How to train cats

How to Train Cats

Cats are, as a rule, stereotyped to be indifferent and impossible to teach or train. But the truth is that if taught the right way with a lot of encouragement a cat is capable of learning many ways to behave as well as simple tricks. Aside from about you and your cat, training gives mental exercise and corrects the unwanted behaviors in them. In this article you will find a step by step guide on how to train your cat.

Understanding Cat Behavior

Before you start training, it’s crucial to understand how cats think and behave:

Independent Nature: Cats are by nature, domestic animals that are somewhat self reliant and therefore cannot be commanded on as dogs can.
Motivation: Cats loves to be rewarded and what motivates them most are treats, play and physical attention. It is very important that as a cat owner you have to remember that only those things that your cat values most will help with the training.
Body Language: Watching your cat’s body language tells you whether the cat is receptive or not to go through the training session.

Essential Training Principles

Positive Reinforcement: reward the cat as soon as it behaves in the way you want it to. This could be a small form or treat or even some kind words or even a friendly patting session.
Short Sessions: Cats have short attention spans thus a trainer should not take more than 5 to 10 minutes of time in training the cat.
Consistency: Make sure that you use the same cue –a word or an action- for each behaviour you wish to train.
Patience:Taking your time is okay because cats are slow learners as compared to dog, do not scold them or punish as this causes stress or even fear.

Basic Training Techniques

1. Litter Box Training

Litter box training is usually instinctual for kittens, but here’s how to ensure success:

It is recommended that litter box should be placed in a dry, well ventilated, cool, clean area which is less frequented.
Take the box and show the cat where it is after meals or after waking from a nap.
Make sure to clean the box always as cats are very washed and they will not use a messy box.

2. Teaching “Sit”

Teaching your cat to sit is simple and serves as a foundation for other tricks:

Put a treat at least few inches above the head of your cat.
Gradually take the treat to their head again forcing them to sit so they can follow the treat.
The 2nd command is to sit, stay seated a while before you say the command word again and follow it up with a reward.

3. Come When Called

Training your cat to come on command is practical and strengthens your bond:

The call should be a unique word or a whistle, a command like “Here, kitty!” or the clicker.
Punish your cat when they leave the response and give them a reward when they return, even if the cat is just returning at that time.

4. Discouraging Unwanted Behaviors

Some of the undesirable acts include the cat clawing furniture or tables, and this cat leap on tables or counters. Here’s how to redirect these actions:

Scratching: Offer scratchers and put the scratchers in front of the high traffic areas they usually scratch. Encourage them for adopting the post.
Counter Surfing: Place bitter substances such as aluminum foil or double sided tape on tables and offer kitty ladders like cat trees etc.

Advanced Training Tricks

1. High Five

Keep your hand palm down with a treat behind it and remain still, give your cat a chance to bat at the treat.
When their paw is in your hand say ‘High five’ and give them a treat.

2. Walking on a Leash

The first step would be to read your cat a harness inside of the house.
Suddenly start to put a leash on them and allow them to walk around in a fenced compound.
Take brief strolls outside in a low noise, safe environment.

3. Fetch

Choose an item, which your cat prefers to play with, but it should be of lightweight.
Throw the toy a little and then teach the cat to return it to you by rewarding the cat when they come back with the toy.

Addressing Challenges

One main difficulty in training cats is the fact that the animals are very unadaptable in most circumstances. Common hurdles include:

Lack of Interest: If the cat gets bored just change the kind of treats used or the times you use to train the cat.
Fear or Stress: Another failing strategy means that one should not prod their cat if the cat seems scared or stressed out. Make sure the atmosphere is nice and safe.
Consistency Issues: It’s also important to make sure that all of the people in the household are using the exact same cues and rewards so that there are no misunderstandings.

Benefits of Cat Training

Training your cat has numerous advantages:

Helps improve and enhance the relationship between you and your pet animal.
Contains behavioral problems and stress.
Helps the dog’s brain to be active and therefore they do not get bored.
Promotes safety through enforcing behaviours such as the command word “Come.”

Conclusion

Cat training is a long, patience and consistent process that should involve a good understanding of the nature of the animal. Positive training approaches such as positive reinforcement and desirable conditioning your cat can be trained various skills and intelligence in tricks as well improve on your bonding. Please bear this in mind always – no two cats are the same and so remember to follow what each cat prefers. If you are willing to dedicate time and energy for it, your pet becomes well-behaved and joyful additions to the family.

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