Teaching Your Cat to Stop Misbehaving

Having a cat in the home can be a very pleasant experience. It is something that we will treasure, as they become a part of our family. Of course, as any cat owner can tell you, having a feline is not always going to be the nicest experience possible. In fact, there are times when the cat may even misbehave and when that happens, it is time to take action.

If you have a cat that is displaying inappropriate behavior, there are a number of things you can do to turn the tide. Some of them are going to be positive for both you and the cat. At other times, however, there may be a need to show your displeasure in some way or another. Let’s take a look at a few of those options.

First of all, it is always going to be in the interest of both you and the cat for some positive training to take place. Some cats act out with bad behaver when they are bored and training them might just help to keep their attention. At the same time, you don’t want to over do it, thinking that you can train with your cat for hours on end. More than likely a few minutes, several times per day will be enough.

When you train your cat to do acceptable tricks, it can also help them to see what is not acceptable. Most of us will be very positing throughout the training process, giving rewards when rewards are appropriate. At the same time, any negative traits that show themselves during the training process should not be rewarded.

Sometimes, it needs to go beyond the positive factors associated with training a cat. We might need to actually address the negative behavior directly. This needs to be done in an appropriate way and we don’t ever want to overdo it to the point when we are causing the cat stress or harm.

If your cat is showing behavior that is considered natural for a feline, such as scratching the furniture, you might need to face this problem differently. Rather than punishing them for doing it, it might be possible to train them by giving them a distraction, such as a scratching post. It really can work wonders.

Finally, there may be times when some negative reinforcement might be the best way to go. It could be clapping our hands, whistling or perhaps using a spray bottle. These factors can quickly teach a cat that what they are doing is wrong and needs to be stopped.

The decision as to what to do in this regard is something that is personal. After considering everything involved, take the time to implement these factors in your household. It can really make a difference.

Should a Squirt Bottle Be Used in Cat Training?

There are many of us who really appreciate having a cat as a member of the family. We want to share our lives with them and ensure that they have the best of everything we have to offer. At the same time, there are going to be moments that are less than stellar when it comes to having a cat in the home. Some of those moments may come about as a result of bad behavior, and we would want to stop them from happening.

Much of the focus on training a cat is going to be on positive reinforcement, and that certainly is an important factor to consider. At the same time, we don’t want to completely ignore the fact that a cat might just be showing some bad behavior, and we want to stop that problem as soon as we can. This might be by reinforcing our displeasure when that show that bad behavior in some way or another. One way that is fairly common is to use a spray bottle full of water.

Of course, we would never want to hurt our cat when it came to showing our displeasure but a little bit of negative reinforcement may just be the key to getting them to stop whatever it is that they are doing. Many of us would use a loud noise to start, such as clapping our hands or giving them a firm NO. If those methods don’t quite cut it, however, it may be time to use a spray bottle.

If you do some research online, you will find that some people claim that a spray bottle doesn’t work and others say it is the best thing that they did when training their cat. This really has to do with the difference between cats, something that all of us can appreciate. Just as humans have different personalities, cats also have different personalities. Some will respond to the bottle and others don’t.

If you decide to test the spray bottle, just use water on the inside. Adding any type of chemical could be cruel. In addition, don’t continue to follow the cat and spray them once they have stopped the behavior. Once your spray them and they stop, you should stop.

The nice thing about using a spray bottle to keep your cat from doing something wrong is that you won’t need to use it long. At first, you might need to get the bottle frequently but after a few times, they will run before you actually have to spray it. With persistence, you might just see that they eventually get the idea and stop the behavior once and for all.

Should You Use Rewards When Training a Cat?

When it comes to training an animal, many people will automatically think about training the family dog. Although it certainly can be enjoyable to train a dog to sit or perhaps even to do a fun trick or two, they are not the only furry creature in the home capable of training. In fact, it is even possible to train a cat and with some persistence on your part, they can learn to do some amazing things.

Training a cat is quite different from training other animals in the home. For example, you might be able to spend hours of time training a dog every day and they will love the attention. Cats, on the other hand, tend to get a little bored when you train them for too long. In fact, a few minutes training a cat may be their upper limit and if you go to far, you are not going to train them well.

There are also other things to consider when training a cat, and one of those is the need to motive them. Any type of motivation is going to be beneficial for the cat but some people stop short of giving them treats during the training process. Is it possible and even advantageous to give your cats treats when training? They answer is a resounding YES.

