To train your new kitten, you need an understanding of how she thinks and behaves.
Cats are not like dogs. Dogs are pack animals who want to please their 'leader' (you). Your kitten will be more interested in pleasing herself!
That said, with a bit of understanding and patience, there's no reason why you can't train your kitten. And it's important that you do. After all, how will you groom your kitten or keep a close eye on her health if you don't train her to be handled? And do you really want her padding about on your kitchen counters?
The basic principles
The first thing to realize is that cats do not understand punishment. Encouraging good behavior is much more effective. Sound tricky? Just remember the three 'R's' - respect, reinforcement and rewards.
Let's take respect. It's important that you behave in a 'cat friendly' manner. Did you know for example that cats dislike being stared at, or that they can't abide sudden noises or movements?
Reinforcement just means consistency and repetition. If your kitten does something you wish to discourage (like jumping on the kitchen counters), always gently and firmly say no. If she does something you want to encourage, be sure to always make a big fuss of her.
Which brings us neatly on to rewards. There are two types of rewards - praise from you and a tasty treat. Both are very motivating to your kitten.
Training your kitten to be handled
Most cats don't like being picked up, and the earlier you get your kitten used to it the better.
A lot of people unwittingly teach their kitten bad habits. They pick their kitten up, she struggles and they immediately put her down again. Thus, the kitten learns that if she struggles, she gets her own way.
A better approach is to pick your kitten up and then, if she struggles, continue to hold her gently but firmly. When she settles, lavish lots of praise on her and set her down.
Tasty Tips
Scratching
Can you train your kitten not to scratch? No. Kittens love to scratch - it's a natural form of territorial marking that also gives the muscles a good stretch. Does this mean you have to accept ruined furniture? No. You just have to train your kitten to re-direct her scratching.
Buy your kitten a scratching post (rough surfaces are particularly appealing so you might want to choose one covered with something like rope). Play with your kitten near the scratching post and then, when she uses it, reward her with praise and maybe a treat.
If she does scratch an item of furniture, she'll mark it with her scent and cleaning it with an anti-odor product may discourage her from going back there. Some people find putting something like polythene on the item of furniture helpful as kittens generally aren't so keen to scratch slippery surfaces.
Discouraging biting
Play biting is natural kitten behavior. If your kitten bites your hand during play, end the session immediately. Whatever you do, don't jerk your hand away. This just makes the game even more fun! Toys and balls are safer objects of prey.
Clicker training
Clicker training is a modern, kind and scientific way of training animals. You use all the same principles already discussed but your kitten also gets a 'click' to mark any good behavior. More information on clicker training.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Related articles
Why Do a Cat's Eyes Glow?
Learn the science behind your kitty's shining eyes and find out why their eyes have a unique glow to them.
Meal Feeding vs. Free Feeding Cats: What's Best?
Curious if your cat can eat on her own schedule? Learn about free feeding, how it can impact your cat's diet, and if this method is a good fit for her.
Cat Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & What You Should Do
Learn how to spot the signs of a cat seizure, what you should do if your cat is having a seizure, and what the common causes of seizures are.
Why Cats Groom Themselves
Cats are built to groom themselves from their tongue to their coat. Read more about their grooming habits so you can understand their needs.
Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?
Cats often like to treat us like their personal cat bed, but why do they love to stand & walk on us? Learn why & how you can nicely curb this behavior.
Is Your Cat Hiding Their Pain? Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Why is My Kitten Crying? (& How to Help Them Stop)
Learn why kittens often cry as newborns, what age it should subside, and how you can help soothe and get them to stop through their first year.
Why Do Cats Try to Eat Plastic?
You may wonder why your cat loves chewing & eating all kinds of plastic. Find out why she's fascinated by these items and what you can do to discourage it.
Skin Lumps on a Cat: Types, Causes & Treatment
Learn about types of skin lumps that can occur on a cat, why they happen, what each type means (i.e. fluid filled, etc.), and how they are treated.
Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill's Pet
Learn how to recognize the signs of stress in cats and how to help a stressed cat find relief. Learn the implications of stress on her overall health, and what you can do to help ease her.
Helpful Tips for Bathing & Grooming a Cat
Part of keeping cats healthy is ensuring they are clean and well-groomed. Get tips on how and when to bathe and groom your cat.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
How to Handle Cat Spraying
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Feeding Fish to Your Cat: A Healthy Option
Discover whether or not feeding fish to your cat has any real benefits. Learn how fish can be properly included into your cat's diet.
Letting Your Cat Outside: What You Need to Know
Get tips on how to take the proper precautions when letting your kitten outside for the first time including the proper age and time of day.
How to Properly Pick Up a Cat
Learn the proper way to pick up a cat. Practicing the right technique will make her feel safe & secure, and you'll avoid getting a bunch of scratch marks.
Subtle Signs that Your Cat is Aging
Health-related issues in cat become more common as they age. Here are 6 senior feline health concerns you need to know about.
DIY Cat Stain & Odor Remover That Actually Works
Learn how to make your own DIY cat stain remover, as well as how to remove cat odors from your home.
Why Do Cats Bite While Playing?
Learn what's behind your cat's playful biting, whether it's a cause for concern, and how to curtail it if they get a little too rough.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.