Many people believe that training a cat is an almost impossible mission. Because, unlike the dog, he is more independent and has habits that can be really annoying and even harmful to the home.
However, feline lovers and specialists agree that following some simple guidelines will not only be a possible task, but also an enjoyable one.
In this note we tell you how to train your cat and establish rules at home.
A good option is to appeal to “positive reinforcement.” That is, reward him when he does something well with a pet or his favorite treat.
Kittens begin their “education” from birth until approximately six months, a period during which they imitate their mother. Then they will start experimenting on their own. In this context, it is advisable to wait until they are at least two months old to separate them from their mother and siblings.
Already in the new home, you will begin to receive the influence of the environment. Training sessions should be short (about 15 minutes) and frequent. During them you must avoid distractions (television on or music) to improve your concentration.
You should also have a reward on hand, such as their favorite food or a nutritious snack to consolidate everything they learn. The reward plays a very prominent role because the animal will associate it with positive behavior. These training periods should be before meals, so that the reward increases their attention level.
The next step is for its owner to learn some of the natural behaviors of cats who instinctively like to scratch (to sharpen their nails), climb, and hunt. To respond to these customs there are special supports, where cats can climb, to be at the top. Also scratching posts, so they don’t damage furniture or curtains, and toy mice.
They may climb on the table, a chair or the bed, to observe everything from there. To avoid this behavior, which can be harmful, you have to tell them “no” firmly and take them to their scratching post. Experts advise against confronting and punishing them because, they say, cats have a great sense of dignity and feel hurt very easily. So, punishments will worsen the relationship with its owner instead of facilitating it.
But of course, the kitten must understand what is allowed and what is prohibited before it has fully developed its claws and teeth.
As for hygiene, between five and six weeks of age, they will already know how to use the litter tray, or sandbox. Otherwise, its owner will have to place it on it frequently, especially after meals. You could even grab his paws and dig a hole to teach him to cover his feces.
Although the power to control a cat is somewhat limited, its owner will have to make a little effort to understand its behavior, as this will facilitate its training and coexistence.
