Here are a few easy steps to start training your cat:
Experiment with different types of treats and foods to find the one that your cat finds most delicious. Use this treat for training.- Each time your cat response to a verbal cue (ex. "here kitty"), feed your cat their favorite treat.
- One of the easiest things to teach your cat is their own name. Every time you feed your cat, say his name as you place the food down. When playing with your cat, call him by name and then give a treat when he responds.
- Once your cat responds to his name, teach him to come when called. Start from a short distance from your cat, and gradually increase the distance between you as he learns to respond. Call your cat and when he comes, give him a treat. If one treat is not enough of a lure, start by shaking a bag of treats to get his attention. Soon he will start coming when called even if you do not have a treat.
- Train your cat not to scratch on furniture or other places by making sure he has a place that he IS allowed to scratch. The ideal scratching post for a cat should be 1) at least 30" tall, 2) made of soft wood or wrapped with sisal rope (not carpeting), 3) mounted in a stable, untippable base. Many cat condos or towers come with scratching posts, but you can also make your own. Place the post in a room where you spend a lot of your time, such as the living room, and near objects that the cat is naturally drawn toward scratching (like the couch). To get your cat to scratch the post, start scratching on it yourself with your nails and he will quickly imitate you. Soon, he will find the scratching post so rewarding that he will stop scratching on other surfaces.
- Spray bottles or squirt guns may stop your cat from doing an undesirable behavior, but this negative punishment only works when you are present. Your cat will continue to do the undesirable behaviors, but just when you aren't looking! Instead, show your cat what you DO want him to do and reward him when he offers those behaviors.
- If you would like to train your cat to enjoy grooming behaviors, such as nail trims and brushing, start slow. Trim one nail at a time and give a treat after each nail. Take breaks before trying again. Work quickly and with a business-like attitude, fussing too much over your cat during the process will make them feel more stress. Never scold or handle your cat roughly- keep the experience positive!
- Learn to read your cat's body language. If he has a tense body, is low to the ground, flattened ears, or quickly twitching tail, he's trying to tell you that he has had enough and needs a break. Respect his space and try again when he is in a happier mood!
- Alternatives to negative punishment are available to keep your cat from offering undesirable behaviors. For example, use a citrus air freshener to keep a cat out of a certain room, as they typically do not like the smell and will avoid it. Sticky Paws tape will keep a cat from scratching on certain items or furniture without causing pain.
- If your cat continues to "act out" or offer undesirable behaviors, try to get to the root of the problem. Are they getting enough play time and exercise? Has a new change been introduced recently (a move, a new pet, a new baby, etc.)? Does your cat need a visit to the vet to make sure their health is in order?
- Showing any type of hostility towards your cat or punishing with force or hitting will not train your cat and will damage your relationship with your pet. They will start avoiding you or may lash out with hostility of their own. Keep things positive and rewarding for everyone for a happy family!
- Finally, don't underestimate your cat! Cats a very smart animals- they can be trained to run agility courses and even use the toilet instead of the litterbox!
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