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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.

While you are able to train a full grown cat how to be in a crate, it is easier to train them when they are kittens. This little trick will come in handy when you need to put your cat away during a large party or when you need to take them to the vet. Just have a little patience, and you cat will in no time at all be crate trained.

First, you have to find the right kind of crate that fits your cat and your needs. The best crates out there are the plastic crates. Plastic crates come in both front-loading and top-loading models and are a snap to take apart and clean, which is essential for long-term use. If your cat really acts up when they visit the vet, a top-loading crate is a good choice for crate-training. If your cat becomes unmanageable at the vet's office, a top-loader is much easier to get an unruly cat out of than a front-loader. On the other hand, a front-loader is fine if you're not worried about your cat acting up once they are in the crate and at the vet's office.

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.