Methods for training your cat
Lessons should be short. Concentrate on only one command and move on to the next only after the cat has fully mastered it. Practice the commands in different places around the house so that the cat gets used to responding to them in a variety of situations. You can use the clicker technique to help you with other aspects of teaching your cat, such as getting her to sit still when you brush her, or getting used to driving.
We all know that dogs can be taught to follow basic commands, but what about cats? Cats are more independent and less sociable than dogs, so they don’t have as much need for their owner’s praise. But, as you already know, cats are smart animals and can master many different actions and tricks.
Contents
- Kitten training
- It is important to start training your kitten as early as possible so that he grows and learns to respect the boundaries of your home. You don’t want your cat digging through the trash, tearing up the furniture, and constantly jumping up on the kitchen surfaces, do you? Training your kitten will help keep his body and mind active, teach him important social skills, and strengthen his bond with you. When training a kitten, you need to have a lot of different toys on hand. If he starts doing something he shouldn’t, switch his attention to the toy. Give them to him as a reward for refraining from bad behavior. With toys, your kitten will be constantly physically and mentally busy. You can also sprinkle catnip on toys to get him even more involved in the game.
- Major Behavioral Problems in Cats
- How to train a cat
- How to deal with bad behavior
Kitten training
Major Behavioral Problems in Cats
There are several common cat behaviors that can be influenced through training that will save you a lot of trouble and allow you to understand your cat’s needs.
- The cat scratches the furniture.
- The cat marks and urinates in the house.
- The cat does not use the litter box.
- The cat shows aggression towards people and other animals.
- Stress.
- Fear and anxiety.
- Compulsive (obsessive) behavior, such as when the cat constantly washes or scratches or bites a lot
How to train a cat
If you’re lucky, your cat will be eager and willing to learn your commands. However, there is a chance that she will simply ignore you. All cats are different and training can be quite tiring. Be sure to set aside some time each day to work with your cat. If you have other cats in the house, know that each has its own character and they all need to be trained differently.
Remember that cats do not understand punishment and do not respond to it properly. If you constantly punish your cat, it may run and hide, which can lead to stress and behavioral and health problems. Rewarding good behavior with rewards such as praise and/or treats will be more effective. Reward based training will teach your cat to associate good behavior with positive outcomes.
One of the most common reward-based cat training techniques is the clicker training technique. For example, if you want to teach a cat to sit, click the clicker when it sits and give it a small treat. Eventually, after enough repetitions, she will learn to associate the click with the desired action and reward.
Classes should be short – cats have a short attention span and get bored quickly. Focus on only one command and move on to the next only after the cat has mastered the first. Practice commands in different places around the house so she gets used to responding to you in a variety of situations..
How to deal with bad behavior
The reasons for this behavior can be very different – the cat may be stressed because of the changes taking place in the house, get sick, or simply not understand that she is doing something wrong. While you might think your cat is misbehaving because she’s upset or wants to do it to spite you, that’s usually not the case at all.
Switching her attention instead of punishing her will be a more effective way to show her how to behave. If you put pressure on her, she will become afraid of you, which can later lead to deep stress and bad habits. If the cat is afraid of you, it can also break your bond with her. However, it is necessary to explain to her what bad behavior is. One way to do this is to make a connection between the unwanted behavior and something the cat is uncomfortable with. For example, cats dislike certain smells, including eau de toilette and citrus. Spread cotton pads soaked in such scents in places where you do not want her to go. Don’t forget to praise your cat for good behavior. Give her a treat for every task she does well, and she will learn to associate such actions with rewards.