Basic Cat Training

Every pet owner knows that if you and your pet have the same rules, the household is much happier. For instance, is there a place you do not want your cats? Perhaps the kitchen counter? What about those plants that could be harmful to your cat? So, to help with getting the rules straight for everyone, here are some ideas:

• Decide where your cat is definately not allowed to be.
• Obstacles. Use items that will disturb the stealth qualities your cat naturally exhibits, like a stack of empty soda cans around a plant or bells hung from the lower limbs and leaves. By breaking your cat's concentration and making a noise, these measures can be quite effective.
• Deterrents. Use things that are unpleasant to your cat. Double-sided tape or "sticky paws" are effective. There are also pheromone treatments that can be used.
• Re-direct attention. When you catch your kitty doing something you don't want it to do, redirect the cat's attention by giving it something it is permitted to have or play with. A string, ball or other toy.
• Removal. Take your cat away from the area or take the item away from your cat.
• Rewards. Give a treat for good behavior along with a "good cat" or other endearing talk. Try not to reward expected behavior like using the litter box; but if this is a problem, a couple of reinforcements won't hurt.
• Withdraw attention. If your cat is doing something you don't want it to do, but the behavior is more annoying than dangerous, withdraw your attention. Many cats will do things because you laugh or pay attention to them when they exhibit the behavior. By withdrawing your attention, the cat will find something else. Most likely, however, the cat wants your attention and will continue to act out until you play with it or cuddle it.
• Tell your cat "No." Simply tellling your cat to stop may be effective in many instances. I find that by telling my cats to get down or saying "No," they behave nicely. Many cats understand human speech to an extent, and can put together the sounds they hear with the behavior that is required. The longer you live with your cat, the more pronounced this will become.
• Calling your cat to you. Over time, as the cat comes to know and trust you, you may be able to call your cat to you. A scratch behind the ears should always be given. My cats come when called, expecting a cuddle or treat. I can then pick them up and give them medicine or groom them. The cuddle is the trick.
• Never, ever hit or strike your cat! Not only is this cruel, but the cat learns that you are not to be trusted. They come to fear you and may start other objectionable behaviors, either in retaliation or out of fear and anxiety. Even a raised voice can cause this reaction cycle. The cat may leave your home given the chance, to find a more pleasing one.