Are You Having Behavior Issues with Your Cat? Can Your Cat be Taught to do Tricks?
When I think about animal training work, cats are not the first candidates that come to mind. I’m sure you too agree that most of us believe cats are aloof, fiercely independent and too cool to be caught up in something like cat training of all things. Both of my cats are experts are letting me know just who is in charge and all I ever really ask them to do is come to me when I call their names. Or chase a ball down the hall when I want to give them some exercise. Chico will sit with his back to me flickering his ears letting me know he hears me but he’s not listening. And Jazz just stares at me like I’m a complete idiot!
So the idea of cat training either one of these creatures to sit on command seems completely alien to me. I have discovered though that there are an ever-increasing number of people who are gaining a great deal of delight and pleasure from training their cats in basic and advanced obedience work and tricks. Cats are sitting, staying, jumping through hoops, twirling and high-fiving on command. These same folks are convinced that their cats are enjoying too so join me now as we explore this subject to see if it’s true that cat training can be successful.
Why Train Your Cat Anyway?
Training your cat is a great way to enrich your cat’s life:
- Cat training builds a strong rapport between you
- Because cat training underlines your authority (your cat has to do what you want to get what she wants), it helps to curb dominant behavior
- Cat training keeps your cat’s mind active and stimulated
- Cat training is great interactive play, and teaches good social skills
- Anxious and highly-strung cats are reassured and soothed by the repetition and routine of cat training
Cats are often overlooked when it comes to the training process, mainly because the average owner sees very little need to attempt any sort of training at all. Most people have no trouble with a cat learning house training like using the litter box and bathing, so they don’t imagine that there is anything further that could be taught to their cat.
Training for Cat Behavior Issues:
Some behaviors are not only unacceptable; they can also be dangerous to your pet or to your other family members, so it becomes even more important to train or in some cases, re-train your cat. Remember though that there are many reasons that your cat may develop these behaviors, so if a usually well-mannered cat suddenly starts acting like a frenzied tasmanian devil, do some investigation as to why.
Are your cats exhibiting any of these behaviors?
- Missing or avoiding the litter box
- Over vocalizing
- Aggressive playing
- Scratching furniture
The first thing to do if your cat is exhibiting behaviors such as these is to make sure there is not an underlying injury or illness causing your cat to act differently. Call the vet and get your cat checked for anything that might be causing the change of behavior. Barring physical reasons, cat training can be utilized then to re-train your cat bringing balance and harmony back into your home. So before you throw up your hands in frustration over intolerable behavior by your cat, try utilizing some of the training tips below first. Cats are extremely intelligent and they can learn new behaviors.
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How Do You Train a Cat?
There are two common methods of cat training: target training and clicker training. Briefly:
- Target training starts with getting your cat’s attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of designated tool. You can use a training wand for example during the ‘beg’ command training to attract your cat’s attention upwards, and to encourage her to rise up on her haunches and ‘beg’.
- Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning (the animal is taught to form a conscious association between a specific behavior and a result.) The ‘clicker’, a small
mechanical noise maker is used to create a short, distinct noise. This is clicked at the exact moment that your cat performs a desired behavior. So during the sit command, at the precise moment she puts her bottom down on the ground, the clicker sounds. Immediately your cat is given a small and tasty treat. Through repetition, your cat learns to associate the click with the food and realizes her own ability to earn treats by performing the desired action on command.
Tips for Training Your Cat
Be patient. Cats are completely individualistic and each comes with his or her own distinct personality. Her abilities and preferences will differ from my cat’s and your cat may be able to learn certain things a lot quicker then one of mine will. Do not get frustrated, raise your voice or try to force the issue. This will only upset your cat and make it more difficult for her to trust this process in the future.
Train smart. If you’re using food treats which is highly recommended then schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes. Your cat’s desire for food will help to keep him focused and increase his desire to obey you in order to get that treat.
Cats have short attention spans as well as low boredom thresholds. My cats are downright rude when it comes to yawning in my face when I’ve crossed that threshold. So keep lessons short and interesting always ending on a positive note.
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In Conclusion
I am so completely intrigued by this cat training concept that I can’t wait to see if I can teach my old cats some new tricks. Since they both are geriatric cats, it should interesting to see if they can learn anything new and if nothing else, it gives us something to do together on a daily basis that stimulates their brains and strengthens the rapport I have with them. Stay tuned, I will update you on my progress. Will they respond or will they turns their pretty heads and just walk away? 
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