Cat training

 Most purr owners are sure that it is absolutely impossible to train cats! But this opinion is wrong. After all, now there are even agility competitions for cats and dancing with purrs is gaining popularity. So the answer to the questioncan cats be trainede” is positive.Pictured: cat training

Cat training at home: dream or reality?

You can train a cat at home! The main thing is to convince her that the lessons are just another fun game. And in just a few weeks, you can teach a cat 10 commands. What you need to know when starting to train cats, you ask. First of all, remember that each cat is a personality with its own character, habits and tastes. Watch your pet. What is his favorite treat? Where does he like to vacation? What toys does he play? Use the results of these observations in the process of training.

Be patient and in no case be cruel. A cat will not cooperate with a person it fears or dislikes.

You can start training a cat at any age, even from a very young age.

Cat Training Methods

You may be tempted to use force or punishment to train your cat. However, this is a big mistake. Ordering a cat or forcing it is useless, even harmful. The purr must be interested in the lessons. Therefore, the only effective method of training cats is positive reinforcement. Good actions must be rewarded. But what reward to choose: a treat, stroking or a game – it’s up to you, depending on the preferences of your pet. An individual approach will come to the rescue. For example, if a cat likes to play with a feathered stick, it can be used as a pointer. This is how you teach your cat to jump through a hoop, go through tunnels or overcome barriers.Pictured: cat trainingAnd the agility track can be built at home. Tunnels are sold in toy stores, obstacles are built from plastic containers, boards or boxes. The main thing is that they are safe for the student.

The Clicker Method in Cat Training

The clicker (a small device that makes a click when a button is pressed) has long been used in the training of any animal, including cats. The clicker training method is universal and suitable for everyone. The beauty of this method is that the cat is completely convinced: it is she who is training you! She performs some actions, and you click and give out a prize. Isn’t it nice? Therefore, clicker lessons usually do not cause resistance or negative emotions in the cat. Remember that the lessons should not be long. It is better to practice 5 minutes every day than 1 hour continuously once a week. First you need to explain that clicking a clicker is a harbinger of pleasure. You will need to prepare a finely chopped treat – your cat’s favorite food. Click and immediately offer food. So repeat many times.In the photo: training a cat with a clickerThen start mastering the exercises. For example, show a cat a pointer toy. As soon as the cat shows interest, click and treat. Move the pointer a little, and as soon as the cat makes a movement in its direction, click and treat. Click only when the cat performs the desired action. “Incorrect answers” are simply ignored. Once your cat gets the point, you can teach them almost anything!

However, remember that you can not demand too much from a cat at once. Difficult tricks are learned gradually, in several steps.

 Make sure that the cat does not get tired and does not get bored with the lessons. And keep in mind that in new conditions, training will have to start all over again. True, the learned cat in this case will remember faster.