The intelligence of felines can often go unnoticed. Despite the misconceived beliefs many owners have, training your kitty is relatively easy. So, can you train your cat like you would your dog? The answer is likely to confuse you.
Unlike other animals, cats are independent beings; they may come off as indolent and apathetic when commanded. That does not mean training your furball of a partner is a lost cause. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to train your kitty.
Short But Effective Sessions
An average human’s attention span has dramatically decreased over the years. However, it still does not come close to how short the attention span for kittens is. Integrating a more gradual approach is recommended, instead of rushing the lessons.
Inevitably, your pet may not pick up the teachings right away. Thus, provide your kitty the time it requires to master a skill before moving on to the next lesson. Similar to us, some kittens learn fast while the rest don’t. A great start would be to plan out an adequate schedule while realistically discerning your kitten’s capabilities.
Litter Training
Litter training is by far the most imperative training your cat requires. Naturally, a kitten would understand the use of a litter box from observing its mother. However, if your kitten is solely adopted and does not have any litter-mates, you may have to train her yourself.
First off, purchasing or crafting the right litter box is due importance. A large box is excellent, but the sides must not be tall. The ideal height for the side is about 1 inch. Furthermore, litter-training requires careful observation of your feline partner.
Some signs it may indicate include; squatting and prowling around as if searching for something. Upon noticing these indications, gently pick up your cat, put her in the litter box, and scratch the litter with her paws.
One remarkable trick is to place your kitten in the litter box after her meal. Repeatedly doing so would enable your kitty to understand the goal behind the process.
Reward System
All living-beings appreciate rewards for their feats and deeds. They serve as captivating tools for inspiring and encouraging your furball friend.
Moreover, a reward system does not require as much effort either. A mere pat on the head or scratching her fur will do wonders for her growth. Though ending up spoiling your kitty in the process is also possible.
Praise your kitty for all the things it does right. Get her accustomed to the gestures, so she knows the difference between right and wrong. A quick tip would be to use a kind of sound and cat treats to symbolize and strengthen her decent behavior.
Clawing And Biting
What better way to bond with your furry partner than playing with it? Playing with your kitty will not only promote bonding, but it will also help your kitty disburse its energy.
However, playing with an untrained kitten can often result in multiple problems. Your cat will begin to use her claws and teeth at some point. Although the bites are gentle at the start, if gone unregulated, these habits will escalate into far severe issues.
Roughhousing and not punishing the kitty for harming you can forever engrain the practice in her mind. Punishing your kitty must be done subtly. Yelling or physically hitting your kitty will only reinforce the problem.
Hence, if she starts getting rough with her play, the act of ignoring her is likely to aid her in realizing her bad behavior. Generally, cat toys are the optimal solution for interacting with your cat.
Socializing Your Kitty
As mentioned above numerous times, the first two months of a young feline’s life are significantly important. Cat owners often prefer to keep their kitties indoors, which is perfectly acceptable.
However, even an indoor cat needs some outdoor time. Similar to humans, socializing with other beings is a necessity for our pets. Ignoring this factor may cause your cat to develop a looming fear of other humans.
Countering the problem is relatively easy. Be sure to take your cat outside and have it socialize with other people. Feel free to invite guests over and introduce the adorable furball to them. Reward her with treats and toys, petting her for the minor feats achieved.
Ideally, training your kitten during this period to walk outside is also recommended. After growing into an adult, you may find it troublesome to take your cat on a walk. Having your kitten interact with other animals is also advised. Though, before exposing your cat to other felines, make sure that she is vaccinated.
Conclusion
Undeniably, owners wish the best for their kitties. As owners, adhering to protecting and cherishing them is our duty. However, the probability of overdoing the love and care remains. Teaching our feline partners — the essentials of life — is also part of our job.
Lastly, patience is the key to training any pet. The training routine will go on for several months, let alone expecting results overnight. A realistic goal and a steady approach are likely to go a long way.