How to Reward Your Cat

Pick the best time to reward your cat. Encourage positive behaviors, such as using the litter box properly, staying out of restricted areas or using a scratching post instead of the furniture. When the cat does these things, step in immediately with a treat or gentle affection.

Make the food reward special. Getting a piece of his usual diet won't impress him. Instead, pick some unusual or tasty treat, preferably something high in protein, like a bit of fish or chicken.

Break food rewards into small pieces. Giving a cat too much food will train him to expect it and may lead to weight issues if you reward him too often. Small helpings--no more than a mouthful--will let you reward the cat several times in a short period and help him to associate his good activity with the treat.

Choose a reward that encourages activity and exercise. If you don't want to give her food, find a reward that will engage the cat's hunting instincts, such as a new toy or dangle. Lace the toy with catnip before you give it to the cat. When she plays with the toy, her energy will increase.

Stay consistent with your rewards and the times when you deliver them. Rewards work best as training tools, and while cats are notoriously difficult to train, the proper timing of positive encouragement can help. If he doesn't get the reward unless he is well behaved, he'll associate the reward with the good behavior and continue it.