Cats 101 : Basic Cat Training Tips

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

The cat is a very 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 approval; instead of running around 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 means that training a cat can be difficult. If you and your cat disagree on a particular 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 using the litter box.

Is it possible to train a cat? The answer 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, teaching him to stay within the bounds of socially acceptable behavior is a more valuable training goal.

Litter Box Instructions

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

Place your cat in a confined area, 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 the box.

The cat will usually start using the litter box regularly within a day or two of being confined with it. If your cat isn't using 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 different types of litter; sometimes a cat will tolerate one brand but reject another. Also, make sure the box is in a quiet, secluded location.

Consult your veterinarian if nothing seems to be working. A cat's refusal to use a litter box can sometimes be due to an underlying medical problem.

Stop scratching your furniture.

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

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

Training in Behaviour.

If your cat is doing something you'd rather it didn't, there's a good chance you can train it out of it. But first, try to figure out why the cat is acting so strangely. There's a reason, and the behavior is perfectly reasonable 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 something. It doesn't have to be your actual furniture, but it should be something. So there's a slim chance you'll be able to get your cat to stop clawing. You can, however, teach the cat to direct its clawing instinct toward acceptable objects, such as scratching posts.

Positive reinforcement, not punishment, is the best way to teach your cat proper behavior. When the cat scratches the furniture, don't hit it.

Scratching Post for Cats

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 important 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 whenever you notice him scratching 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 provided.

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