GoGoKitty’s Cat Secrets

Cats have a reputation foe being fiercely independent and have a mind of their own. Is it possible to train your cat new tricks?

Cat owners often think that their cat is just too moody to listen. Many owners feel that their cats are untrainable simply because they are independent and headstrong. Pets frequently fail to obey their owners simply because they fail to understand what it is you want from them. If you have attempted to teach your cat, you may not be doing it correctly.

Good Cat:

Training your cat takes time and patience. It takes more of that than it does with a dog. A sure fire way to get results is to use positive reinforcement. Whatever you do, don’t scold your cat because she is likely to just misbehave when you aren’t looking. Instead, praise good behavior. Any cat is able to learn. It is wise to first start when the pet is young, about eight to ten weeks old. However, the pet will do well at any age.

How is it possible to get started?

Intially start with the simple task of training your cat to come when called. Hold your cat’s favorite treat and call his name. You’ll want to make sure your kitty is in a good mood. Try to make sure that there isn’t a great deal of noise. Distractions slow down the kitty or worse confuse him. Decide on a single command. The command should be short and simple to say. It is important to note that simple instructions work well such as come kitty or here kitty. It is important to get down on their level by sitting or kneeling on the floor. Give the command. Your voice should be happy and excited. When your cat responds to you, reward him with praise and a treat. Insure that you praise and reward your cat. Move way and repeat the same thing again. The goal is to use the same tone of voice and the same command. Ten minutes is ample time to work on it. If the cat is bored or frustrated, stop for the time. Repeat this two to three times a day for approximately a week. Once your kitty has mastered this command you can then move onto others.

There are several things that your cat has to learn for his own well being these are also necessary to taech all cats. For example, he needs to learn to tolerate a harness and a leash in case you need to travel with him. Furthermore, your cat should learn to use a carry box.

What about a harness and leash?:

To do this, you’ll want to start by putting the harness on him. Do not under any circumstances attempt to restrain your cat once it is place. Praise and reward him for it. Give him a treat as a reward for behaving so well. Once he is used to wearing it, attach the leash to it and let him lead you throughout the area. Coax your cat into following you by using praise and treats. Some cats are even able to learn to heel on the leash. But, most won’t. All should learn to not panic or to struggle, though when wearing a leash.

The Crate:

When it comes to the crate, it can be done a little simpler. Cats enjoy warm safe places so ensure you put a comfortable blanket and maybe even a toy inside the crate. Give him praise when you place him in it. Try leaving your cat there for a few minutes. Ensure you let him out within three to five minutes. Don’t praise him when he’s coming out of the crate because you do not want him to think this is the good thing. Make sure you offer rewards whenever he goes in. Leave the cat in the crate a little longer each time. It will result in your cat being trained well enough to keep him there.

I hope that these simple hints will highlight how useful it can be to discipline your cat.

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If you’ve ever owned both a cat and a dog, you are probably aware that the ease of training a cat differs a great deal from training a dog. If you want to train your cat to use the litter box or a scratching post, then you have a fairly good chance of succeeding. Training a cat to use a human toilet or to sit simply are not very realistic goals to have, so it’s best to understand your cat’s limitations and stick within them.

It’s important that you understand the difference between a cat’s psychological attitude and a dog’s. Dogs are happy if they do something that pleases their owner. They are family-oriented and love to be included. Cat’s are quite the opposite in that they usually won’t do anything that doesn’t bring them personal satisfaction. They usually pick one “master” and aren’t too concerned whether they please anyone but themselves. You have to learn to play this attitude to benefit your training.

If you want to train your cat to use the litter box, the first thing you’re going to want to do is make it accessible (but not so much that it becomes a nuisance to family members or guests in your home). You also want to keep it clean, but leave just a little soiled litter in the tray—not so much that it reeks, but just enough that your cat can learn to associate the litter box with going to the bathroom. If you catch your kitty going anywhere he isn’t supposed to, pick him up and move him to the litter box. Eventually he will catch on that this is where he should go. When he uses the litter box successfully, give him a nice scratch behind the ears or a pat. Cats are affectionate through touch rather than verbal praise, so you’ll get the best response through this method.

Some pet stairs have hollow areas meant to store your litter box. This helps to keep your little box smell contained as well as to give your cat a quiet place to do his business. If your cat is comfortable in the space his litter box is placed, he will be more likely to use it.

You may be struggling with a cat that is too liberal with scratching your sofa or carpet. Scratching is normal behaviour for a cat, as it helps keep their claws in shape and gives them a bit of exercise. It can also be a form of marking their territory. To encourage your cat to stop this, you’ll need to invest in a scratching post. There are many different types to choose from, and your cat will likely have his personal preference. If he doesn’t take well to the first scratching post you buy, try rubbing it with catnip. This is an herb that entices cats into a playful state where he is more likely to use the scratching post. You might even attach a toy to the post to help him get rid of excess energy. Placing the post in the room that your cat frequents most is another way to encourage him to use it.

For more great tips on raising your cat or to purchase pet stairs with litter box storage, visit Help Your Pets.