Training Your Cat – Can it be done?
It is said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and I think it is equally true that you cannot teach a cat any trick it does not want to learn. Dogs tend to want to do anything that pleases its owner whereas a cat will do anything to please itself. All of this is summed up in my favourite cat saying; “dogs have masters, cats have servants”.
Of course there are some things that you need to teach your cat, especially when they first enter the family. The cat should become used to its name and hopefully respond when called. It I suggested that if when you first start using the cat’s name you add a simple sound as well.
You should first of all call out the cat’s name followed by the sound. However, when the cat responds to its name there must be some reward whether it be a petting session or some food or treat. If you can get your cat to respond to your call this could well save some frantic searches later when your pet hides or goes wandering off. But the golden rule still applies your cat will only respond if it wants to.
When the cat first comes into your own you are going to have to keep a close watch on it. At the first sign of it wanting to scratch your furniture it should be taken to the scratching pole and by holding the pets paws you can show it what you want it to do. It may take some time and a few journeys to the post before the cat gets the idea but most will get the idea in the end.
Toilet training is the first important lesson any cat needs to learn. Initially you will have to keep a watchful eye on your cat and when you think they are ready and about to do there business lift up and take them to the litter tray. It is usually quite easy to tell when the time is right as most cats go through some type of pre toilet ritual which you will quickly learn to recognise.
Should a new cat have an “accident” before they are fully trained one idea is to collect the offending material and place it in the litter box. You then take the cat to the box and they learn to associate the smell with the box.
Cats are very intelligent and naturally clean animals who respond well to gentle guidance (which I think is a far nicer word than training). The more time you can spend with your cat when they first come into your home the stronger a bond you will be able to build.
I had better go now, I hear my cat calling!!
