No matter what you may have heard, it is possible to crate-train a cat just like you can a dog. Though cats are infamously independent and tend to have 'selective hearing' when their owner calls them, any animalincluding catscan be trained. Just ask any animal trainer and they will tell you that this is true. All you need is a little patience and insight into animal behavior to begin properly training your cat.

The best time to start crate-training your cat is when it is still a kitten. If you can begin shaping the cat's behavior in its formative days, you can easily teach it that its cage or crate is not something that it needs to be afraid of. This will come in quite handy when you need to take them to the vet as well. While you can train an older cat using the same methods, it will probably take more patience and time than a kitten would.

The first thing you need to do is get a crate. There are different types of crates to choose from. The best for a cat would be a plastic crate that comes apart for easy cleaning. You can choose between the front loading and the top loading crates. If you think your cat will get scared and be hard to take out of the crate when you take them places, then the top loading crate would be the best option. If not either one you choose would be fine. Use your better judgment.

Next, you need to make the crate as comfortable as possible for your cat. Many cat owners will place their cat's favorite blanket or toys in the crate, and maybe even sprinkle a little catnip or place a treat inside to entice them in. You don't want to be forceful (as that will only make them nervous), but just let your cat discover it on their own; make it available to them at all times. You want your cat's crate to be their 'safe zone.' You want the crate to be near their food and litter box -preferably in the same room. Some have even placed one or both within the crate if it is large enough. Whenever your cat is in the crate, give them a treat. This along with the aforementioned catnip or hidden treats will cause your cat to view their crate as a good place where they receives treats and can be comfortable.

All you need is this information, a little patience, and consistency. You will have your cat trained in no time at all. The most important thing is to keep your cool, because if you don't kitty sure won't. Take it slow, everything will fall into place.