Whenever someone adopts a new cat, they neglect the necessity of how to train your cat guides. For whatever reason, cat owners forget the importance of cat training, even if they’ve trained their dogs before. Some say cats are more independent than dogs and don’t require training.
All that said, cats require training. Thus, this guide will highlight why cat training is vital for every cat. We’ll discuss training basics, what to do before you start training, standard training methods, reinforcing good behavior, stopping bad behavior, and more. By the end, you’ll know what to do training-wise for cats.
How to Train Your Cat – Training Basics
In its most straightforward mechanism, cat training is about training your feline to connect a positive way of behaving with a prize. Thus, you can urge them to stop their wrong way of behaving and begin their desired behavior, so you can both carry on with a more joyful, better life.
Although felines don’t instinctually work with people, they can figure out how to follow orders like canines. Cat training can likewise give positive mental and actual feelings for felines, which can assist with lessening nervousness, hatred, or other negative cat behaviors.
Consistent training can assist you with getting their non-verbal communication and understanding what they’re attempting to convey. If you’re uncertain about adopting a cat, realize cat training is a solution you can consider.
What to Do Before You Start Training
Be consistent
Avoid confusion by utilizing the same signs (which could be hand signals) or prompts for the order you need to accomplish.
Only train one skill at a time.
Attempting to show various cat abilities can over-burden them. Solely teach your cat one skill at a time; otherwise, you may run into other issues.
Repeat
Repetition is key. Hence when your cat masters the skill, ensure you repeat it regularly beyond an instructional course, so it doesn’t forget it.
Use positive reinforcement
Focus on conduct you believe your cat should have instead of they shouldn’t have. Yelling, smacking, or shoving your cat for wrong conduct isn’t helpful, and your cat will probably keep away from you.
Stock up on treats
First off, cats need the motivation to train. To take full advantage of your instructional courses, load up on your cat’s favourite treats and heavenly feline food.
Find the best time
A cat’s routine follows an anticipated pattern of hunting (playing), eating, preparing, and dozing. Thus, you’ll need to squeeze instructional courses into their daily schedule.
Keep training sessions brief.
Cats have short attention spans, so ensure you keep training sessions under 15 minutes. That time should be long enough to accomplish whatever goal you’re focusing on.
Eliminate distractions
An occupied feline can’t focus. Find a peaceful spot away from any pets and individuals from the family for your training session.
Common Training Methods
Hand signals
Utilizing hand signals is a terrific method for training your cat. The key is to connect various orders with hand motions. For instance, making a clenched hand when you want your cat to sit or an open palm for a high-five can reinforce ways of behaving.
Voice cues
Voice signs are saying sure words to show specific orders. Like hand signals, the key is to connect a word with a way of behaving and reward your cat when it’s finished. For instance, saying “sit” to cause them to sit or saying their name to inspire them to walk to you.
Clicker training
Clicker training is a powerful cat training method. All you need is an instrument that makes a delicate clicking sound like a preparation clicker, a pen, or even your tongue! The objective is to relate the clicking sound with a prize. Afterward, connect a skill or wanted behavior with the sound, so your cat knows they’ll be compensated, making a pattern of support.
Reinforcing Good Behavior
Litter Box
Ensure the litter box is spotless and in a calm spot. After your kitty eats, move them to the litter box and tenderly scratch the litter with one of their front paws. After they pee or poop, reward them and move them from the box. Repeat the process until they understand.
Sitting
Stand or sit before your cat, and when they sit, reward them. Begin utilizing the “sit” signal after your cat begins sitting, expecting the treat. Before long, your cat will connect the signal with the way of behaving.
Carrier
Leave the carrier open and put a loved toy or a treat inside it. When your cat enters the container, give them some uplifting feedback, like a pet or a jaw scratch. When your cat is comfortable, shut the entryway. Begin with a couple of moments and gradually develop it as your cat becomes more familiar with the shut entryway.
Stopping Bad Behavior
Staying off countertops
Suppose your cat hops on the counter, serenely and tenderly sets them back on the ground. If your cat knows the sit command, this is an excellent chance to use it. Give them their treat when your feline sits and doesn’t hop back onto the counter.
Scratching furniture
The least demanding method for preventing furniture is to give your cat a scratching post if it doesn’t tackle the issue and place twofold-sided tape over the area to deter your feline from utilizing it.
Yelling for food
Ignoring this behavior is the most effective way to stop relentless feline yowls. Your cat will soon realize there is no prize for this and stop. Consider having your cat sit while you set up their food to show them acceptable conduct will get them what they want.
Train Your Cat – Need a Vet in Edmonton? Visit Gateway Vet Centre
The process to train your cat is a challenging one. If you need a vet in Edmonton, visit us at Gateway Veterinary Centre. We’re open seven days a week and offer many services to benefit cats of all shapes and sizes. Don’t hesitate to call since you never know your cat’s health issues and what health services they require.
