13 Rules to Train Your Cat Into A Good Roommate

Here’s how to teach your cat to not ruin your life…

I'm sure you know the following all too well… one moment, your cat is an adorable, purring cherub; the next, a tiny tornado sprinting across the kitchen, wrecking terror over everything in their path. I’ve been there. And with my sassy-sweet Siamese kitty, I am there. And it has been one hell of a ride.

She has a particular knack for scratching my bedframe. And not gently, but with the unwavering intensity of a thousand storms and lightning bolts. Nothing could keep her claws from sinking and raking across the fabric. No matter how many scratching posts or citrus spray I bought. Then, I conceded, “Well, that’s just what kitties do.” But after a year or so, my bedframe began to look.. well, like everything else in my apartment. Gnawed and gnarly. Ripped to shreds. And that is when I knew something had to change… because my sanity and my furniture were holding on by threads.

Through some trial, error, and heartfelt conversations with her (mostly me talking and her staring far off into the distance, probably plotting her next Britney 3am crash out) I uncovered the 13 essential rules for training a cat (yes, a CAT) to be on their best behavior.

Whether you’re dealing with a handful of mischief or the most polite kitty who ever lived, these laws will help channel your tiny nightmare’s inner chaos into something a little more calm and (hopefully) a lot more manageable.

Rule 1: Speak THEIR Language

Cats express themselves mostly through body language. And reading their signals — tail position, ear orientation, meow types — is important for intuitive training. This will help you learn when’s a good time to start and stop training. And this reduces frustration on both sides.

Rule 2: Adhere to THEIR Schedule

Speaking of good timing, your cat prioritizes their routine. So no, you may not interrupt nap time. And make sure rewards follow good behaviors immediately, ideally within 3 seconds. This makes it clear to them that their behavior is connected to the reward, maximizing lesson efficacy and preventing reinforcement of unwanted behaviors.

Rule 3: Consistency Is a Must

Inconsistency confuses things, and will leave your cat dazed by the gray-area. Don't hinder their learning. Using the same commands, signals, and expectations consistently helps cats grasp what’s expected.

Rule 4: Don't Punish, Use Positive Reinforcement Instead

Ditch the spray bottle! Scientific consensus strongly supports positive reinforcement, or rewarding desired behavior, rather than punishment. Otherwise, you can damage your bond with your kitty. And that's not worth it.

Rule 5: Provide Appropriate Kitty-Rage Outlets

As you know, all cats have a natural instinct to scratch and play. Offer dedicated scratching posts, interactive toys, and climbing spaces to satisfy their urges. Even though it may not stop destructive behavior, it helps decrease it.

Rule 6: Redirect Bad Behavior

When you catch your kitty scratching the wrong thing, gently redirect them to an appropriate outlet instead of punishing. This method is effective and widely recommended by professional cat trainers.

Rule 7: Use Deterrents Creatively

Deterring unwanted scratching with safe options like double-sided tape or natural citrus sprays can help when paired with outlets.

Rule 8: Schedule Their Playtime

This ones important! Regular play sessions help burn off excess energy and reduce behavioral problems. Make DIY toys to keep this interesting for the both of you! A bad kitty is just a bored kitty acting out. Flip the script by directing their entertainment so that it also contribute to yours.

Rule 9: Create a Calm Environment

Stress is greatly contributes to poor feline behavior. A home conducive to play, quiet, safety, and predictability does help improve their behavior over time.

Rule 10: You Must Be Patient

Though it's hard to see sometimes, your cat is not vindictive. They just learn at their own pace and won’t become perfect overnight. Be realistic and celebrate small improvements to make training more rewarding for the both of you.

Rule 11: Train in Short Bursts

Cats have short attention spans. And research advises keeping training sessions under five minutes to get the best results.

Rule 12: Monitor Progress

This is a good one. Track behavior changes with a journal to help you identify patterns, date successes, and stay motivated. Consistent logging supports steady progress because it can clearly show what's working and what isn't.

Rule 13: If The Behavior Doesn't Change After A Couple Months, Seek Professional Help

If serious behavioral problems persist, please consult your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist. Sometimes these behaviors stem from medical issues that require a professional eye.

Training my wild one isn't always easy, but following these guidelines is slowly transforming our relationship and preserving my sanity. So if you’re also ready for more peace, make sure to start with these essentials.