Training cats
Training cats
Unlike dogs, cats can't be trained to sit, stay or heel. They can, however, be trained to use a litter box for clean and hygienic reasons and to use a scratching post instead of scratching furniture.
A cat experiences rapid behavioral, physical and physiological changes in its first year of life. Between the third and 12th weeks, it begins to take up adult-like characteristics. The kitten is now capable of learning definite lessons. This is the time when it can be taught to establish good habits that can be implemented with positive reinforcement.
Punishing or scolding doesn't lead to positive results. Punishing the cat, if and when it is caught in the act, will only result in making it repeat the act in your absence. If punished later, it will not be able to associate the punishment with the offense. Sometimes, cats behave badly just to catch your attention—and paying it attention is like rewarding it for being bad.
Litter box training: The best time to start litter box training is when the kitten is four weeks old. For this, use a low-sided box; like the lid of an empty shoe box. Put the kitten in the box for five to 10 minutes after each meal. Keep putting him back into the box if he tries to come out. In case, he does his job on the floor, pick him up a bit and put him in the box to show the pet where the litter should really go. The kitten will soon get the idea.
Furniture scratching: Training for this can be started around the age of 4 weeks to 5 weeks. Get a special post for it to scratch. Set a time for it to make it scratch the post daily. Take its paw and make it scratch the post. The best way to make it avoid scratching furniture is to let the furniture itself make the cat stay away. Drape the furniture with netting, cloth or aluminium foil. Paint it with menthol or citrus smelling paint. Once the cat doesn't find scratching furniture unpleasant and it's scratching post better, it will stick to the pleasant experience.
Three ways for effective training: First, don't reprimand him. Instead, focus on building a fun, playful, exciting and worthwhile relationship. This is particularly helpful when cats are bored and destructive. Play and exercise your cat every day to channelize his energy or calm him down with regular relaxing massages and grooming. If you spend time with him productively, your cat will feel more secure and behave the way you want him to.
Rewarding your cat is the most effective way to train him. Set up his surroundings in a way that will make him succeed. Give him a treat like a piece of meat or fish each time he does things right so that he associates the treat with the activity and is motivated to repeat the performance.
His surroundings should be set up in such a way that if he doesn't do things right, he doesn't enjoy the outcome. Making its experiences unpleasant will automatically make it avoid the activity.
Whatever you are training your cat to do, make the process pleasurable. This will guaranty success while making it fun for you and your cat!