How to train cats to listen to what you tell them
introduction
Cat training is a fun and beneficial activity that strengthens the bond between owner and pet and facilitates communication between them. Despite the widespread belief that cats are untrainable or difficult to handle, they actually respond positively to positive habits and appropriate rewards. In this guide, we will review the most important principles and practical methods for cat training, from familiarizing cats with names to simple commands and stimulating games.
Physical Interaction and Health Care
Play and Pampering: Cats need regular petting, especially around the jaw, top of the head, shoulders, and back. These touches make them feel secure and help break the barrier of fear between them and their owner.
Vaccinations: To ensure your cat's health and safety, it is essential to maintain a preventative vaccination schedule against infectious diseases such as feline distemper and gastrointestinal infections. Consulting a veterinarian and vaccinating your cat on time will protect them from serious complications.
The Basics of Training
Associating Sound with Food: It's best to use a whistle or a small bell that makes a steady sound to attract the cat's attention, then presenting the reward (food) immediately after the sound. With repetition, the cat will learn that this sound marks the beginning of the training or recall session.
Name Training: Starting with feeding times, the caregiver says the cat's name before offering its meal. Food is a powerful motivator for repeating the response and helps the cat quickly recognize its name.
Recall and Coming When Called
Implementation: Before opening the food container, the caregiver sounds the whistle once and then offers the bowl to the cat. Repeating this step from increasing distances reinforces the association of the sound with the idea of coming.
Gradual Distance Training: It's best to start from a short distance, always rewarding the cat when it responds, then gradually increase the distance so the cat gets used to coming from further away.
Toilet Training
Relocating the Bowl: Gradually move the litter box inside the bathroom until it is above the toilet bowl.
Removing the bowl: When the cat starts jumping on the toilet and using it, the container is gradually removed, leaving the cat with only the toilet seat to relieve himself.
Teaching the "Demand" Movement
Lifting Food: The caregiver raises a piece of food in front of the cat and then slowly moves it upwards, allowing the cat to rest on its hind legs.
Vocal Reinforcement: After standing, a bell is rung, followed by food as a reward. Over time, the cat will perform the movement only upon vocal request.
Advanced Motivation Techniques
Hand Licking: A special food paste is placed on the caregiver's hand and the cat is given a specific word (such as "nice"). When licking, the cat is rewarded, and when biting, the hand is quietly withdrawn.
Seeking Game: Small pieces of food are hidden under a bowl or in the other hand. The cat pecks to indicate their location and is rewarded.
Target Game: A pen or stick is used as a fixed target. The cat is encouraged to touch the target with a specific word (such as "target") and is then rewarded.
Sit Teaching: When the cat sits, the caregiver says the command ("sit") and rewards the cat. A target stick can be used to attract the cat to sit in a specific spot.
Staying on the Mat: Place a cloth or mat to attract the cat's attention. When the cat climbs up, food is thrown outside, prompting the cat to repeat the experience. The word "Stay Here" reinforces the behavior.
Exploring the Box: Hide treats inside a closed box appropriately sized for the cat. The cat hops inside, explores, and finds the food, thus associating the box with treats and food.
Conclusion
With patience, repetition, and appropriate rewards, any cat can learn a wide range of commands and improve its daily behavior. Graduating distances, standardizing words and tools, and consistently associating the cue with food are all key factors for successful training. Don't forget to build a trusting and loving relationship with your cat through daily play and petting. This will enhance its responsiveness and make training fun for both of you.