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You might disagree with this statement, but house training a cat is actually possible and doesn't need to be difficult either. Yes, cats are independent and aloof and often resist your efforts to get them to behave, but they do crave attention and affection from you and of course enjoy those tasty treats you hand out. A good owner would never want to deprive their cat of affection and attention, but giving them special attention when they behave can work wonders when house training a cat. They associate good behavior with that pleasant affection from you and strive to receive it as much as possible.

When house training a cat, consider litter box training. Try to anticipate when the cat will need to eliminate and put him in the litter box, praising him and giving him a small treat even if he doesn't eliminate right then. This will make him associate the box with something pleasant and he'll remember it for when he does have need to use it. If he does use the box, praise him some more and give him another special treat that he doesn't get at any other time. Rewarding is part of house training a cat, whether it's training him to use the box or to stay off the counters.

It's good to remember too when house training a cat that you don't want to confuse him or make it harder on him than it needs to be. If you want him to use the litter box, make sure he can get to it easily. Keep doors open in his path and put the box in an area of the home with little foot traffic or commotion. Keep it away from where his food is or where he eats, and even away from where you prepare your food. It needs to be clean as well. If you're house training a cat but then put obstacles in his way, this will make it virtually impossible for him to follow through with your training. Don't put his food on the counter if you don't want him up there. Don't give him attention or treats when he does jump up on those counters. When house training a cat, make sure you're not giving him mixed signals!

Consistency is key when house training a cat. You can't get him off a certain shelf one day and then ignore him the next time he's up there if you want him to stay off. Don't shoo him away from the houseplants one day and then fail to do that an hour later if he goes back. Cats won't respond unless they're clear about what you want, so remember this when house training a cat. They need consistency and they need you to follow through with your own training efforts in order to understand your expectations and to live up to them, so be mindful of your own practices and you're sure to have certain success!

If you'd like more of my Cat Training Tips, check out my "Insider Tricks and Secrets to Training Your Cat".