Cat Training…It's Not A Miracle Most cat owners know that their pets can be and are trained … in one way or another. The majority of the training, however, is often accomplished without an understanding of the principles involved and results are sometimes not those originally planned.
Cats are motivated and trained by rewards. An example of this is the way a cat comes running to the sound of a can opener or the rustle of a food bag. Your feline friend associates the sounds to the reward of food.
Using positive reinforcement, your cat can learn basic commands and good behaviors. For instance, if you want your cat to answer a "Come" command, associate the behavior with a reward such as a favorite treat. Spend a brief time every day working with your pet. While holding an appealing tidbit, call to your cat from across the room. When she comes to you, give the treat, shower praise and add some affectionate stroking. Once your cat has the basic idea, you can eliminate the food reward.
To train your pet not to indulge in negative behaviors, you'll also use the positive approach. Cats do not respond well to punishments, such as yelling or hitting. They often associate the negative with you instead of with their behavior. The result is that your pet stops liking you … definitely not the goal that leads to a loving relationship with your fabulous feline!
The first step in controlling objectionable behavior is to establish a positive alternative. For instance, if scratching is a problem, give your cat a scratching post. Begin by showing your cat the post and how to use it by touching her paws to the post while giving praise. Then, if kitty is about to scratch your favorite chair, pick her up and move her to the post. The same routine applies to sitting on counters or furniture. Establish an "allowable" perch. Remember, cats love resting in high spots; it seems to make them comfortable when they can look out and down on their surroundings. When the cat jumps onto the counter or off-limits furniture, move her to the permissible elevated area. Always give lots of praise when you have relocated kitty to the approved area.
To reinforce that some activities are out of bounds, you can also interrupt them with something that startles your pet. For instance, a can filled with a handful of coins can be shaken or dropped on the floor nearby your cat.. Or, some professionals recommend shooting a water gun at the misbehaving feline. Either of these will interrupt the bad behavior. It is important that you look away so that the noise or water is associated with the behavior and not with you! After the cat is startled and the negative behavior has momentarily stopped, offer your pet a toy or treat as a distraction. Eventually, your cat learns that certain activities result in loud noises or wet fur and are therefore best avoided. Some cats are given to biting. Many owners have received an early morning "greeting" that involves a sudden pounce and sharp teeth to the ankle. Not the greatest way to start your trip to the coffee pot. In the case of such aggressive behavior, you should let your cat know you are the boss. Express your displeasure with a loud "No", hiss or other startling sound. Then, walk away from the offender, effectively withdrawing affection and approval.
While your cat may never learn to roll over or beg on command, the benefits of a well-behaved feline are obvious. And, they're attainable with a little love and patience. |