Cat Training Research Resources
The scientific research on cat training, with links to articles and blog posts.
This page has links to scientific research on how to train cats and the benefits of training cats, as well as links to places where you can read about those studies for free. It is the sister page to our science of dog training resources page. At the moment, this page is a work in progress so please get in touch if you know of any scientific studies (or articles about them) that should be included. Thank you.
Gourkow, N., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effect of cognitive enrichment on behavior, mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease of shelter cats rated as frustrated on arrival Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 131, 103-110 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.07.012.
Grant, R. A., & Warrior, J. R. (2018). Clicker training increases exploratory behaviour and time spent at the front of the enclosure in shelter cats; Implications for welfare and adoption rates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 77-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.002
O’Hanley, K. A., Pearl, D. L., & Niel, L. (2021). Risk factors for aggression in adult cats that were fostered through a shelter program as kittens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 236, 105251.
Kogan, L.; Kolus, C.; Schoenfeld-Tacher, R. Assessment of Clicker Training for Shelter Cats. Animals 2017, 7, 73
Willson, E. K., Stratton, R. B., Bolwell, C. F., & Stafford, K. J. (2017). Comparison of positive reinforcement training in cats: a pilot study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research.
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| Photo: songsakai (Shutterstock) |
This page has links to scientific research on how to train cats and the benefits of training cats, as well as links to places where you can read about those studies for free. It is the sister page to our science of dog training resources page. At the moment, this page is a work in progress so please get in touch if you know of any scientific studies (or articles about them) that should be included. Thank you.
This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Gourkow, N., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effect of cognitive enrichment on behavior, mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease of shelter cats rated as frustrated on arrival Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 131, 103-110 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.07.012.
- Covered by Companion Animal Psychology: Training is purrfect enrichment for frustrated shelter cats.
Grant, R. A., & Warrior, J. R. (2018). Clicker training increases exploratory behaviour and time spent at the front of the enclosure in shelter cats; Implications for welfare and adoption rates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 77-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.002
- Covered by Mikel Dlgado PhD: Why a new study doesn't prove anything about cats and clicker training... or, how NOT to do science
Kogan, L.; Kolus, C.; Schoenfeld-Tacher, R. Assessment of Clicker Training for Shelter Cats. Animals 2017, 7, 73
- Covered by Companion Animal Psychology: Even Shy Shelter Cats Can Learn Tricks.
- Covered by Dr. Anne Fawcett: Can clicker training improve the welfare of shelter cats?
- Covered by lifehacker: Turns out you can teach an old cat new tricks.
Lockhart, J., Wilson, K., & Lanman, C. (2013). The effects of operant training on blood collection for domestic cats. Applied animal behaviour science, 143(2-4), 128-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2012.10.011
Pratsch, L., Mohr, N., Palme, R., Rost, J., Troxler, J., & Arhant, C. (2018). Carrier training cats reduces stress on transport to a veterinary practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Pratsch, L., Mohr, N., Palme, R., Rost, J., Troxler, J., & Arhant, C. (2018). Carrier training cats reduces stress on transport to a veterinary practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
- Covered by Companion Animal Psychology: Cats trained to like their carriers find vet visits less stressful
- Covered by Mikel Delgado PhD: Training cats to love their carriers: Science shows it works.
Willson, E. K., Stratton, R. B., Bolwell, C. F., & Stafford, K. J. (2017). Comparison of positive reinforcement training in cats: a pilot study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research.
- Covered by Companion Animal Psychology: The best way to train cats is with food.
