Training Your Cat: Doing it Right

It’s really a big fulfillment when you get to teach your pets a few tricks. Being able to do so not only means that you are a good teacher but also, more importantly, that you have instilled the value of respect for your pet animals both by means of leadership and example.

But when it comes to cats, you should be aware that they tend to be harder to train compared to dogs. Yes, they can be taught a few tricks, but since the feline nature is more stubborn than their canine counterparts, you have to be extra patient when teaching them skills.

Don’t worry, though. Cats are very intelligent. They know you are teaching them stuff, but it’s their discretion whether to follow you. So, how exactly do you train your cat to do certain skills?

Well, before doing so, you must first learn the different types of “life skills” that you can teach to your cat and why they matter to you and your feline friend.

Essential cat lessons that you can teach:

Potty training.

This is the most basic yet essential skill you should teach your cat. It not only helps maintain a clean and hygienic environment for you and your pet, but it also prevents any unwanted behaviour, such as peeing on the furniture or carpet.

Toilet habits are among the essential lessons your cat should learn at an early age. This is because when they are not potty-trained, they will end up making a big mess in your home. You can then teach your cat to pee and defecate in a designated litter box until such time that they are using it as their own toilet.

Destructive or violent behaviour.

Another important skill to teach your cat is how to control their destructive and violent behaviour. This may include scratching furniture, biting, or attacking other animals.  By setting boundaries and teaching them appropriate ways to release their energy, you can prevent potential damage and keep your cat safe.

Since cats are capricious and stubborn by nature, they also develop some destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture, posts, or items that can be destroyed. This can be tricky, especially the scratching attitude, because it’s their nature to scratch on surfaces.

Walks.

Another important skill that you can teach your cat is how to walk on a leash. This is especially useful for outdoor cats, as it allows them to explore their surroundings while still being under control and safe from potential dangers.

Contrary to popular belief, cats can be walked on a leash. It just takes a humongous amount of patience for them to get used to walking under controlled conditions.

Walking on a leash also helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat, as they learn to trust and rely on you for guidance outside their comfort zone.

Responding to commands.

Teaching your cat to respond to commands is not only impressive, but it can also be helpful in certain situations.

Like dogs, cats can also be taught to list down, shake paws, roll over, and even jump through hoops. And yes, they will also respond when called by their name.  This not only adds entertainment value to your cat but also improves their mental and physical stimulation.

Teaching your cat these skills requires a lot of patience and repetition, but the results are definitely worth it. It’s important to remember that cats learn differently than dogs, so training sessions should be kept short, and positive reinforcement should always be used.

The Trick to Teaching Your Cat Tricks

If there’s one thing you need to understand about cats, it’s that they do not feel the need or urge to make their owners happy (unlike dogs). Thus, you won’t see them excited when asked to do a trick. Oftentimes, they’ll just stubbornly look at you as if saying that there’s no way that they will be doing what is being asked of them.

Hence, to be able to teach your feline pets, you should learn the art of positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement works by recognising your pet’s efforts rather than punishing them for their mistakes or failures. This type of training works best with cats as they are extra sensitive when it comes to human interaction and intervention, and at the single instance they feel unsafe with your actions, they will most likely become useless trainees and won’t learn anything.

Among the ways to practice positive reinforcement during training are:

1. Giving them treats!

This is the most common form of positive reinforcement that pet owners use, and it works well with cats.

This trick works every single time. When teaching your cat a skill, you should always have a reward ready so that whenever it gets your lesson right, the cat receives a treat.

Choose treats that your cat loves and are easy to eat, so they can reward them for their successful attempts at following commands or doing tricks. Treats can be in the form of food or a toy that they can play with. Thus, you should not get tired when teaching them a trick, and they don’t get it right on the first try.

2. Repetition.

Just like with other animals, cats learn via repetition.

Repetition is key when it comes to teaching your cat tricks. As mentioned earlier, cats are intelligent but also stubborn creatures. This means that they may not get a trick right away, but with enough repetition and practice, they will eventually learn.

You should demonstrate repeatedly the skill you want them to learn and allow them to follow suit until such time that they become familiar with the surroundings that prompt them to do the lesson they’ve learned.

3. Praising.

Always remember to praise your cat when they do something right. Positive reinforcement also includes verbal and physical praise.

Acknowledging their achievement is also an effective way of teaching cats tricks. Through acknowledgement, your cat realises that whenever it does that skill, it will get a nod of approval from you. And yes, cats recognise acknowledgement and see it as a direction for them to follow through.

4. Patience and consistency.

As mentioned earlier, teaching your cat new skills requires a lot of patience and consistency. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that cats may not behave or learn in the same way as dogs.

Consistency is key when it comes to training, so be sure to stick with a routine and always use positive reinforcement. With time and patience, you’ll be able to teach your cat a wide range of skills, making them not just a pet but a well-trained and obedient companion.

What NOT to Do

Lastly, when teaching your cats tricks, you should never punish them. Cats can be very sensitive, and they know when their owners are angry or not. Once you hit them or punish them for doing something wrong or not getting your lessons right, then for sure they would end up stubborn and careless for days, not to mention snobbish and resistant to your subsequent apologies.

You may never get your former relationship back as owner and cat if and when you start hurting them (especially physically). Thus, despite their stubborn tendencies, you should get a grip and be patient when training your cats.

Remember that they are independent creatures that do not conform to rules easily. But if they learn you are serious about them learning something new, then for sure they will oblige and follow through as the obedient pets that they can be.

In addition to these specific skills, it’s important also to establish trust and a positive relationship with your cat. Spend quality time with them, provide them with enriching toys and activities, and always show them love and affection.

With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can train your cat to be a well-behaved and happy companion for life. So don’t give up on training your feline friend, and remember to always use positive reinforcement. Who knows, you might just discover that your cat is capable of more than you ever thought possible.

Cats are totally adorable pets, and they are fast learners. Hence, if you are into animals who are not eye candy but are as well very useful at home, then it’s time to get a cat!