Cats are amazing creatures; they are cute, cuddly, and make great companions. However, they can also be quite mischievous and challenging to train. Fortunately, there are proven techniques that you can use to tame your feline friend and make them more obedient. Here in the Parliament Animal Hospital, we will discuss ten cat training techniques proven to work.
Why Do Cat Training?
Unwanted behaviours of this lovely animal, such as clawing at furniture, can cause stress and frustration for you and the cat. By training your cat, you can teach them appropriate behaviours and prevent unwanted behaviours. Changing cat behaviour through training can lead to a happier and healthier relationship between you and your cat.
In addition, well-behaved cats often receive more attention and affection. One of the most important reasons is that it becomes easier to care for cats because they will respond to basic commands, such as litter box training. So, if you want to live with this charming animal for a long time, change his behaviour to a large extent according to your wishes.
Top 10 Tips and Tricks to Have a Well-Behaved Feline
Cats are fascinating creatures that you can enjoy feeding and playing with. However, living with a cat can be challenging and frustrating. To have a well-behaved cat, you must provide a safe and comfortable environment that meets its basic needs, but more is needed. Other tricks include:
Start with Something Easy
When it comes to cat training, it’s best to start with something simple. Choose a behaviour you would like to train your cat to do, such as sitting or coming when called, and focus on that behaviour until your cat has mastered it. Once your cat has learned one behaviour, you can move on to more complex behaviours. You can ask us for more information about the details of the behaviour modification of cats.
Eliminate Any Distractions
When you are training your cat, it’s essential to eliminate any distractions that might take their attention away from the training. Find a quiet room to work with your cat, and ensure no toys or other distractions are around.
Reward Immediately
Cats respond well to positive reinforcement, so it’s essential to reward your cat immediately when they exhibit the desired behaviour. Use treats or verbal praise to reward your cat for good behaviour.
Do Not Punish
Cats do not respond well to punishment, and it can be counterproductive to their training. Instead of punishing your cat for bad behaviour, focus on rewarding good behaviour. This will help your cat associate positive behaviours with rewards.
Train at the Right Time
Cats are most receptive to training when they are hungry or playful. Train your cat before mealtime or when they are in a playful mood. This will help keep them focused on the training and make it easier for them to learn.
Keep the Training Sessions Short
If you don’t tire out a desirable animal, you should know that cats get bored quickly and may ignore you, so it is essential that training sessions are short and focused. Practice for 5-10 minutes per session.
Find the Right Reward
Different cats respond to extra rewards, so finding a fitting reward for your cat is essential. Some cats prefer treats, while others respond better to verbal praise or playtime. Experiment with different tips to see what works best for your cat.
Be Consistent
Consistency is vital when it comes to cat training. Ensure everyone in your household uses the same commands and rewards, and try to train your cat simultaneously every day. This will help your cat understand what is expected of them and make it easier for them to learn.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train a cat. When your cat exhibits good behaviour, reward them immediately with a treat or verbal praise. This will help your cat associate positive behaviours with rewards and encourage them to repeat those behaviours in the future.
Be Patient
Cat training takes time and patience. Stay calm if your cat learns a behaviour immediately. Keep practicing and rewarding good behaviour; eventually, your cat will catch on.
Best Time To Start Training Techniques to Tame Your Feline
The best time to start training techniques to tame your feline is when they are young. Kittens are more receptive to learning and socialization than adult cats, so starting early can help them develop good habits and behaviours.
Training should begin when your kitten is around 8 to 12 weeks old. They are curious and playful at this age, making engaging them in training activities easier. You can start by teaching them basic commands such as “sit” and “come” using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise.
If you have adopted an adult cat that has not been socialized or trained, it’s still possible to teach them. However, it may take more time and patience as adult cats can be more set in their ways. You should start with basic training and gradually work up to more complex behaviours.
Regardless of your cat’s age, it’s essential to be patient and consistent in your training efforts. Cats respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, so focus on rewarding good behaviour and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviours. You can effectively train and tame your feline companion with time and consistency.
Conclusion
To have a calm and intelligent cat, periodic visits to the pet clinic are essential. Additionally, using proven cat training techniques, you can help tame your cat and make him more obedient. Remember to start with something easy, remove distractions, reward immediately, don’t punish, train at the right time, keep training sessions short, find the proper reward, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement. With time and patience, you can train your cat to do anything. Use it and be patient.