Study Shows Cat Training Reduces Anxiety in Shelters

Forget what the haters say. New research suggests that you train cats of all ages, and it’s a great way to lower your kitty’s anxiety.

A study out of Colorado State University looked at 100 shelter cats who were being ‘trained’ with ‘clicker’ training. The study was led by Dr. Lori Kogan and co-authored by Dr. Cheryl Kolus. Dr. Kolus said that regardless of sex, age of cat or temperament, about 80% of the cats seemed open to basic training techniques (like touching their nose) and almost a third were able to be taught something more challenging, like sitting on command.

Kolus said that pretty much any cat is trainable, and training for cats can be a tremendous help for anxiety when they are in stressful situations, like being in a shelter. She said that even anxious cats are trainable, and the social interaction they have when training and executing commands may be beneficial to their positive adjustment in shelters and in new homes.

Even if your feline friend is in his or her forever home, training may help eliminate bad behaviors or anxiety in various circumstances.

Just make sure the dog has a front row as the training session takes place!