How To Train You Pet Cat

There is a common myth that while dogs can be trained to perform all kinds of complicated tricks and tasks that cats don't have the intelligence or inclination to be trained. While it's true that cats can be much more stubborn than dogs they certainly possess enough intelligence to be trained to be better housemates at least, and with a little patience, most cats can learn some basic rules.

In fact, there are many examples of cats who have been trained to do much more than just use a litter tray and stop scratching the furniture. YouTube has several video clips of cats who have been trained to use a human toilet, although I disappointingly none appear to have been taught how to flush. There are also several cat circuses around the world based in Florida, Moscow and France where cats have been taught to perform all kinds of funny feats (all humanely, of course).

The key to teaching your cat which behaviours are good and which are bad, is consistency. Whenever you see your cat do something undesirable you should deter him immediately. Likewise, when he is performing the desirable action that you are trying to encourage he should be praised and rewarded.

To stop unwanted behaviours, the element of surprise is a powerful tool. Cats hate sudden loud noises, and the initial shock will usually stop them in their tracks. Clapping loudly or shaking a metal tin full of coins are two favourite noisemakers used by owners to startle their cat. Squirting a little water at the cat from a spray bottle is also a common practice. It is important to accompany the action with a command, for example by shouting "No!" or "Stop That!" After time, the cat will associate the command with the unpleasant noise, or getting a wet nose, and will stop what he is doing without you needing to reach for a spray bottle or can or coins.

The exception to this rule is if the cat is misbehaving due to stress. Perhaps you have just moved home, another animal or human has moved into the house, or there are other factors upsetting your pet. In this case, adding to their stress levels by shouting or spraying water at him is only likely to exacerbate the problem, or cause him to act out in other ways. If your cat is stressed to an environmental factor, their bad behaviour will probably be temporary and you should treat him with patience and compassion until he returns to normal.

Cats are fast learners, and can be pretty clever when it comes to getting their own way. If your cat realizes that the noise or water is coming from you, and that nothing worse arises from his misbehaving, or worse, realizes that nothing will happen when you are not around to see him, he may continue to act up. This is where you will have to pit human wit against feline!
Removing temptation is the first step. Never leave food lying on a surface that you don't want the cat to jump onto, especially while your cat is a kitten. If they never learn to associate an area with food then they won't go looking for it there. The second step is replacement. If your catch is scratching, then they will need a scratching post to turn to instead of the wallpaper or furniture. If they are jumping up on high surfaces they may need a cat tree or a raised bed where they can feel safe. If they are urinating outside of the litter tray you may want to replace the litter or tray with a different type.

One way to deter your cat from jumping onto kitchen counters, mantlepieces and other surfaces is to place double sided sticky tape in the area that he usually jumps onto. The sticky sensation on his paws will stop most cats from jumping up. Another method of booby trapping is to build pyramids of empty drinks cans, tupperware or dominoes that will fall down with a clatter when your cat disturbs them.

One final cat training tip is to buy in lots of aluminium foil. Cats dislike the texture of crumpled foil so will not walk on it if placed on a surface, and it can also be used to cover up the scents left by your cat in his favourite scratching or spraying places. Your home may look like the interior of a UFO for a couple of weeks, but if you have provided other places for your cat to carry out his natural habits it will be worth it in the end.