How To Train Two Cats At The Same Time

Many cat owners have more than one cat. But can you train both cats at the same time? What if one is an adult and one is a kitten? Can you use the same training methods? We’re here to help break down how you can train two cats at the same time to become adventure cats!

Training Method

One of the most important things to remember is that all cats are individuals. They respond to things differently, like/dislike different things, and adapt at different paces. It is also important to not to compare your cats progress against each other. This can lead to pushing one cat too much too soon, which can have a detrimental affect on future training.

The goal is for each cat to feel comfortable in each step of training so that they can enjoy the outdoors. There is no specific timeline for training and every cat will respond and progress at different paces, even if you are training them the exact same way. That is normal. Find what works for each cat and use that to drive their training forward!

Another very important thing to remember is that not every cat enjoys the outdoors. And that is okay. Do not put your cat in a situation that they are not comfortable in. One cat may prefer the indoor only, while your other cat is out hiking with you. Or maybe your cat likes the outdoors but prefers exploring your yard rather than going on hiking trails. Whatever their preferences are, give them that time and enrichment. Not every trip outside has to be an extravagant exploration!

How To Progress Through Training At Different Paces

Some cats may be comfortable in their harness and backpack within a week and ready to go outside. Others may take months. The best thing to do is make individualized training plans for each cat. This way, you can work on what that specific cat needs in order to feel comfortable going outside. One cat may love the backpack but not the harness, the other cat may be the opposite. Just because they are going through the same “training plan” and in the same household, does not mean they will take to the training in the same manner.

Always work with your cats and their individual needs, even if it takes longer than expected. And there is nothing wrong with going outside with just one cat while the other watches. It may actually help the other cat seeing how much fun the outdoors can be!

Tips To Train Two Cats At The Same Time

• Chose a reward that works for each cat

  • Some cats are food motivated, and that is easy! A treat is a great way to reinforce positive behavior and help with training. However, some cats are picky eaters and not food motivated. If your cat responds to praise or pets, you can do that. Or offer a little play session with a favorite toy afterwards. The reward depends on that cat, so make sure they like it and respond to it! A reward that works is key for success in training your cats, and it does not have to be the same reward for each of your cats.

• Separate during training sessions

  • Sometimes, having your cats together during a training session can distract them. You want them to focus on the task you are working on. And especially if they are at different points in their training, it is better for them, and easier for you, to focus on one at a time.

• Do not be afraid to adjust training to fit your cats’ needs

  • If something does not seem to be working, adjust with your cat. The whole point of their training is to work with them and make it a positive experience. Be flexible and have back-up plans in case you need to change anything.

• One cat has mastered one aspect, use that to help your other cat

  • If your one cat loves the backpack, but the other is hesitant, have that cat watch you ask your other cat to go into the backpack and do your training. This can help your other cat see that the backpack isn’t scary.

One Person With Two Cats

Many people worry about taking two cats out by themselves. This is a valid concern, as often times, the two cats will not want to walk in the same direction or one will want to walk while the other wants to sit. It is also more difficult to be sure that your cat is staying safe and not escaping their harness when you’re worried about watching two. But taking two cats out with one person is not impossible, but there are a few more things to think about than if it was just one cat. If you are comfortable with the situation, it does not necessarily have to be more dangerous or stressful. There are many people who do it and it works great for them! Here are some things to consider before making the decision and some potential solutions for you!

• Are your cats comfortable outside?

  • If your cats are not fully trained yet, it is probably best to take them out individually. If they get scared and try to get out of the harness, having two cats to worry about can be added stress. Once they are both experienced and love the outdoors, it will be less of a risk.

• Do your cats stay close together when outside?

  • If they like to go in opposite directions and do their own thing, it may be more difficult to get to them both quickly if need be. There are split leashes available, where you will have the one leash but both cats attached to it so they have to stay relatively close together.

• Do your cats do okay in a backpack?

  • If your cats are backpack trained, you can try having one in the backpack and one out walking. Then they can switch turns throughout the walk.

• Do you feel comfortable in the area you are going?

  • If you have never been to the place before, it is probably best to either take only one cat or go by yourself to scope it out first. There could be a lot of people, off leash dogs, and other things that could make for a potentially dangerous situation with two cats.

• Do your cats listen to or know basic commands?

  • If your cats know come, sit, or stay, it can make it much easier to keep track of them when you are walking outside. Clicker training is a great way to work on these tricks and can really be helpful in certain situations.

Conclusion

Having two cats is great for their social skills and giving them a companion in the home. But it can be more challenging to train two cats at the same time. They can progress at different speeds or have their own preferences. Being flexible and adjusting to what your cats are telling you will be the key to successful training. The end goal is to give your cat a more enriching lifestyle, should they feel comfortable with the outdoors. But never force your cat outside, as this could hinder your relationship. Make their time outside as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, giving them some mental and physical enrichment!