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Written by Admin
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Monday, 05 December 2005 |
Basic Cat Training by Morgen Marshall
Every pet owner knows that if you and your pet have the same rules, the
household is much happier. For instance, is there a place you do not
want your cats? Perhaps the kitchen counter? What about those plants
that could be harmful to your cat?
So, to help with getting the rules straight for everyone, here are some
ideas:
- Decide where your cat is definitely not allowed to be.
- Obstacles.
Use items that will disturb the stealth qualities your cat naturally
exhibits, like a stack of empty soda cans around a plant or bells hung
from the lower limbs and leaves. By breaking your cat's concentration
and making a noise, these measures can be quite effective.
- Deterrents.
Use things that are unpleasant to your cat. Double-sided tape or
"sticky paws" are effective. There are also pheromone treatments that
can be used.
- Re-direct attention. When you catch your kitty
doing something you don't want it to do, redirect the cat's attention
by giving it something it is permitted to have or play with. A string,
ball or other toy.
- Removal. Take your cat away from the area or take the item away from your cat.
- Rewards. Give a treat for good
behaviour along with a "good cat" or other endearing talk. Try not to reward expected
behaviour like using the litter box; but if this is a problem, a couple of reinforcements won't hurt.
- Withdraw
attention. If your cat is doing something you don't want it to do, but
the behaviour is more annoying than dangerous, withdraw your attention.
Many cats will do things because you laugh or pay attention to them
when they exhibit the behaviour. By withdrawing your attention, the cat
will find something else. Most likely, however, the cat wants your
attention and will continue to act out until you play with it or cuddle
it.
- Tell
your cat "No." Simply telling your cat to stop may be effective in many
instances. I find that by telling my cats to get down or saying "No,"
they behave nicely. Many cats understand human speech to an extent, and
can put together the sounds they hear with the behaviour that is
required. The longer you live with your cat, the more pronounced this
will become.
- Calling
your cat to you. Over time, as the cat comes to know and trust you, you
may be able to call your cat to you. A scratch behind the ears should
always be given. My cats come when called, expecting a cuddle or treat.
I can then pick them up and give them medicine or groom them. The
cuddle is the trick.
- Never, ever hit or strike your cat! Not
only is this cruel, but the cat learns that you are not to be trusted.
They come to fear you and may start other objectionable behaviours,
either in retaliation or out of fear and anxiety. Even a raised voice
can cause this reaction cycle. The cat may leave your home given the
chance, to find a more pleasing one.
About the Author
Copyright 2005, Morgen Marshall For the Love of Cats dot com |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 05 December 2005 )
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