How To Educate a Cat: Things to Know

A Japanese study, which we discussed in our article "Cats and Science: Three Studies Explain Their Behaviors", showed that cats understand their name perfectly, but they decide whether or not to respond. This alone explains why educating a cat will never be the same as educating a dog. However, those who live with a cat know well that some little tricks can work. Not to “train” them, but to build a balanced coexistence, where even the couch survives, and the litter box is used properly.
So: how to educate a cat? With respect, a good dose of patience, and a few tips to keep in mind.

First rule: get to know your cat and spend time with them

Cats are neither disobedient nor stubborn. It’s just in their nature to remain independent. If something doesn’t make sense to them, they won’t do it. If they like something, they will do it. And if something amuses them, they will do it again, and again, and again.
That’s why the first step to educate a cat is to really get to know them. Observe them, understand what intrigues their curiosity, what sounds attract their attention, where they love to sleep, and when they are most relaxed. Some cats learn quickly, others get distracted easily, and some challenge us every day. But almost all (in their own way) can learn to associate an action or a word with a behavior, especially if this association leads to something positive.
Regarding this, it’s essential to always use the same tone and the same word to indicate a behavior. Cats are excellent observers, but they need consistency to learn to recognize signals.
Also, spending time together and playing are invaluable allies. Playing with your cat helps build mutual trust and understanding. Finding out whether they prefer chasing a feather, climbing a scratching post, or following a particular sound allows you to enter their world and, over time, use it to your advantage. Moreover, a cat that is having fun is more peaceful, relaxed, and open to learning little rules of coexistence.

Positive reinforcement: your best ally

If there’s one thing that really works when it comes to educating a cat (or a dog), it’s positive reinforcement. Which, translated into the language of our animal friends, means: “If you do this, something pleasant happens.”
Rewarding a correct behavior is much more effective than punishing the wrong one. In fact, punishments almost never work and can damage the trust between you and your four-legged friend.
Want your cat to stop jumping on the table? Don’t scold them: invite them to get down and reward them when they do. You can even use Oasy cat treats, which are perfect for creating small rewarding moments that strengthen the bond and assist in training.

How to educate your cat to use the litter

One of the main challenges, especially when educating a kitten, is the correct use of the cat litter. The good news? Cats are, by nature, very clean animals. But they need to feel comfortable. To train them with respect and without forcing, you need to create a favorable environment, where they feel at ease and recognize the litter box as “their space”.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right litter, considering the material, absorbency, clumping ability, and practicality. It’s essential to place it in a quiet spot, away from food and high-traffic areas, and clean it often (even a single negative experience can lead them to seek “alternatives”).
A good method is to gently guide the cat towards the litter box after meals or when they wake up: these are the moments when they are most likely to need it. Never force them, but help them understand that this is the right place. And then, the same rule applies: when you see them use the cat litter properly, reward them with a pat, sweet words, or even a treat with a creamy centre. It’s a way to associate the correct use of the litter box with a positive experience.

How to educate your cat not to scratch the couch, furniture, and curtains

All cats, sooner or later, choose the wrong place to sharpen their claws: the couch, the curtains, a piece of furniture. They don’t do it to spite you, but it’s part of their instinct and serves to mark territory, take care of their claws, or relax.
In this case, it’s very important to offer them a suitable alternative, a strategically placed object in the home (such as a scratching post) designed specifically to help them “vent” freely.
If the behavior of scratching the couch, furniture, or curtains persists, what you can do is interrupt the behavior, but not abruptly, and guide them toward the scratching post. In short: shouting or punishing won’t work. If you want them to stop scratching the couch, you simply need to teach them that there are better alternatives.

How to educate your cat not to bite

Just like scratching furniture, curtains, and chairs, little bites are part of those typical behaviors that, if you live with a cat, you’ll know very quickly. But just as you can teach them to use a scratching post, biting can be managed with respect, consistency, and a little patience.
A helpful tip in this case? Never get them used to playing with your hands. Even though it might seem harmless in the early months, the cat will eventually associate the contact with biting, continuing this behavior into adulthood. It’s better to use appropriate toys, such as sticks, feathers, or fabric balls.
And if you want to discover all the other tips on educating your cat not to bite, read our article “Why Do Cats Gently Bite Humans? The Answers You Didn’t Expect!”.
 

The importance of routine in cat education

To truly feel at home, cats need stability. That’s why one of the keys to educating a cat and building a peaceful coexistence is creating a routine. There’s no need to be rigid, but consistent: serve them their favorite kibble at roughly the same time each day in a calm environment, dedicate fixed moments for grooming or play, and ensure the litter box is clean every day. All these small gestures communicate to your cat that they can trust what’s around them. And when a cat feels safe, they are more receptive, calmer, and more open to learning rules and habits.

So, how do you educate a cat? It’s not about “teaching them” to be different, but about learning to understand them and guiding their habits toward harmonious coexistence. With time, patience, and a bit of experience, even the most wonderfully independent cat can learn to use the litter box, stop ruining the couch, and respect the rhythms of the house. Because every cat is a world unto itself, but they all need the same thing: a real relationship, built on trust. And, yes, maybe a few snacks too!