The Principles of Basic Training

The basic strategy for "positive reinforcement” training is simple: stimulate your cat to do what you want it to do and, as it does so, give a reward, often accompanied by a verbal command.

Reward training is really quite simple, but there will be times when your cat does something you do not want it to do, such as scratching furniture.

Saying "No" is not sufficient. Cats need to climb, scratch, and stalk. The basis of cat training is to channel these activities into acceptable alternatives.

Limited Value
Do not overuse direct reprimands. A cat is more likely to stop an activity if it prompts an unpleasant consequence not related to you.