Cats are independent creatures compared to dogs and so are less responsive to training, but they can be trained!

Always encourage good behaviour – fussing and extra attention works well. Never punish your cat: if it is not at the time of the act, your cat may have no idea what it is for. Water spray bottles do work well to deter inappropriate behaviour if they are caught in the act. Always be consistent with your training.

Cats can be trained to come when called as well as sit and follow other instructions, as long as you have time and patience.

To teach your kitten to sit, hold food in front of your kitten’s nose and guide your hand up slowly and over the back of his (or her) head. His bottom will go down as his head goes up. Once he has responded to the hand movement, say 'sit' (not any earlier). Repeat the word frequently and give immediate rewards.

To teach your kitten to come, food is a great motivator – you may know how your cat comes immediately when he or she realises there is the sound of a food tin opening! This training is thus best when the animal is hungry. Use the word 'come' as well as the kitten’s name and reward your kitten accordingly. Show him or her the food then retreat a few paces and say 'come' when he or she walks towards you. Always use a friendly voice, reward your kitten immediately and do not punish slow responses.

Cats can also be trained to walk on a lead and cat harnesses are available too. Remember your kitten is not fully immunised until a few weeks after the last vaccination, so public places should be avoided until this time. Let your kitten get used to the lead by attaching it to the collar and the kitten can drag it around the house. The kitten will resent being pulled on a lead or harness at this stage. Encourage your kitten to walk on the lead; it won’t pull on the lead like a dog will. Praise good behaviour.

Kittens can benefit from socialisation with other cats too. This primary period of socialisation is from the age of six to 12 weeks. After this cats learn social fighting. It is important that they learn to interact with humans too!

Cats are independent creatures compared to dogs and so are less responsive to training, but they can be trained!

Always encourage good behaviour – fussing and extra attention works well. Never punish your cat: if it is not at the time of the act, your cat may have no idea what it is for. Water spray bottles do work well to deter inappropriate behaviour if they are caught in the act. Always be consistent with your training.

Cats can be trained to come when called as well as sit and follow other instructions, as long as you have time and patience.

To teach your kitten to sit, hold food in front of your kitten’s nose and guide your hand up slowly and over the back of his (or her) head. His bottom will go down as his head goes up. Once he has responded to the hand movement, say 'sit' (not any earlier). Repeat the word frequently and give immediate rewards.

To teach your kitten to come, food is a great motivator – you may know how your cat comes immediately when he or she realises there is the sound of a food tin opening! This training is thus best when the animal is hungry. Use the word 'come' as well as the kitten’s name and reward your kitten accordingly. Show him or her the food then retreat a few paces and say 'come' when he or she walks towards you. Always use a friendly voice, reward your kitten immediately and do not punish slow responses.

Cats can also be trained to walk on a lead and cat harnesses are available too. Remember your kitten is not fully immunised until a few weeks after the last vaccination, so public places should be avoided until this time. Let your kitten get used to the lead by attaching it to the collar and the kitten can drag it around the house. The kitten will resent being pulled on a lead or harness at this stage. Encourage your kitten to walk on the lead; it won’t pull on the lead like a dog will. Praise good behaviour.

Kittens can benefit from socialisation with other cats too. This primary period of socialisation is from the age of six to 12 weeks. After this cats learn social fighting. It is important that they learn to interact with humans too!