Cats Training Myths

by Kathrynn Kelley

There are many people out there that are surprised to find out that cats CAN be trained. It is a very slow, and lengthy process and can only be done at the speed the cat is comfortable with, but no the less very possible. First, the cat owner needs to know that cats don't speak our language, so we need to familiarize ourselves with how a cat thinks and learns.

Cats are creatures of habit. To teach them an exceptable behavior you will make that behavior pleasing so they want to incorporate it into their daily habits. Remember your cats will not repeat an action that is unpleasant, so we need to make the situation as pleasing as possible. To do this you will give them rewards and praise whenever they do the action you are looking for. Just remember not to overdo the rewards and praise the cat needs to see them as a reward for doing the appropriate actions and nothing more.

While training a cat, penalty is out of bounds. Physical punishments can add to the violent streak in your pet and make her a rebel. She may also start avoiding you as a result of the spanking. If her intentions are merely good-humored but are violent, you have to be firm with your reaction; so don't reward her with attention sometimes and overlook other times. She will be perplexed and will learn to control her violent actions. Cats run away or show the symptoms of nervousness and gloominess, even if slightly punished. Scolding, shouting, physical penalty and holding the incentive will not encourage the cat to change her behavior. Therefore the training needs to be reward based with apparent indication and high-quality timing.

Focus on creating an enjoyable, satisfying, humorous and motivating rapport. Be convinced that no matter what the cat does, it is worthwhile and pleasing. Every cat is unique.

If your problem is that your cat scratches on your furniture then you can try covering it up or spraying a menthol or citrus aroma. These are unpleasant smells for kitty and they will avoid them. After some time your cat will come to the conclusion that your furniture is an unhappy place to play and go somewhere else to amuse themselves.

Cats tend to be pushy at times and can be too vigorous and when fed up due to surplus power they tend to transfer this power into running around, chasing things, climbing, pouncing, etc. If your cat is getting too keyed up, just stand up and walk away before she displays anger. She will learn cooperate with you again and behave better. Play initiation is a leading behavior issue and if you agree to her demands, it will instruct her that bothering you for attention, results in receiving her own means.

Their boredom can be relieved by every day playing and soothing messages that help to cool down. While playing, keep in mind the predatory character of the cat. Behaviors like stalking, biting, pouncing, chasing, leaping, etc., are key factors of any play session. Because of this, throughout the training, supply them with toys that look like prey. Try toys like ping pong balls, cardboard boxes, hanging ropes, scratching posts, false mice or anything that rolls. If the cat likes to climb and walk around, it can be trained by creating a barrier track. Like loop up some twigs, pillars, shelves or climbing ramps. Hiding small, delicious preferred treats to cheer her to get climbing can be built-in as an element of the training.

Cats are very enjoyable and they can really be your best friend if you just handle them with care and diplomacy.

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Published August 28th, 2008

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