How To Train A Cat
If you want to know how to train a cat, you must first realise that they are by nature very independent and not as willing to please humans as dogs are. They are just as intelligent but are also very stubborn.
Siamese cats are the easiest to train as they are a much more sociable breed of cat. They can be taught to fetch, and will very quickly learn how to open your kitchen cupboard doors!
Knowing how to train a cat comes with experience and lots of patience.
You probably won’t find any books on the subject, or find any agility classes for cats, however with a little common sense you can teach your feline friend to perform very simple tricks.
Teaching your cat to beg is one that will get her to sit up on her hind legs when you offer treats. Just hold a small treat such as a cat biscuit above her head, just out of reach and say “beg”, she will have to sit up on her hind legs to reach it. Then reward her with the treat and say “good girl”. Try this a few times each day, and she will soon understand that “begging” will give her treats.
Always praise your cat as well as giving her the treat as this will help to enforce the idea that “begging” means treats.
Knowing how to train your cat to use the litter tray is one of the most important things you need to understand before getting your new cat. Cats by nature are very clean and don’t like to make a mess in their living area. The mother usually teaches her kittens to use the litter box, but if they are taken away too young then it’s down to the human parent to show them how.
Just place the litter box in a corner of the room and show your cat where it is. Usually that is all you need to do, especially with adult cats, however if you are adopting a kitten it may be a good idea to place her gently in the box soon after she has eaten. Keep doing this every hour or so and keep an eye on her behaviour. If it looks as if she is looking for a place to urinate. gently place her in the box.
If you want to know how to train your cat to keep off the kitchen table or work surfaces just keep a water spray nearby. A quick squirt will soon get you cat off the table. Say NO very loudly at the same time. Cats don’t like water or loud noise. She will soon get the idea.
Another good idea is to place lemon or orange peel in areas that you don’t want you cat to go. Cats detest the smell of citrus fruit. If your cat starts to urinate away from the litter box and on the carpet, just place a few pieces of orange peel in that area.
Cats make wonderful pets. and will give you lots of love. They don’t need to be walked every day like a dog, and are ideal companions for all the family.