Cat Training

Learn How To Train A Cat Successfully

Successful cat training is very simple once you understand cat behaviour. Anyone can learn how to train a cat, you simply need to learn what works, and why. Here are the basics you need to know.

Instant Gratification And Reaction: Whether you are rewarding or discouraging any action of your feline companion, it has to be immediate. They only understand instant results.  If you come home to an accident on the floor, and it happened hours ago, there is no way to teach them anything now. It’s in the past for them, and anything you do now they will only connect to you coming home. Your first key to success in cat training is to understand that only instant reactions will have an effect.

Be A CSI Of Cat Behaviour: To learn how to train a cat, be a Cat Scene Investigator. Litter box not being used, ask why. Are they sick? When they are not well, they often have accidents. Are they trying to teach you? If the litter is old and stinky, they are telling you in the only way they can. Do they have privacy? If they don’t, they won’t be happy (would you be?). Once you’ve CSI’d those things, you can move on to how to train a cat. Cat behaviour is not that different from humans. They don’t like to eat right next to their toilet. If there’s a spot of repeated messes, put their food there and that will put a stop to it. It isn’t very complicated to understand your companion, just put yourself in their paws.

Use Negative Reinforcement: In cat training, this is very tricky. It has to be instant, and never even tap them on the nose. All they get from this is that your approach is a bad thing; not their own cat behaviour. How to train a cat with negative reinforcement is through discomfort. A sharp noise, like a whistle is a very effective way of cat training. Cardboard with tape sticky-side up placed on tables is an excellent instant message not to go up there.

Happiness Is The Best Reward: You know your companion, and what they love best. Use that for the instant reward for good actions. Combine a favourite treat with loving pats and kind words. Make sure when you come home that you do this too. That way your feline companion sees your homecoming, and you, as the most delightful event of the day. Start with a treat reward every time they do something good as well as the kindness in voice and touch. Gradually, cut back the treats and stick with the verbal and petting reward.

Learning how to train a cat successfully is such a simple thing. Know that any reaction has to be instant, positive or negative. Use your Cat Scene Investigator skills to find out why they are misbehaving. Remember to use negative reinforcement for unwanted cat behaviour, and love, kindness, and a favourite treat for good behaviour. With those 4 things firmly in mind you’ll become a pro at cat training.

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