constantly and seems too stressed for training.
Solution: Try short 5 minute sessions. Make training relaxed and fun with high-value rewards. Avoid scolding.
Problem: My cat refuses treats outside.
Solution: Use extra enticing food rewards like squeeze cheese, meat baby food or sardines to motivate them.
Problem: The come command works at home but not outside.
Solution: Gradually add distractions to come training. Practice in semi-controlled areas like fenced yards before public spaces.
Problem: My cat keeps jumping on counters I’m trying to deter them from.
Solution: Be sure to reward ignoring the counter and never when jumping up. Use aversives on the surface like sticky tape.
Problem: My cat is too wild and independent for training.
Solution: Start taming them first. Build trust with slow introductions and positive handling. Use irresistible rewards.
Persist with troubleshooting, and even the most stubborn outdoor cat can make training progress. Enlist a professional trainer or behaviorist if problems continue.
Final Thoughts
While outdoor cats can be more challenging to train than their indoor counterparts, they are just as intelligent and trainable. With proper technique, motivation and realistic expectations, you can teach an outdoor cat good manners and safety skills. Work at your cat’s pace, keep sessions low-stress and fun, and reward them generously. With your active guidance and participation, your outdoor cat can become a happy, obedient companion for life. Consistent training is a worthwhile investment that pays off in safety, better behavior and strengthened bonds with your beloved feline.