Raising your cat
Their independent nature and mischievousness are some of the reasons why we love cats so much. Cats are always pushing their boundaries and that's what we love about them. But that doesn't mean you can't train a cat a little.
When should I start training my cat?
Start training from the first day the cat is with you. This gives her immediate clarity. Be consistently direct about what she may and may not do. Don't want her to sit on the kitchen counter? Don't allow it and gently put her on the floor every time she jumps up.
What can I teach my cat?
What a cat may or may not do is of course different for every owner. But there are things every cat must do, such as using the litter box and allowing grooming and brushing. It is also useful to teach your cat from a young age that a travel carrier is something pleasant. This will save her (and you) a lot of stress later in life when she needs to be transported.
It is also possible for a cat to learn tricks like "give a paw". Train your cat in the things you want. She doesn't learn as easily as a dog but she is very intelligent and loves rewards.
How do I correct my cat?
Reward and correct your cat to teach her what she may and may not do. If your cat scratches your favourite chair, for example, spray her lightly with a plant mister or make a loud noise. This startles her, causing her to stop immediately. Do this at the moment she does something forbidden, otherwise she won't connect the correction to the unwanted behaviour.
Another way is to show your cat what she is allowed to do. If she scratches the sofa, clap your hands so she stops and then immediately place her next to the scratching post. Scratch the sisal yourself a few times to demonstrate what you want from her. This gives her an alternative.
Do you want to teach your cat not to scratch and bite you during play? Then stop playing the moment she does it and walk away. Interrupting the game and ignoring her is the correction.
In training, rewarding is just as important as correcting. When your cat does something right, cuddle her or give her a tasty cat treat.
How do I teach my cat new things?
Teach your cat new things with lots of patience and cat treats she loves. The reward she receives associates the action in your cat's mind. For example, if you want to teach her to sit in the travel carrier, put her in it regularly. Does she sit nicely? Give her a pat on the head and the coveted treat.
Do you want to teach your cat tricks? First teach her to sit on your command. Do this by saying "sit" as soon as your cat sits down on her own. Then immediately give her something tasty. Regular repetition is very important, so that the cat understands that the reward follows when she sits on command.
Always approach your cat positively, even when something doesn't go well. It should stay fun for your cat.
Can you also train an adult cat?
An adult cat can also be trained. Just like her younger counterparts, she will also try to push her limits. Fortunately, you can also easily teach an adult cat new things; she just takes a little longer than a kitten. Be extra patient and remain consistent.
My cat scratches and bites, why is that?
Scratching and biting have a function for your cat. Kittens bite and scratch to practise killing prey, and cats also scratch to wear down their claws. But it is not intended that they bite and scratch you. Biting behaviour towards people is usually the result of a training mistake or a less-than-ideal living situation:
- Always play with your cat using a toy, not your hands.
- Your cat is bored.
- You don't have enough scratching opportunities at home.
- Your cat feels threatened.