Training is
usually always a concern for new pet parents when they bring a puppy home, but
this isn't always true of cats.
In fact, because
they believe cats will be independent and aloof, the majority of people never
consider teaching them. But this is undoubtedly not the case!
In this article,
we'll examine the importance of cat training, some pro training advice, and a
few basic instructions that both you and your feline companion may use.
Cat education 101
Cat training is
fundamentally about educating your cat to link a desired behavior with a
reward. So that both of you can lead happier, healthier lives, you can persuade
them to quit engaging in undesirable conduct and start engaging in desired
behavior.
Although cats
don't naturally cooperate with people, they can be trained to do tricks and follow directions much like dogs. Additionally, cat training can stimulate
cats' minds and bodies in a way that lessens their anxiety, aggression, or
other negative cat behaviors. Cat training on a regular basis can also help
you recognize their body language and understand what they're trying to say
(including all the different ways they show you how much they adore you!). If
the possibility of undesirable behavior makes you apprehensive about getting a
cat, consider the effectiveness of cat training when making your choice.
What you should
know before beginning cat training
Cats need inspiration to start. Cats are less enthusiastic and willing to learn than dogs
unless the incentives are worthwhile. Stock up on their preferred treats and
delectable cat chow to get the most out of your training sessions.
Choose the ideal
time
Cats have a
consistent daily cycle that includes hunting (playing), eating, grooming, and
sleeping; therefore, you should schedule training sessions around this pattern.
When your cat first wakes up from a nap, try training them because they'll be
eager to play and more likely to pay attention. They'll likely be hungry as
well, which will make them strive harder for those delectable rewards.
Keep training
sessions brief
Cats have limited
concentration time. A training session lasting no longer than 15 minutes will
be sufficient to get the desired results while maintaining your cat's
attention. Keep in mind that growth, not perfection, should be the aim!
Take distractions
away
Cats who are
easily distracted have trouble concentrating. Locate a peaceful area away from
family members, pets, and other animals for your training session. Your cat may
become confused by any ambient noise, making the training session ineffective.
Use cues
consistently.
Use the same hand
gestures or cues for the command you want to convey to prevent
misunderstandings. Maintaining consistency will be made easier by ensuring that
family members are aware of the proper cues and signals.
Train only one
skill at a time.
It can be
overwhelming to try to teach a cat numerous thing at once. You shouldn't move
on to the next skill until your cat has mastered the first.
Repetition is key.
Your cat's behavior
is reinforced through repetition. Make sure you practice the skill frequently
outside of training sessions once your cat has mastered it to prevent
forgetting.
Use reiterative
language
Instead of
concentrating on the activity you want your cat to quit, think about the behavior
you want them to continue. It won't help to yell at, swat, or spray your cat if
it is acting inappropriately; instead, your cat will probably just stay away
from you.
Be persistent
It takes time to
correct problematic behavior or learn new ones. Your cat is more than capable
and highly intelligent, so be patient with it as it learns a new ability.
Standard cat
training techniques
Here are several
cat training techniques you can employ, whether you use a clicker, hand
gestures, vocal cues, or a mix of all three.
Clicker
instruction
Cat training with
a clicker is quite successful. A training clicker, a pen, or even your tongue
will do; all you need is something that creates a soft clicking sound! The
objective is to teach your cat to associate the clicking sound with a reward at
first, and later to correlate a new skill or desirable behavior with the click
in order to establish a positive feedback loop.
Hand gestures
Another fantastic
approach to train your cat is by using hand signals. The secret is to link
various commands to hand motions. To strengthen habits, for instance, make a
fist when you want your cat to sit or an open palm when you want them to give
you a high five.
Audible clues
Voice cues use certain
words to denote specific directives. Similar like hand signals, the secret is
to link a word to an action and praise your cat when it completes it. Saying
"sit" to make someone sit down or their name to get them approach you
are two examples.
Cat training:
praising appropriate conduct
Here are some
specific abilities and instructions on how to teach them, whether you want your
cat to give you a high five or fit easily into their carrier.
