Kitten training guide: everything you need to raise a happy, confident cat

Congratulations on your new furry family member! Those tiny paws, twitching whiskers, and playful antics are irresistible, but behind the cuteness is an important responsibility: teaching your kitten how to navigate the world confidently and calmly.

Early, positive training isn’t about perfect obedience — it’s about building trust, encouraging good habits, and supporting your kitten’s wellbeing.

At Petcover Australia, we believe training should be gentle, age-appropriate, and stress-free. This guide gives you all the information you need, from basic commands and litter training to managing common behavioural challenges, with step-by-step instructions for each stage of your kitten’s development.

Jump to:

• Before training begins
• First skills
• Socialisation and confidence
• Intermediate skills
• Positive reinforcement
• Common kitten problems
• Training and wellbeing

Before training begins (8–10 weeks)

Before structured skills, focus on helping your kitten feel safe, loved, and at home. This is a special time for bonding, building trust, and exploring their environment.

• Establish a routine – feed, play, and sleep at roughly the same times each day.
• Name recognition – call your kitten’s name in a happy tone and reward attention with petting or a treat.
• Short, gentle play sessions – allow 2–3 minutes of calm play with wand teasers or soft toys.
• Calm environment – limit loud noises or sudden changes to help your kitten settle.

Short, positive interactions build trust and set the stage for future learning.

First skills (10–14 weeks)

Kittens are naturally curious and learn best through play and reward-based methods.

Kitten litter training

• Timing is everything: After meals, naps, or playtime, place them gently in the litter tray.
• Show them the ropes: Lightly scratch their front paws in the litter to trigger instinct.
• Praise success: Reward them immediately with praise or a treat when they use the tray correctly.
• Create a welcoming space: Keep the tray clean and in a quiet, easy-to-reach area.

Basic handling skills

Hold your kitten close for short moments, praising or offering a treat for calm behaviour. Gently touch paws, ears, and mouth to prepare for grooming and vet visits.

Encourage kitten play

Use wand toys or small balls to spark curiosity. Reward gentle play and redirect if they use teeth or claws. Multiple short sessions each day help meet their energy needs.

Kitten socialisation and confidence building (12–16 weeks)

This is a key socialisation stage. Kittens exposed to positive experiences early grow into confident adult cats.

• Introduce new people, pets, and places one at a time.
• Watch their body language and give space when needed.
• Reward calm exploration with treats or praise.
• Expose them gently to household sounds and different rooms.

Short, positive experiences teach your kitten that new things are safe and exciting, not scary.

Intermediate skills (16–24 weeks)

As kittens grow, structured learning helps reinforce good manners and prevent bad habits.

Teaching “Come”

• Call your kitten’s name and say “Come” in an upbeat tone.
• Use treats or toys to encourage them to approach.
• Reward immediately with praise and treats.
• Practice in different rooms to generalise the skill.

Handling and grooming

• Gently handle paws, ears, and tail to build tolerance.
• Make brushing fun with treats and short sessions.
• Use familiar scents and cosy carriers for vet visits.

Positive reinforcement

Reward-based training is the most effective and humane approach, endorsed by RSPCA Australia.

• Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime.
• Avoid punishment — it can cause fear and slow learning.
• Keep training brief and fun.
• Be consistent — ensure everyone uses the same cues.

Common kitten problems and solutions

Even well-trained kittens test boundaries. Here’s how to handle common issues with patience and positivity.

Litter box accidents

• Keep a clean, accessible litter tray in a quiet area.
• After meals or naps, guide them to the tray.
• Celebrate success with treats or praise.
• Never punish accidents — gently redirect instead.

Scratching furniture

• Place scratching posts in favourite areas.
• Reward every correct scratch with treats or praise.
• Redirect unwanted scratching to the post with toys.

Helping a nervous kitten

• Provide cosy hideaways like boxes or covered beds.
• Tempt them out with treats or gentle play.
• Be patient — never force interaction.

Training and overall wellbeing

Training benefits your kitten’s mental, emotional, and physical health.

• Builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
• Prevents boredom and destructive behaviour.
• Supports healthy routines and overall wellbeing.

Kitten insurance

With Petcover Australia, you can relax knowing your kitten’s health is covered. That means you can focus on raising a happy, confident cat! Kitten insurance is there to help owners make sure their beloved furballs get the best care, especially when something unexpected pops up. So, you can always make decisions that are best for your cat, without worrying about the cost.