There is a common belief that cats are difficult to train but that simply isn’t true. Teaching your cat may be somewhat different than teaching your dog but it certainly is possible to modify their behavior and even to teach them a trick or two. If you are planning on training your cat and would like the opportunity to do so in the best way possible, here are some tips to help get you started.
First of all, it is unlikely that you are going to teach your cat any tricks that will keep you amused. Although there are some exceptions to the rule, most cats will not be trained to do things such as chase a frisbee, bring you the newspaper or grab your slippers. They can, however, be trained to do some pretty amazing things and to be a more welcome part of your household.
Perhaps the most common type of cat training is litter box training. Many people who do not own a cat think that they naturally go into the litter box and take care of their business. In reality, it takes some training on your part but with a little bit of effort, you will see success.
The first step in the process is to put the litter box and your cat in an area that is somewhat confined. Make sure that your cat is comfortable and try to put them there when it is more likely for them to relieve themselves, such as when they get up from a nap or if they just got finished playing or eating. Your cats will relieve themselves in a confined area and hopefully, they will do so in the litter box. If they do go to the bathroom outside of the litter box, put the waste in the box to encourage them to use it. They will typically start using it within a day or two.
It is also possible to modify the behavior of a cat if they are doing something that you would rather they not do. Some of the natural inclinations of felines can make it difficult to have them in the home. This will include the clawing instinct that they usually take out on your furniture.
If you do decide to try to teach your cat some parlor tricks, you are going to need to take it very slow. Not only will a cat get bored with the training very quickly, they will also get annoyed if you try and take things too far. Your best choice is to buy some yummy cat treats, train them several times per day for a few minutes each and hope for the best.
Never let anyone tell you that cats can’t be trained. The fact of the matter is, they are highly intelligent and training is only really a matter of time and patience. If you take the time with your cat, you will find that they are trainable and you are getting closer to each other in the process.