It may seem unusual, but more people are successfully training their cats to do tricks, use a litter box, and eliminate negative behaviors like excessive biting or scratching furniture. They are highly intelligent creatures who are surprisingly easy to train, especially if you have the opportunity to begin when they are kittens.
These are some things that can make it easier to train your cat, and what type of approach you should take based on their age and the type of behavior you want to reinforce. Hopefully, your feline companion will be listening to you and your commands in no time.
Check out https://mycatneedsthis.com/ for more information, and how purchasing certain items can make the training process easier.
Consider What You Want To Train Them
The first thing to think about is what type of behaviors you want to train your cat. Consider whether you want to discourage negative behavior or introduce new behavior patterns such as tricks or even walking on a leash.
Because of their high amount of mental capacity, cats can be taught tricks like sit and even rolling over on command. This can be an excellent party trick that allows you to demonstrate how strong the bond between you and your cat is.
Another way that you can train your cat is using the litter box to do their business. While this is relatively instinctual for them to do, certain cats may find it difficult to get to grips with. This is especially true if they are older and have less experience using a litter box or tray.
You could also try to train your cat with the aim of making them more gentle. This can be done by training them to bite less when you are playing with them, and preventing them from scratching things that they are not supposed to. by providing them with a scratching cat furniture with sisal or carpet pole.
Focus On Short Sessions
Because they are slightly stubborn creatures who like to decide when and how they want to do something, you should remember to stick to your cat’s short attention span when you are training. Try to engage them with particular training when they are showing interest in it.
For this reason, it can be more beneficial to train your cat in frequent, short sessions because it allows them to understand what you want them to do over time. There is a great amount of patience that is required because of their strong-willed nature.
Ensure that you are committed because it can take a little time for cats to relearn specific behaviors and commands.
One Behavior At A Time
It is also important that you do not try to teach your cat multiple commands at one time, because they are more likely to lose interest or confuse each behavior associated with the verbal cue. It is generally recommended that you allow your cat to fully master a certain skill before moving on to train them in another way.
Positive Reinforcement
As with training any animal, it is important that you avoid punishing them for negative behaviors that they are not meant to be doing. This can make them less likely to respond to your commands, and have a little less respect towards you.
This is especially true with cats, who typically prefer to do things their own way. Rather than punishing them when you catch them tearing your couch apart, try to distract them. This can prevent them from becoming stressed and still gets them to stop the particular action.
Focus on rewarding your cat when they follow the training and behave accordingly, as this makes them more likely to repeat these behaviors. Small pieces of kibble, giving them a big fuss, or their favorite treats allows your cat to associate the intended behavior with positive consequences such as rewards.
Begin When They Are Young
Cats are easier to train when they are kittens or very young because they have had fewer opportunities to form negative behavior patterns that need adjusting. Of course, many people who adopt or rescue a cat may not have the young age on their side, because older cats typically need rehoming from the shelter.
If you are fortunate enough to adopt a cat as a kitten, it could be worth using this to your advantage. Try to encourage positive behaviors and even teach them certain tricks.
Summary
There are a range of things to be aware of when you want to train your cat, but it is not impossible. Make the most out of your feline friend’s high intelligence and enjoy showing off the new skills that you have taught them. Not only will this strengthen the bond between you and your cat, but it will allow them to gain more respect and trust towards you.