Cat Training Step By Step

Cats are typically self-sufficient and thus do not need a lot of training. It is unfortunate, though, that some kittens can form bad habits as they mature. Such bad habits are common in cats that have been adopted, neglected, abused, taken in as a stray, or even purchased from a breeder. Even then, though, it seems that cats have a natural instinct guiding them to the litter box and thus a majority of them do not require "potty training."

The most effective approach to cat training is to use a system of rewards. Your cat is much more equipped to learn to repeat the positive behaviors that you reward them for. They do not understand what you are trying to teach them when you punish them for bad behaviors such as biting or scratching you or your furniture.

One of the things cats love to do most is scratch, they also need to do this. The reason is because it helps them remove the old layers of their nails. So its essential that you purchase your cat something to scratch on like a scratching post. They may not use them at first because they will prefer their normal spots of clawing. The good news is though that you can train a cat to use them! One way to do this is to confine the kitten to one room that contains its scratching and climbing posts and with nothing else to scratch or climb on it iwll eventually use them.

If the cat continues to resist using the scratching post, you need to make it more attractive to the cat by putting treats on its various platforms and sprinkling catnip around the post. However, any attempt to make the cat do anything it doesn't care to do is doomed to failure, and a mistake tat many people commit during kitten training. Do not force the cat to place its claws onto the post in an attempt to force it to use the post, becuase this will ensure that the cat will never want to use the post again.

If you reward your cat properly in cat training, you can get your cat to obey some commands. These commands include "Meow," "Sit Up," and even "Fetch"- commands just like those dogs would receive. Make sure to reward the cat immediately for following a command or otherwise the cat will not associate the reward with obeying the order. Using a clicker, as is typical of dog training, also helps; when your cat obeys a command, make it click and reinforce the instruction by giving the cat a treat.

It is also very important during the cat training routine that the treat you are offering the animal is healthy for them. Remember not to punish or be negative toward them in any way what so ever. This will result only in the cat becoming afraid of you and this will harm your relationship with it. Teaching your cat good behavior will help with the cats enjoyment of life (and yours as well).

Cats don't generally need a lot of training, as they are independent by nature. Most cats even know to use a litter box. The most important part of cat training is to reward cats for good behavior. Cats need to scratch to remove old layers of nails, so definitely buy your cat a scratching post. Don't force a cat to use it, though; that is a common kitten training mistake. Make sure to give treats your cat will enjoy, and give the treats to the cat as soon as it does something good. It is important to train a cat positively to enjoy life with your cat.

- Paula Sanders