Cats 101 : Basic Cat Training Tips

Basic Cat Training Tips will be discussed in today's video.Show more

The cat is a fairly independent animal, and many cat owners will tell you that it is because of this independence that the cat is such a good housemate. Cats do not require as much attention as dogs. And, unlike dogs, most cats don't make a special effort to gain your favor; instead of running about trying to catch your attention, they'll often wait for you to come to them.

All of this indicates that the cat is a laid-back, polite, and self-assured creature. However, this also implies that training a cat can be tough. If you and your cat disagree on a certain behavior, you may find it difficult to persuade him to do things your way. Don't give up hope, though; it's not impossible to change your cat's behavior.

For obvious reasons, the very first training you'll want to give your cat will be in utilizing the litter box.

Is it possible to train a cat? The response is an emphatic "Yes!" However, it must be done in feline terms. Everything in this video is designed to help you see the world through the eyes of your cat, which is a critical component of training. You can teach a cat to jump through hoops or roll over when you tell it to. However, educating him to stay inside the bounds of socially acceptable behavior is a more valuable training goal.

Litter Box Training.

It is usually not difficult to teach a cat to use a litter box. Cats are naturally clean creatures with a natural desire to hide their waste. Follow these instructions to get your cat to use a litter box.

Place your cat in a limited space, such as a room in your house, with a clean litter box that does not have a cover. Ensure that your cat has enough food and fresh water. Place the waste in the litter box if your cat ‘goes' outside of the box.

The cat will usually start using the litter box frequently within a day or two of being confined with it. If your cat isn't utilizing the litter box after a few days, try this. Place the cat in the litter box after it has eaten, and then scratch the surface of the litter with your fingertip.

If it's still not working, check to see if the box is clean. Clean it with baking soda if it's been used before and fill it with fresh litter. You can also experiment with several types of litter; sometimes a cat will tolerate one brand but reject another. Also, make sure the box is in a calm, private location.

If nothing seems to work, consult your vet. Occasionally an underlying medical problem can be the cause of a cat’s reluctance to use a litter box.

End furniture scratching.

Scratching furniture is a natural feline activity. They scratch to keep their claws in shape, get exercise, mark territory, and just have fun. Remember that yelling or striking won't help. Instead, try these suggestions.

Trim your cat's claws and redirect his or her energy towards a scratching post or cardboard scratching mat. When you notice your cat using the scratching post, praise her and give her a treat. Apply double-sided tape or spray a cat repellent around the region where your cat scratches to make your upholstered furniture less attractive.

Behavior Training.

If your cat is doing something you'd rather it didn't, there's a strong chance you can teach it out of it. But first, attempt to figure out why the cat is acting so strangely. There's a rationale, and the behavior is totally fair from the cat's perspective.

If your cat is clawing at your furniture, for example, it is doing so out of instinct. It has a natural instinct to claw at things. It doesn't have to be your actual furniture, but it should be something. So there's a slim possibility you'll be able to get your cat to stop clawing. You can, however, teach the cat to direct its clawing instinct onto suitable objects, such as scratching posts.

Train your cat to behave appropriately by using positive reinforcement, not punishment. Don't hit the cat when it scratches the furniture.

Cat Scratching Post.

Encourage your cat to interact with the post by spending time near it. Play with the cat near the post and make it a part of your game. The most critical step is to give your cat a treat each time he or she uses the post. Keep some tasty food treats on hand to give to the cat anytime you notice him clawing the post. You can teach your cat that other items are off-limits once he or she has learned to use the scratching post you've given.

Encourage your cat to interact with the post by spending time near it. Play with the cat near the post and make it a part of your game. The most critical step is to give your cat a treat each time he or she uses the post. Keep some tasty food treats on hand to give to the cat anytime you notice him clawing the post. You can teach your cat that other items are off-limits once he or she has learned to use the scratching post you've given.