Training Cats by Inducement

Dog owners will tell you that cats can't be trained, but they certainly can. It just takes a little cunning on behalf of the cat's owner.

The cat and servant, well you may prefer owner, relationship is a complex one. To make a prediction as to how it will evolve is even more complicated. However, for a cat lover who knows how to use bribery to get what he wants, he can sum it up in a sentence: Cats enjoy being rewarded the same way that cat owners enjoy having an obedient pet.

Using the "inducement" method is not as simple as just handing out treats to the cat. It cannot be argued that bribery has a lot to offer to trainers, but certain standards should be involved. A regular program needs to be adopted to accomplish the desired effect.

Here are various thoughts to contemplate when training cats using the bribery system.

1. Cats are creatures which like to be rewarded and hate to be chastised. They will only ever do things that they enjoy and find satisfying to do. If their owner wants them to do something that they find pleasureable, they will be quite happy to do so as long as the inducement is sufficient.

2. Cats are aware that certain actions have certain consequences. They learn through experience and they act based on what they remember. The following are two examples of how this concept works:

- Owner 1 uses force when he sees his cat going to the toilet somewhere he shouldn't. He shouts at the cat and gives it instructions as to where it can go (d
Doesn't he realise that cats don't speak English?) He then takes the cat to the litter tray and presses down on its backside to indicate that this is where it should go to the loo. He consistently does this but the cat still goes where it isn't supposed to.

- Owner 2 treated his cat kindly when it was about to do its toilet in the wrong place. He tickled its stomach and, in that instance, the cat went off to the litter tray. This didn't have any long term effect though and the cat continued to defecate elsewhere than in the litter tray.

In these instances, neither cat learnt the intended lesson because the consequence in each case wasn't suited to the desired result. The one cat wasn't afraid of shouting and the other may have looked upon the tickling as a reward for the wrong-doing, rather than for stopping the wrong-doing.

Using bribery in this situation will be more effective. Cats like rewards but don't reward them until AFTER they have done the right thing.

3. Regular training, as with dogs, is the answer. Owners should decide what it is that they want their cats to do or not do and design a program around these tasks. Start with the really necessary things such as using the litter tray, not clawing the furniture and coming when called.

To make a cat use the litter tray, there is no alternative but to pick it up and place it in the tray. When it has done its business, praise, give treats and strokes. Make sure that your tone of voice is soft and affectionate.

To stop a cat clawing carpets or furniture, again there is effort required on the part of the owner. The cat must be removed and placed beside his scratching post. Only when he has used it, should he be rewarded.

Cats will come when called but the same tone of voice should always be used and a word such as "tea-time" or whatever. Rattling a jar of dry food or treats works effectively but if it isn't a meal time, the cat must be given just a few pieces or the trick won't work any longer. Remember, this is bribery and no bribe equals ineffective training.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover.