Cats are independent and willful, so it is impossible to train them, right? Well, actually, in most cases, it is perfectly possible to train a cat. The “in most cases” proviso is because cats vary dramatically in temperament and character. Subsequently, there are some cats that are more difficult to train than others.
However, despite not having a dog’s desire to please, even the most stubborn and independent cats can be taught basic behaviors, such as using the litter box. Of course, cats that are more interested in their human owners can be taught more advanced behaviors and tricks. The following training tips can be used with any cat or kitten.
1. Some cat owners find clicker training to be a very successful technique. You may like to consider a clicker or other form of cuing device when training. Simply, sound the clicker once or twice when you give the cat a treat. Soon, the cat will associate the sound and the treat and then the treat can be substituted for the click alone. It is wise to phase out food treats, because otherwise you will have a very well behaved, but very overweight kitty.
2. Regardless of the reward method you choose, it is a good idea to offer the reward immediately after a cat has done what you have asked. For example, when litter box training, ensure that you provide praise, the clicker or a treat as soon as your cat has used the litter box.
3. No matter what you are trying to train your cat to do, it is crucial to use positive reinforcement in order that the cat associates the action that you want with something pleasant. The use of catnip, or something that your cat particularly enjoys, is recommended, especially if you are having difficulty training your cat.
4. It is advisable to keep your training session quite short. 10-15 minutes is the longest that they should be, but if your cat becomes restless after five minutes, then you should cease and begin again some other time. If your cat is disinterested, you will not have any success. So try to keep training sessions interesting and, most importantly, as brief as possible.
5. Likewise, cats are not likely to respond well to training in a noisy or busy atmosphere. Therefore, it is wise to attempt training when the house is as quiet as possible and there are only a few people (whom the cat feels comfortable around) in the room. For some cats, however, the only technique that will work is one-on-one training.
6. A mistake that can easily be made is to alter the training methods or techniques. Consistency is all-important when attempting to train a cat. So, for example, if you have begun using a clicker then it is advisable to stick with this method. Additionally, always be sure to use exactly the same commands and try to use the same tone of voice each and every time you try to teach your cat a behavior or trick.
7. Perhaps the most important piece of advice that can be offered is this: do not punish your cat. Punishment is not an advisable method of training any animal, but it will prove particularly counterproductive with a cat. If your training style is having no effect, then try using another method, but never chide your cat. Of course, if it is a destructive or dangerous behavior that you are trying to modify, then you may find it helpful to administer a quick squirt of water from a plant sprayer. However, this should not be used to coerce a cat into doing a specific activity.
Bear in mind, all cats are different and so will not respond to training in the same way. However, these tips will provide a great basis for your cat and kitten training.
Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer, based in the UK. She is proud to work for remmeer.com, an online supplier of unique pet products, including personalized cat food dish place mats and cat clocks & home decor.
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