Easy Tips For Training Your Cat

Like dogs, most cats at some point in their life will develop or start out with some behavior problems that you will want to correct. However, the methods used for training cats are completely unlike those used for training dogs.

The main reason for this is the fact that cats are typically solitary animals that, when socializing, do not particularly create any type of hierarchy or status. This makes it particularly difficult to train cats, as they do not recognize you as being higher on the food chain, so to speak.

Before you begin trying to train your cat, it is important to remember that timing means everything. When you are trying to reverse poor behavior of a cat it is important to perform your action within seconds of the infraction. Most cat training methods are most effective if the action is actually taken at the very beginning of your cat's inappropriate behavior.

Cat Training Tips

1. Never use any form of physical punishment such as hitting or swatting. Physical punishment will not train your cat to stop doing whatever it is doing; it will only train your cat to be afraid of you.

2. The water filled spray bottle is perhaps the most effect cat-training tool any cat owner can have. Yes, it's common knowledge that most cats hate water, however, what makes the water bottle quite effective is that it surprises the cat. More than their dislike for water, cats dislike being surprised.

3. Create a loud noise when you catch your cat doing something he or she is not supposed to be doing. Just like spraying your cat with water, this will surprise them and if repeated at the appropriate times during the bad behavior will eventually cause your cat to associate displeasure with their action. Clapping or yelling, "NO", work great.

4. If you are having biting or nipping problems with your cat, an easy training method is to push his or her face. As soon as your cat begins to bite, place your hand on their face and gently push back and saying, "NO", at the same time. Again, do not hit, simply push your cat's face back with the palm of your hand.

5. Make it impossible for your cat to do certain things that you construe as bad behavior. This is especially effective for training your cat when you are not around or in the vicinity to catch your cat in the act. Some examples would be closing doors, not storing food in the open or making use of many of the childproofing techniques parents employ.

As with training any animal, patience and time are going to be needed. Just stick with it and be consistent and you'll soon start seeing the benefits of your cat training efforts


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The Keys To Top Cat Care And Cat Training

Setting Boundaries in Cat Care

If you do not set boundaries with your cat, you will find yourself in a losing situation. Remember, you need to keep yourself in a higher position in the hierarchy than your cat so that you remain in charge of your cat's behavior.

Where to Potty

Potty-training your cat is one of the most important things in cat care. When you bring your cat home to the safe room, one of the first things you need to show your cat is where the litter box is. The litter box also makes the cat feel more at home, too.
You will also need to decide who needs to clean out the litter box. If you have kids, this could be one of their daily or weekly chores.

Eating

You will also need to set up a specific place for food and water. It should not be anywhere near the litter box, as cats do not like the two to be anywhere near each other.

You will also need to set up feeding times, especially if you have more than one animal in your home. Animals do not think twice about eating each other's foods, but they are not always good for one another. You need to keep them away from other animal's foods.

Play

Are there places your cat should not play? Are there things you do not want your cat to play with? You will need to set up rules about play in your home.

Grooming

Grooming is an essential element of cat care. Though many cats never enjoy getting a bath, they will get used to the brushing and combing process. Cats often do not like the tooth brushing or nail clipping process, but if they learn you are going to do it anyway it will get a little easier over time.

Begging

Cats learn that when they get away with something once, they can try to push a little further every time. Sometimes it gets so bad that cats have no problems jumping on the table during a meal. Not a good example of cat training. It is probably best that you discourage any begging at the table and set a house rule that the cat is not to be fed from the table at all.

Furniture

If you have furniture that your cat is not allowed to touch, you had better lock it up somewhere. Even if your cat is very good about staying off the bed, couch, table, etc. when you are home, it is not likely that the furniture will be untouched when you are not there. Still you can set the boundaries with your cat.

Freedom

Your cat likes freedom, and you need to decide on what kind of freedom your cat will have. Will your cat be allowed outside? If so, do you have a schedule your cat will need to follow? Are there rooms in which your cat is not allowed?
If you have a room that you would like to keep cat-free, you will need to keep the door closed. You will also need to make that rule known to your family, so, again, everyone is consistent.

Routines

Routines in cat care are the biggest way to establish boundaries and house rules. Cats respond very well to having a routine - it promotes a feeling of safety. Changes to a routine should be the exception, not the rule.
For the best possible results with your cat, everyone in the house should have a good appreciation of sound cat care and training practices. It's not difficult, and you'll be richly rewarded.

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