Training your cat the right way
- Di Kendall
- Jun 6, 2018
- 3 min read
Many of you know of my boy Stig.
You’ve followed him through his trials and tribulations and my attempt at adding some humour to our household kitty interactions.
So I recently noted some Stigly behaviours that I did not quite like. I realised very quickly where they stemmed from. Yes, I have realised that I messed up. I will have to make alternate plans should a situation like this arise again.
Look, not one of us is perfect. What is important is that when we realise that there is an issue, that we do our best to fix it.
What happened you ask?
Because of his multiple hospital stays, he suffers with separation anxiety. So he does need a little extra care and consideration, when we are out for long periods of time. If we don’t pay attention to his needs he’ll act out and get his dose of attention negatively. Which is exactly what happened.
I find that a little cat training does help especially with Stig. So much so I’ll even say that I’ve had remarkable results.
People don’t traditionally train cats because they think of cats as ... independent and full of free will. What you don’t realize, though, is that you are subconsciously training your cats on a daily basis.
Negative attention
The bad news is that you’re often training your cat to do the opposite of what you want. How many times have you yelled "No!" and run over to scoop your cat off the kitchen counter? And yet, he never seems to learn. There’s a reason for that.
You think you’re scolding, but you’re inadvertently giving kitty attention, which, in his mind, is better than nothing, and so it’s rewarding.
It’s a basic principle of training: If a behaviour results in something your cat likes, he’ll do it again.
So, stop letting that principle work against you and get it to work for you instead. Reward what you like and ignore what you don't like.
This is exactly how I got Stig to come to me when he is called. “Stig Come!” is all I need to say and he’s there. When he arrives he gets loves and scratches and maybe even a grooming session with the brush. He LOVES the brush.
The power of positivity
Training gives you a more effective way to communicate—and you may even find your cat communicates back.
When you start ignoring undesirable behaviour, you’ll need to hold your ground, take a few breaths and practice your reactions. As with anything in life, practice and routine works to your advantage.
Some cats will try harder, so if you stop getting up to feed your cat in the middle of the night he’ll probably meow louder and walk on your face. You have to be very consistent in not responding.
To effectively stop behaviours you don’t want in your cat, try replacing them with a positive interaction. To start teaching your cat to do things you want, start with play time. Cats need play time as much as dogs do and they end up thriving from simply introducing playing with a few different toys every day. The more you interact with them the more they learn that interacting is fun.
Perhaps do what I did, and train your cat to come when called. Just make sure that when he does come to you to give him a treat or something that he loves.
Rich rewards
Once that makes a believer of you, you can start training your cat to do more challenging tricks.
Go slow though, over stimulating them can end up with a negative reaction…
Training is worth the effort: It's easier for you to care for your cat, as well as builds your relationship.
People who train their felines feel that their cat is not just this wilful, stubborn creature doing things to annoy them. There are real benefits for the human-animal relationship, and it’s not as hard as you think.
Contact me via 8ight page Or 8ightinfinity@gmail.com To book your appointment. This way we avoid the "other" inboxes. Hope you have a beautiful day. 💙 Love, light, purrs and wags Di xoxo new pet introductions, behaviour, health, missing pet trackings
please click on the share button keeping all images, links, and information in tact
download 8ight App on google play store
Comments