After adopting a pet, every pet parent wants to train his/her pet.
But most people don’t consider training a cat. Most of them want that their cats should be independent.
In this article, we will dive into some reasons why cat training is important. We will present here some cat training tricks and tips so that one can easily train their feline friends.
Cat training tricks
It seems that cats are less responsive than dogs. But cats are actually receptive to most of the training methods. When they are kittens, it is the best time to train them. By training, you can strengthen your bond with your cat and can understand their motives.
Reasons for training cats:
There is a belief that cats require physical and mental enrichment. If you can’t give proper provocation, your feline friends will feel bored. Boredom can cause depression, destructive behaviors, and other health problems.
As training requires movement, your cat will enjoy both physical and mental exercise.
Training will strengthen your bond with your cats. You can do funny activities with your feline friends and trust will be built. As you spend time with your cat, you will be able to understand their personality, body language, and their mind.
Training can eliminate unwanted behavior or activity.
Cat training tools
You’ll need some things to start your cat training tour. The basic training tools are:
- A target stick
- A clicker
- Treats
- Cat school membership
- Small stacking cups
- Treat pouch
- Mat
- Yoga blocks
Target sticks and clickers are important tools for training cats. There are various types of treats for cats like wet foods, dry kibble, squeezable treats, or freeze treats. To find out the right treat for your cat, you can try a few options. Yoga blocks are also for many training. The mat can be used for many training skills like “Stay”.
Cat training tricks and tips
Start with an easy task:
When you start training sessions, you should start with basic tasks. It is a wise idea to start with simple skill so that you can make your cat understand that training is easy and fun.
Target training is both good and beginner skill. By starting with these easy skills, you can move to advanced training.
Short training session:
When your cat is new to training, keeping the cat’s attention is quite hard. If a training session is short, your cat will be focused. It is wise to keep training sessions not more than 3 to 5 minutes. If the session is short and consistent, it will be more effective than a long training session.
Eliminate distractions:
Your main duty is to find out quiet place in your house. As Other family members, noises, and other pets are distracting, your feline friend may not focus on training.
Reward:
Reward your cat immediately and consistently. If your cat can understand which behavior is earning treats, your cat will try to do that.
No punishment:
If your cat doesn’t follow your instructions or commands, don’t punish them. Punishment can lead your cat to anxiety and stress. It also can damage the sense of trust in you. Some cats may think that punishment is a reward. So, be careful.
If your cat engages in any bad behavior, try to redirect it. you should figure out the reasons for its negative behavior.
Train at the right time:
You should be strategic about when you want to start the training sessions. Before meals are also good because your cat will be willing to work for rewards or treats. If your cat is active at bedtime, you also can engage in a training session.
Involve Others:
If you have other family members, you can involve them in your cat’s training session. Your all family members should know the training method and goals. They also are able to find out your cat’s bad behavior. If you involve others in the training session, your cat’s socialization skills will also be improved.
Repetition:
Your cat’s behavior will be reinforced by repetition. If your cat can absorb any skill, repeat this skill frequently. If you do it, your cat will not forget this skill.
Cat training methods
You can use these cat training methods–
Clicker training:
Clicker training is not only good but also one of the most effective methods for cat training. You can do this training by making gentle clicking sounds like a pen, a training clicker, or your tongue. As your cat learns that they’ll be rewarded, you can create reinforcement.
Hand Signals:
Hand signals are also one of the best training ways for your cat. You can give different commands with your hand beacon.
Voice cues:
You can use certain words to indicate different commands. You can reward your cat when it follows your command.
Cat training tricks
Reinforcing positive behavior
You can teach your cats with these specific skills—
Carrier training:
If you do the carrier training properly, your cat will understand that this carrier is a safe place for them. This will make your travel easier not only for your cat but also for you.
If your cat enters into the carrier, you should reward them with chin-scratch. You should do it frequently.
Repeat it constantly so that your cat feels comfortable while traveling.
Sitting:
Simply sit in before your cat. If your cat sits, just reward it. When your cat starts sitting, you can use the “sit” command so that it can admire this command.
High Five:
One of the cutest party tricks for cats is the high five. When your cat lifts its paw off the ground, just reward it with a treat.
When your cat starts lifting it paw, you can raise your hand in small excess. Your cat will reach higher to higher for rewards or treats. If your cat can perform high five fully, you can treat them with chin scratches.
Cat training tricks: Eliminate bad behavior
Stay away from countertops:
As cats love to jump on the top of counters, it can cause damage. If you already trained your cat to the sit command, you can use it at that time. If your cat sits as your command and doesn’t jump onto the counter, just provide them with special treats.
Kicking or biting with hind legs:
Cats usually don’t bite or kick. But if your cat has this behavior, it’s problematic. If your cat kicks or bites for privacy or boundary issues, you must respect its space. If your cat kicks or bites for rough play, just ignore it.
Scratching furniture:
If your cat continues doing this, you should place double-sided tape over the area so that your cat can’t do it anymore.
Destructive chewing:
You should remove all destructive items from your house. You also can spry bitter apple deterrent. You also can manage sticks or cat toys like catnip balls.