How to Train Your Cat

How to Train Your…Cat?

               Cats are known to be more independent and less likely to follow commands than dogs. But, did you know with some time, patience, and the right motivators (think yummy cat treats!) cats can be taught some basic commands and can also be trained NOT to do certain undesirable behaviors (save that couch from the claws!). Let’s learn some basics of how to train your dragon…er…cat...to be a model feline!

               First, the basics.  Cats take a bit more time and patience to pick up training commands.

• Keep training sessions short—5-15 minutes is about right. 
• Train one behavior at a time. Once your cat masters, say, coming when called, move on to the next behavior like “scratch this, not that!”  Once your cat is routinely performing the desired skill, practice and repeat often to reinforce good behaviors.
• Find the optimum time to engage your cat.  Cats like routine.  For many, the best training time may be when your cat first wakes up. He or she will be more focused and ready to play. But, you may find a different time suits your kitty. Go with what works!
• Eliminate distractions-train your cat one on one in a private setting for best results.  And, be sure to use consistent training cues—various methods can be used for training-clickers, hand signals, voice commands, etc. Be sure to use the same cue for a desired behavior each and every time and make sure all family members know the cues, too! Consistency is key.
• Always use positive reinforcement.  This means praise, play and treats, treats, treats! Stocking up on tasty treats to reward the desired behavior is key.  However, choose small treats and/or adjust your kitty’s food amount if needed.  Obesity is a big problem in cats. We want to train them, not make them chubby!  Never use negative reinforcements like yelling at or swatting your cat.  These methods only make your cat want to avoid you and do not help him or her learn new skills.

If possible, train your cat from an early age. However, even adult and senior cats can potentially learn new behaviors.  It just may take a bit longer. 

               What should you teach your cat to do?  It’s certainly fine and fun to teach your cat to sit, to retrieve a toy, do a twirl, or other silly behaviors. But, did you know, you can train your cat to do things to make life easier for the both of you?  How about training your kitten or cat to enter the cat carrier on cue?  Or teaching your cat to use a scratching post or pad instead of your furniture?  Again, all training takes time—we’re talking weeks to months for some behaviors--and patience, but it can be very rewarding and fun, too. 

               Basic training goes like this:  Have a bunch of tasty treats ready.  Work with your cat in a quiet room away from distractions. Say you want to train her to enter her carrier.  Have the carrier present, door open. Put some of her favorite treats and/or toys in the carrier. When your cat enters to check it out, give her a chin scratch and some love!  Once she goes in and out a few times, try closing the door for a few seconds while she is in the carrier.  Pair this with a hand signal or voice command like “enter.”  Use the same signal each time your cat enters the carrier. Work up to longer times with the door closed, then to picking up the carrier and then to walking a short distance with the cat inside, etc.  If your cat seems stressed or frightened, go back to the last step where she seemed comfortable and proceed slowly from there. 

               Training your cat can be a slow process, but it is also a way to bond with your kitty and to teach some good behaviors.  Cats are every bit as smart, if not smarter, than our canine companions. Help your cat show off that intelligence by teaching him some impressive skills.

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/how-to-train-a-cat/

https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/behavior/training/how-to-train-a-cat