There is an old saying that you are able to catch more flies with honey, and many of us have experienced the truthfulness of that statement in our lives. When we are kind to others, we often find that things go much more smoothly as a result. The same is also true when you are trying to modify the behavior of a cat.

When you start training your cat, you will want to have a few pieces of something yummy to give as a reward. Some people find it is convenient to buy them at the store but you could just give them some small pieces of chicken or tuna. In either case, it is pleasant for the cat and before long, they will start to associate what they are doing with something good.

Along with rewarding good behavior, it is also necessary to keep far away from rewarding any type of bad behavior. Yes, we love our cats and we want what is best for them. At the same time, giving them a reward when they do something wrong will be counterproductive.

If you want to take things to the next level, use a clicker when you reward your cat with a treat. When you are consistent at doing so, they will eventually make the connection. At that point, you can ease off of the physical treats and just use the clicker as a treat of its own.

How to Know When Training Is Stressing Your Cat

Many cat owners have come to appreciate the fact that their animal is one of the smartest that has ever walked the face of the earth; and they aren’t afraid to share that fact with everyone. Not only do they do some of the natural things that cats do that are quite amazing, they are also able to learn some tricks as well. Many people who don’t own a cat will be amazed with the fact that your training has really paid off.

The one thing that most people find to be quite difficult when it comes to training a cat is the fact that it often needs to be done in very small chunks. In fact, a training session of 5 minutes or so may be way too long for most cats because you tend to lose their attention at some point or another. This is something that does vary from one feline to another, but it is something that needs to be kept in mind when doing any type of cat training.

When you train a cat, you are doing so because it should be a pleasant experience for both you and the feline. The problem is, training a cat can also turn very bad quickly and if you extend the training session too long or if you make some mistakes along the way, it could end up stressing the cat out. This can be a real problem, not only because it is uncomfortable for the feline but because it tends to become unproductive as far as the training is concerned.

Most of us are able to recognize the fact that we’ve extended things too long because we lose the attention of the cat and things tend to come to a standstill. Your cat may also show some other signs that you are stressing them temporarily or perhaps even long-term.

Stress is a real problem and many humans have experienced this difficulty in their lives. When it happens to our cat, it can also stress us out as well. Some of the behavioral issues that we may recognize when our cat is feeling this way can be seen in their eyes, their tail and even in the way that they react to us.

It may also be possible to stress your cat for the long-term if you are training them to frequently or if you’re training them in the wrong way. Some cats will even start urinating outside of the litter box, scratching or grooming excessively or perhaps even stop eating. If you see any of these problems in your cat, look for the issue that is behind it. If it turns out that you are training them too frequently, it’s time to back off a little.

What Are the Benefits of Training a Cat?

Most of us would agree that owning a cat is one of the highlights of our life. In fact, we may even consider the feline to be more a part of our family than the human members of our family! Although not all of us are going to fit into that particular category, we do love our cats and we want what is best for them. We may even have some fun with them from time to time and training your cat is certainly one way that you can enjoy having them even more.

If you are wondering whether it is really possible to train a cat or not, you might be surprised with exactly how easy it is. In fact, training a cat is more than a possibility, it’s a reality for many pet owners. All it takes is some patience on your part and the knowledge that rewarding a cat for certain types of behavior is eventually going to have them doing those tricks and even more.

Of course, there is more to training a cat than simply having something fun to show to our family and friends that come over for a visit. In fact, there are other benefits to cat training that should be considered as well. Look down through the following benefits that many cat owners have experienced. Once you see just how many there are, you are going to be more than happy to take part in this activity as well.

1. It helps the cat – When we train our cat to do tricks, we are actually helping them in many ways. Cats love to be active and the training process is one that keeps them busy in both body and mind. As you see this benefit shine through in your feline, you will be proud that you started doing it.

2. It could save your cat – Although there are many different types of tricks that we could teach a cat, some of them could actually have the benefit of keeping them safe. That is especially true if we teach our cat to come on command, which is a basic command. Imagine if you were out and your cat got loose? Being able to call them and have them come to you would safeguard their life.

3. It brings you closer – Teaching your cat tricks is more than a fun pastime. It helps to bring the two of you closer together. Although the training sessions may be somewhat short, they are a fun time that you can spend with your cat.

4. It could be convenient – Sometimes, people go beyond the basics and they start teaching their cat some life changing tricks. For example, it is possible to teach your cat to use the toilet. Those tricks and more will change your life for the better.

