To many, pet training has always seemed close to impossible, but the right approach will make it doable. As cats are known to be independent and aloof, they may not seem that interested in learning behaviors, commands, or just about any routine, but the truth is they can and will if approached the right way.
Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior:
Because they are furry friends, understanding what goes on in their heads and how they are going to behave before even beginning to train is very important. Cats are not pack animals like dogs; therefore, they don’t have an inherent want to please. A pet more than likely operates off of rewards and self-interest. Now, never get me wrong, cats do love their owners; they just show it in different ways. Training a kitten requires patience as well as an acknowledgment that the animal responds to motivation when given food, toys, or affection.
Some cats are naturally more curious and energetic, while others may be quite reserved. Train them concerning their temperament, and do not push them into a situation that will stress them out or scare them.
Start with Litter training:
Determine the right litter box: The litter box has to be large enough for your cat. A large box of litter provides enough space to turn around.
Put the litter box in a quiet place. Cats prefer peeing with anonymity. As such, place them in an area of low human traffic or a lower-traffic area with minimal distractions.
Introduction to the Box Your Cat: Use a litter box immediately after feeding or napping. Most cats will begin digging in the litter box right away.
Maintain Hygiene: Daily scoop the litter box and clean it properly once a week. Cats are very clean animals and may shy away from using their litter box if it is dirty.
Literacy training requires consistency. If your kitten has accidents, make no fuss about punishing it; gently guide it to its litter box.
Use Positive reinforcement:
Reward your furry partner with positive reinforcement. Rewarding the cat after exhibiting a desired behavior is an effective method of teaching. The Rewards can be treats, words of praise, or a favorite toy that the pet likes to play with. Here is how you can apply to reinforce the positives during training:
Immediate reward: A reward should be given to the cat shortly after he performs the desired action, be it to sit or come on command. Timing is of utmost importance because if the reward comes in a bit too long after the desired action, the kitten will not know what caused it.
Short and repeated sessions: Sessions should be short, around 5-10 minutes. Felines are not able to concentrate for much longer. You will become frustrated with overtraining.
Be Consistent: Reinforce the same behavior each time. Only with consistency will your cat know what is expected of them.
Positive reinforcement builds a positive perception towards training, meaning your kitty would look forward to participating in the next sessions.
Teach Basic Commands:
The right kind of training allows a cat to achieve basic commands such as sit, come, and stay. Here’s how you can start with these simple commands:
Sit: Hold a treat near your feline’s nose and slowly move it upward. As your kitten follows the treat with his head, his bottom will naturally lower into a sit position. When they assume a seat, give a verbal cue to accompany a reward with the treat and repeat several times.
Come: Say your cat’s name softly while showing a treat. Whenever your cat comes to you, praise him for that and say Come. Repeat this command several times, and eventually, your kitty will equate the word with an action.
Stay: This command takes a little patience. First, train your fur face to sit. Next, say stay and raise your hand as a signal. Take a few steps back, and when they remain in place, you can even give them a treat. Increase the distance of time as you go along.
Remember, teaching your cat does require some time; hence, be patient and enjoy the little wins.
Curb Unwanted Behaviors:
Scratching Furniture: Cats, by nature, scratch; hence, it is becoming problematic when they target the furniture. Provide scratching posts in several places and entice the companion to use them by rubbing them with catnip.
Jumping on Counters: Cats love to explore, and countertops are an excellent vantage point. Use double-sided tape or deterrent spray in areas where you don’t want your feline to jump. Provide an alternative by giving it a high perch or cat tree at the same time.
Nipping: When a pet feels threatened or too stimulated, it may begin biting. In most cases, the first time the kitten bites during play, the session should be immediately terminated and attention avoided for a few minutes afterward. After such time, they will realize that whenever they start to nip, the game is over.
The Final Thoughts:
Every cat is a feline, and so will respond differently; you must know how to approach them according to their personality, and most of all, have fun in it!