Training a cat can be a difficult task, trying g to do so may cause behavioral problems later on. While it is possible to teach them not to perform bad habits, most times the owner will have to conform to fit in with the cat. Along with patience and care, these tips can make training your cat a little easier.
The first rule of thumb is that everyone in the home should agree with what the cat will be allowed to do. Once the rules have been established, changing the routine may cause difficulties.
Earn your cat's trust by speaking calmly with a soft voice. When your cat trusts you, it will most likely do what you want. Your cat can tell if you are anxious, so don't stress if things go wrong. Keep calm and start over again. Don't force training on your cat, only attempt it when it seems happy to do so.
Don't move too quickly, or the cat might misunderstand. When teaching a kitten, restrict training to an hour a day, and only repeat each exercise a few times. Try to avoid aggravating the kitten, it will not learn if it is annoyed. If you are forbidding something, be consistent. Stick to the same command.
If your cat is behaving badly, give it a quick squirt of water from a plant sprayer. This will soon curb the behavior. Never hurt or shout at your cat, or it will associate you with unpleasantness. Instead put some dry beans in a tin and shake it briefly if you cat is being unruly.
When the cat obeys, praise and stroke it. Treat your cat with food when it does well, it will learn to associate good behavior with food. But don't over do it, too many treats or excessive food can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
Do not ignore your cat when you are mad at it, cats do not understand this behavior and will feel insecure. Your cat will not know from the start that it has to use a scratch post to sharpen its claws. You need to teach it to do so.
If your cat begins to attack the furniture, say "no" in a clear and firm voice, and then take it to the scratching post and put its paws on it. You can scratch with your own nails too, as the noise will make the cat curious. If your cat refuses to use the scratch post, then it may not like the fabric that covers it. Try putting an old piece of clothing that smells like you over the board, put some hemp rope around the scratching tree, or put down some straw mats. Cats often like these types of materials.
Make sure your cat has a quiet and comfortable place to sleep. Provide your cat with a covered basket that has a soft filling such as a blanket or towel. Your cat will feel safe and still be able to see things going on.
Don't let your cat beg, once it has formed this habit, you won't be able to break it. Don't give in to a meowing cat. Keep your cat away from the dining area, don't give your cat food from the table, and never put your cat on your lap when eating dinner at the table.
Avoid giving your cat treats outside of feeding time, this is another habit that will be impossible to break. Set specific feeding times, it is a good idea to feed your cat when you eat, this will keep it occupied, and away from the dining table. If your cat jumps on your lap or the chair next to you while you are eating say "no", and promptly remove it from the table.
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