Taking Your Cat Training to the next Level

Most pet owners know that it is more than possible to train their furry friend to do some tricks. Of course, when most people think about doing so, they automatically think about training a dog. The fact is, however, it is not only possible to train a cat, there are many people who have taken it to the next level. In doing so, they have something fun to show their friends and family when they come for a visit. Some of those tricks may even be amazingly life changing.

First of all, it’s a good idea to give your cat some basic obedience training before you decide to take things to a higher level. Teach them some of the basic commands, such as sit, stay or come. These things will take some time, because it is necessary to train your cat on their terms. Rather than going for a very long training sessions, you may need to keep things to just a few minutes and do it several times a day. With a little bit of work on your part, you really can teach your cat some of these basic tricks.

After they understand the basics, it is going to be easier for them to learn some of the more difficult tricks that may require some effort on their part. By this time, they already have the idea of obedience down and they understand the reward that comes from doing the right thing. It may even be so much easier to train your cats to do more difficult tricks, just because they have already been properly conditioned by going through basic obedience.

What kind of tricks can you teach your cat? Really, there isn’t a limit to what you can do other than the fact that some cats are going to be more responsive than others when it comes to this type of advanced training. Many people tend to look at some type of parlor trick that will amaze and amuse both the owner and those who happen to visit their home. There are also other tricks, however, that can be life-changing.

Perhaps you have heard that it is possible to teach your cat how to use the toilet. Many people tend to scoff at this idea, wondering how it could possibly be true. In reality, it’s just a matter of working your way into that area with the litter box, teaching the cat gradually to make the transition. Eventually, you can use a special litter box that fits within the toilet and before long, they will be using the toilet conveniently.

You may also want to consider some other possibilities, such as teaching a cat to walk on a leash, teaching them to beg or even how to give you a high five. It takes some time but these types of tricks are well worth it once your cat understands how to do them.

Teaching Your Cat to Love a Pet Carrier

Cats tend to be rather independent creatures and this is something that most of us have come to appreciate about their behavior. At times, however, it can be a real convenience if they give up some of that independence and do something that we want them to do. That is especially the case if we travel with the cat on a frequent basis and tend to need them in a pet carrier. Is it possible to get them to love this convenience?

Most of us are familiar with this type of scenario. We need to put the cat into a container to get them out for the day but they are putting up a strong fight against it. Perhaps it could even be so much of a struggle that we are concerned that the cat is going to either hurt themselves or perhaps even us. If that describes your experience with a pet carrier, there are some things that can be done to lighten the mood and perhaps to even get your feline to love being in a carrier. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

First of all, it is important to introduce the pet carrier to the cat properly. Don’t simply assume that they are going to warm up to it eventually, you need to get them comfortable with it before you need to use it. Rather than trying to force the cat into it at the last minute, take some time to get them accustomed to having it around. Make it part of their daily life.

You can also make the carrier more comfortable for them by adding a blanket or perhaps their favorite toy. Allow them to explore it freely when they are on their own. Keep it open with the treats on the inside and they will eventually go into it without a problem. In addition, they will begin to associate the carrier with something pleasant.

After the cat has started to get into the carrier, begin closing the door with them on the inside. After closing the door, leave the room and come back in after a few minutes. Your cat will stop thinking that the carrier is a trap and they will accept it as a part of their own home.

Finally, it’s time to start carrying the cat in the container here or there. Try doing it to someplace they want to go or perhaps just for a nice ride. After they are comfortable with the carrier enough for this to happen, it is easier to get them inside when it is time to go to the vets office or somewhere else they might not want to go.

Can You Train a Cat to Sleep at Night?

If there is one thing that most people know about felines, it’s the fact that they are nocturnal creatures. This type of night behavior is natural for cats and it is something that most families simply learn to live with over the course of time. Although it certainly is true that night behavior is natural for a cat, it is also a behavior that can be modified if you take the right steps. Just as a human is able to begin working nights and sleeping during the day, it is possible for a cat to begin sleeping at night as well.

First of all, not all cats are going to be the same type of nocturnal creatures. They tend to be more active at night but they may not attempt to wake you up after you go to bed in order to either get your attention or perhaps for something to eat. It tends to happen more when the cat is younger and eventually, many of them will learn to start sleeping through the night without any problem. The nocturnal behavior is something that came from their ancient ancestors and domestication has helped to weed it out to a certain extent.