Litter training
Many cats and kittens are litter box trained when they are born. Even
so, you can litter train them rapidly even if yours didn't.
Make sure the box is tidy and in a peaceful location. Move your cat to
the litter box once it has finished eating, and have them gently scratch the
litter with one of their front paws. Reward them and take them out of the box
once they urinate or defecate. They will quickly learn that the litter box is
where they should relieve themselves if you do this consistently.
Advice: If your cat starts urinating or pooping outside of the litter
box all of a sudden, it could be an indication of a UTI or other potential
health issue. Consult your veterinarian if your pet has any unusual litter box
habits.
Carrier training
Traveling with
your cat will be easier if it has been trained that the carrier is a safe place
to stay.
First, place a favorite
toy or treat inside the carrier while leaving the door open. Give your cat some
affection or a chin scratch as they enter the kennel as good reinforcement. Try
closing the door once your cat is at ease. Begin with a short period of time
and gradually increase it as your cat becomes more accustomed to the door being
closed.
Get used to
carrying the crate after your cat becomes accustomed to the door being closed.
Start by raising it and setting it back down, then begin moving slowly. If you
consistently do this, your cat will quickly feel at ease when it's time to
travel to see the veterinarian.
Sitting
It can be useful
to teach your cat to sit. Simply sit or stand in front of your cat, and when it
instinctively crosses its legs, praise it. Once they start sitting in
anticipation of the treat, start employing the "sit" cue. They will
quickly link the cue and the behavior.
High fives
High-fiving is an
entertaining party trick. To begin, ask your cat to sit in front of you while
you give them a reward. Give your cat a treat if their paw leaves the ground.
Raise your hand
gradually after your cat starts reaching for it. In little time at all, your
cat will be reaching ever-higher for the goodie. When your cat can finally give
you a high five, try substituting praise and chin scratches for the treat.
Training cats to
curb undesirable behavior
Are you sick of
your cat scratching your arms and furniture? Here are some tips to curb
undesirable conduct.
Avoiding using counter tops
Cats enjoy jumping
on counter tops, which is disturbing and can result in damage. By using
double-sided tape or an object the cat dislikes to deter them from jumping up
there, you can teach a cat to remain off the counter.
In the event that
they do jump up onto the counter, gently and calmly place them back down. This
is an excellent moment to use the sit command if they are familiar with it.
Give your cat their treat when they sit still and don't leap back up onto the
counter.
Furniture
scratching
Having a
scratching post available is the simplest approach to stop people from
scratching furniture. If it doesn't work, cover the area with double-sided tape
to stop your cat from using it. Remember: Cats use scratching posts to mark
their territory and release pheromones. A cat is more likely to utilize a
scratching post if it is visible to other cats or in a shared space.
Destructive chewing
Destructive chewing can be quite harmful in addition to being a nuisance to deal with.
Particularly if your cat enjoys chewing on electrical lines, this is true.
By concealing
objects or dousing them with a bitter apple deterrent, you can stop destructive
gnawing. You can also divert them to chew toys like catnip balls or chew
sticks.
Consume houseplants
Cats are poisoned
by a variety of indoor plants. The ideal course of action is to keep these
kinds of plants outside, but if that's not possible, confine them to one
location and enclose their base with foil, double-sided tape, or a screen. To
prevent your cat from entering the pot, you can also put strips of foil within.
Yowling in hunger
Some cats may
start yowling and meowing right before supper to gain your attention, seemingly
on cue.
Ignoring a cat's
persistent meowing is the best method to stop it. Your cat will quickly realize
that there is no reward for this behavior and cease. To demonstrate that only
good conduct will earn them what they want, try making them sit while you make
their food.
Training cats is a
terrific approach to achieve your goals, whether you want your cat to be more
secure in their surroundings, cease undesirable behavior, or demonstrate some
entertaining party tricks. Spending a few minutes with your cat daily will
improve your relationship with your purring feline while also keeping them
mentally and physically active.
