Food is highly recommended as a reward. The vast majority of cats will work for a treat or food type they love. Choose something other than their everyday food. Get a special treat from the store or offer a small bit of deli meat or tuna. You may have to do some trial and error to find a food type your cat likes. [2] X Research source Though most cats’ primary pleasure is food, there are some cats that just aren’t as interested. If your cat is generally disinterested in food, substitute the food treat with a special toy, favorite brush, or even a certain petting your cat enjoys. [3] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.

Noises can work well. You can say can say something like, “Ki-ki-ki!” in a high-pitched voice. You can make a clicking or squeaking noise. A whistle may also work. You can also choose a phrase you don’t say often. You can try something like, “Come here!” or “Treats!” or “Tuna!”

Positive reinforcement is the key to successfully training your cat to do things. [6] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.

Stand a couple feet away from your cat. Do your call. It may also be helpful to show your cat the reward as you call her. For example, you can crinkle a bag of treats or dangle her toy in front of you. As soon as your cat comes to you, reward her. Give her a treat or toy, pet her, brush her, or engage in any reward you’ve established. Do not be surprised if your cat takes awhile to come at first. It may take awhile for your cat to learn she should approach you when she hears your call. Be patient. Keep doing your call until your cat figures out she needs to come.

Once your cat reliably responds to your call, give it the same treat three out of every four times, then reduce it to half the time, then a third, and so on until you are only occasionally give it the treat you once trained it with. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Continue using non-food rewards. Eventually, your cat will understand she needs to come when called even if treats are not present.

If you need to take your cat to the vet or give them an unpleasant medicine, approach your cat instead of having her come to you.