Myths About Training Your Cat
There are many people out there that are surprised to find out that cats CAN be trained. It is a very slow, and lengthy process and can only be done at the speed the cat is comfortable with, but no the less very possible. First, the cat owner needs to know that cats don't speak our language, so we need to familiarize ourselves with how a cat thinks and learns.
Cats learn by familiarity. If the experience is agreeable they will attempt to replicate, but if the experience makes them gloomy they will stay away from doing it in the future. Cats also learn by the course of rewards and praises. However, the rewards need to be reserved for special occasions and not an everyday affair. For good results you should reward your feline friend with a genuine incentive like her preferred delicacy.
While training a cat, penalty is out of bounds. Physical punishments can add to the violent streak in your pet and make her a rebel. She may also start avoiding you as a result of the spanking. If her intentions are merely good-humored but are violent, you have to be firm with your reaction; so don't reward her with attention sometimes and overlook other times. She will be perplexed and will learn to control her violent actions. Cats run away or show the symptoms of nervousness and gloominess, even if slightly punished. Scolding, shouting, physical penalty and holding the incentive will not encourage the cat to change her behavior. Therefore the training needs to be reward based with apparent indication and high-quality timing.
Focus on creating an enjoyable, satisfying, humorous and motivating rapport. Be convinced that no matter what the cat does, it is worthwhile and pleasing. Every cat is unique.
The majority of cats are not fond of curling their claws while scratching things, so you can either cover the item in question or place a slight menthol or citrus aroma, as this will deter them. Once the cat realizes that the place is not meant for amusement the scratching trouble will vanish.
Cats are very smart and at times will use other means of getting your attention. So if they are running around, pouncing, climbing, and acting otherwise like they've lost their minds, DO NOT give them any attention. Get up and walk away from them. They will learn that this is not the correct way to get your attention, and will learn to play it your way.
Their boredom can be relieved by every day playing and soothing messages that help to cool down. While playing, keep in mind the predatory character of the cat. Behaviors like stalking, biting, pouncing, chasing, leaping, etc., are key factors of any play session. Because of this, throughout the training, supply them with toys that look like prey. Try toys like ping pong balls, cardboard boxes, hanging ropes, scratching posts, false mice or anything that rolls. If the cat likes to climb and walk around, it can be trained by creating a barrier track. Like loop up some twigs, pillars, shelves or climbing ramps. Hiding small, delicious preferred treats to cheer her to get climbing can be built-in as an element of the training.
Cats are very enjoyable and they can really be your best friend if you just handle them with care and diplomacy.
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Published August 28th, 2008
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