Is it possible to re-educate a cat?

Many owners are convinced that if a cat “walks by itself”, then it cannot be brought up. And if the cat behaves “badly”, for example, hisses at you, scratches at any attempt to communicate, or hides and does not make contact, so it will remain. Is this true and is it possible to re-educate a cat?

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A cat is, of course, not a dog, and one should not expect the same affection for the owner from her. But cats are quite adapted to life next to people and, with the right approach, can learn to coexist peacefully with us. There are no bad cats, there are situations when the owners did not find a way to purr.

How to re-educate a cat?

1. It is necessary to provide the cat with acceptable living conditions. After all, a pet that lives in abnormal conditions cannot behave normally. In particular, the cat must have a shelter where she can retire, adequate feeding, toys, she must be healthy and protected from rough handling. It is also desirable to equip the “second tier” for the purr.
2. The sooner you start raising a kitten, the better. It is easier for a young animal to rebuild and adapt to living conditions and the rules of living in a house.
3. Reinforce the behavior that suits you. Reinforcement can be not only a treat, play or affection, but, strange as it may seem, the fact that you leave the purr alone (if at the moment this is what she wants).
4. Do not force communication on a cat if she does not want it. Cats are not pack animals, they need personal space (some more, some less) and the opportunity to take a break from the attention of other creatures. In its place or in the house, the cat should feel safe and secure.
5. If a cat attacks a person or other animals from some kind of hiding place (for example, from under a sofa), temporarily block her access to this place.
6. Valerian, contrary to popular belief, should not be used. It has an exciting effect on cats, and most owners, on the contrary, need the cat to behave calmer.
7. Put things of people with whom the cat has a conflict for some reason (for example, a T-shirt) next to the cat’s favorite place. Smell is very important to cats, and smell sharing is a great way to bond with your purr.
8. Play with your cat her favorite games and caress her, but only when she makes contact.
9. Treat your cat with your favorite treats.
10. Offer your cat mind games (like toys to roll on the floor to get treats). Intellectual load occupies the cat, promotes its development and soothes.

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It is important to act consistently, give the cat time and not break into a purr if mistakes occur.