If your cat is awake frequently at night, you might want to see if there is a medical problem that needs to be addressed. Pain or discomfort can keep your cat up at night and they may be doing more than simply wandering around, they could be crying or meowing all night long. A trip to the veterinarian can help to weed out this problem.

If your cat is keeping you up all night and there is not a medical problem, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce it until they get the bigger picture.

Play Late at Night – Rather than simply allowing your cat to snooze away until they wake up during the middle of the night, try to have a few play sessions with them during the evening time. Play with their favorite toy and that activity will help to tire them out.

Change the Feeding Schedule – Like humans, cats may find it easier to sleep after having a big meal. Switch their large meal of the day to just before bedtime and they may sleep better.

Add a Cat – If you have a social feline, adding a second cat to the home may promote some play and keep them from feeling alone at night.

Keep Them Active – Rather than allowing them to take naps throughout the day, keep them active and you may find that they are more willing to sleep at night.

These are just a few suggestions that can help your cat to sleep at night. It may be a frustrating problem for some cat owners, but it is one that can be overcome.

Teaching Your Cat to Stay

There are many different commands you might consider teaching to your cat. Some of them could really be to the benefit to the cat when they know how to do them and follow the command persistently. On the other hand, other types of tricks are just something that you would do for fun or to amuse your friends and family when they come to visit. One of the commands you might find comes in handy on a regular basis is to teach your cat to stay.

Admittedly, most of us probably never really thought about the possibility that a cat would respond to the command to stay when we gave it. In fact, we might never have thought we would have heard those words come out of our mouth, let alone thinking our cat would respond. Cats are amazing in their capability to learn and if you take the time and train them properly, you can teach them to stay on command and more.

The first, and most important thing to remember, is that you are not training a dog. You must keep the training sessions short and sweet if you want to see some results. Each session should only last a few minutes, but you can do it several times through the day if you like. Once your cat gets bored, nothing is going to help.

It is also a good idea to teach your cat some other tricks before you teach them to stay. Tricks, such as sit or come could really be beneficial on a number of levels. After they know how to do those tricks, teaching them how to stay will be a lot easier.

Begin in an area that is free of distractions. Put your cat into position and tell them to stay, perhaps by giving the sit command. After your cat is in position, begin making slow and slight movements to see if they will hold the position. Reward them if they do so. Eventually, you can begin moving away from your cat slightly for a short amount of time. Reward if they stay. Eventually, the distance and amount of time will gradually get longer until they are staying in that position indefinitely.

This is not a command that your cat is going to learn overnight, but it is one that they can learn. If you take the time and are persistent when you train them, they will be able to accomplish great things. Once your cat knows how to stay, you will find that you are using it over and over again for a variety of purposes.

Teaching Your Cat to Sit

There are many interesting things to owning a cat and at times, you might just be surprised with how much they can enhance your life. If you already have a cat in your home, you recognize just how intelligent they are. They seem to be able to pick up on things very quickly and, left on their own, they tend to fend for themselves quite nicely. It is also possible to train a cat to do some fun tricks, including teaching them how to sit.

If you are interested in teaching a cat how to sit, you just need to know the method and, of course, you need to have some patience. After all, training a cat is different than training a dog in many ways. You can’t train them for long sessions and, at times, you are only going to be able to go for a few minutes at a time. If you are persistent, however, it can really pay off in the long run.

The first thing you need to do is decide how you are going to reward the cat for a job well done. Most people will choose some type of tasty treat. You can buy these reward treats at the pet store or you could just slice up some chicken or tuna. Either would do; just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Another options is to use a clicker, similar to the type that is used for training dogs. The clicker is used in conjunction with the treat and eventually, they will associate the sound of the clicker with getting a snack. At that point, you can just use the clicker and give an occasional treat.

Begin with the cat standing in front of you and holding a treat out in front of their nose. This will get the cat’s attention. You can then begin to move the treat over their head and slightly back toward their tail. As they lift their heads up and back to follow the treat, they will naturally go into a seated position. As they do, give the verbal command to “sit” and then give them the treat. Continue to do this over and over again until they listen to the command without any other prompting.

In some cases, the cat may not sit naturally when the food is held over their head. They might simple stand there in front of you during this time. Depending on the personality of your cat; you might be able to give them a gentle push on the backside to put them into the seated position.

Teaching a cat to sit is a wonderful experience. You can do also use it in many ways. Take the time to teach your cat this trick. You won’t regret it.