Training Your Cat

Despite popular misconception, you can train your cat, through positive reinforcement - rewards rather than punishments. The key to this is breaking down the behaviors you wish for the cat to have, into small tasks, then train the cats to do them one at a time and then finally combine these tasks into more complex ones:

Litter box Training: Most cats learn how good bathroom habits from their mothers. If your kitten has not had this luxury, you have to be its mother and show it what to do. Put the kitten in the litter box and show it how to scratch by moving its paws. Every time your kitten looks like it's about to eliminate, put it in the litter box. Keep it clean and put it where your cat has some privacy - if not, it might seek out another place to use as a bathroom. If your cat insists on using an unacceptable place, scrub the place with vinegar to eliminate the odor and feed the cat close to it. Put it within sight of the unacceptable place, then after about a week, gradually move it to where you want it. If negative reinforcement must be used, spray the cat with water, and say "No". Never rub the cat's nose in its own mess. If a cat starts urinating inappropriately, take it to the veterinarian immediately. It could be a sign of urinary problems.

Spraying: Cats spray to make their territory. You might want to try draping aluminum foil strips around the place he sprays to discourage him.

Scratching furniture: Cats scratch to sharpen their claws by removing old skin as well as to mark territory. It is important to stop cats from scratching a piece of furniture immediately, because the more the furniture is used, the more the cat will use it because it smells of possession. Put a scratching post near the piece of furniture. Take a toy and hang it above the post. When the kitten reaches up to play, it encounters the post and becomes used to it. When the kitten stars to scratch furniture, reprimand it and deposit it in front of the scratching post, hold its paws to the post, and make scratching motions to give it the idea. Praise it at the same time. If that fails, try using an animal repellent, available at pet stores, on the furniture.

Teaching the cat to come: When you put out your cat's food bowl, say its name and the word "Come". When it has learned to respond, use this command when you want the cat. Always reward it with a treat and petting. If it just sits and looks at you, tap it with a light object to get its attention, then call again.

Bird hunting: Try this trick to stop cats from hunting birds. Hide. Fool the cat into attacking a toy bird or bird carcass by fluttering it on a string. When the cat attacks, spray it with water. Better yet, try to keep your pet inside.

Kiya Sama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com, which is a site for Writers.