Train Your Cat for Behavior Problems and Basic Commands 

You want to train your cat to come, sit, and stay. You can also teach your cat not to scratch at things. When you are teaching your cat to not scratch, sometimes they seem like they are pawing at you and they start scratching you. On this certain behavior you can softly stroke their paw to help retract their claws.

When their claws have been retracted, you can tell them good kitty in a reassuring voice. They do not realize that this is a bad thing that they are doing and they are not trying to hurt you. The reassuring and the praise should not be followed with food. This will show them that this is one thing that will be expected of them at all times, and it is not a trick. You are going to have to continually work with them on this for a few weeks. They are not going to scratch on the first time you do this. By you telling your cat that they are a good kitty and paying attention to them is a good thing to do.

To ensure good behaviors you should make sure that you handle your cat gently. Do not rough house with your cat this can show them that it is ok to scratch, bite and just to be mean. Cats can be quite finicky; by being rough with them, they can associate this with aggressive behaviors. Such as biting at your hand, or scratching you. If you choose to play with your cat, you should use one of their toys to show its ok to bite, scratch at their own toys. While you are playing with your cat, if they scratch you it is not their fault. Accidents happen, do not discipline them for this action. They think that you are trying to play, you will not get anywhere but confusing your cat.

Here are some tricks that you cannot teach your cat. If you want, your cat to “stay” you should start out by taking your cat in a secluded room, one with no distractions and preferably before dinnertime. Before you do this, you should get some healthy treats to reward them. The reason you should do this before dinnertime is so they will have a bit more of an edge to do what you want so they can get their treat. The next thing to do is put them on a surface that will bring you and your cat eye to eye. When your cat starts to wander off, call out their name in a stern voice and tell them to stay. Put your hand up as to say stop. After your cat does this, you should reinforce it by giving him a bite of the treat. After the cat is done, you should allow him/her to get distracted again and then tell them to stay. You should do this about 4 to 5 minutes per day, with 2 or 3 training sessions.

The next trick that you can try is “come”. This should be easy; you have already taught your cat to stay. He now knows when you are teaching him something that there is going to be yummy rewards. You can start trying this when your cat is in another room, call them by their name, and say come. Make sure to try to say it in a fun playful voice. That is one big key as well as when they do come by you. You should always have a treat or something for them. You asked them to do something, give a little back. Make this a fun loving game for you and your cat.

Some important things to remember young cats are the easiest to train. Do not make your training sessions any longer than 5 minutes, per session. This can make the cat become uncooperative and irritable. Make sure you reward your pet, if they do ask you may ask. Another thing is to make sure that you always end your training sessions on a positive note. Hugs and treats are the best way to show your cat that you care.

Cat Care Handbook :: Articles for Website Content