Basic Cat Training

Every pet owner knows that if you and your pet have the same
rules, the household is much happier. For instance, is there a
place you do not want your cats? Perhaps the kitchen counter?
What about those plants that could be harmful to your cat?

So, to help with getting the rules straight for everyone, here
are some ideas:

• Decide where your cat is definately not allowed to be.
  
• Obstacles. Use items that will disturb the stealth qualities
  your cat naturally exhibits, like a stack of empty soda cans
  around a plant or bells hung from the lower limbs and leaves. By
  breaking your cat’s concentration and making a noise, these
  measures can be quite effective.
• Deterrents. Use things that
  are unpleasant to your cat. Double-sided tape or “sticky paws”
  are effective. There are also pheromone treatments that can be
  used.
• Re-direct attention. When you catch your kitty doing
  something you don’t want it to do, redirect the cat’s attention
  by giving it something it is permitted to have or play with. A
  string, ball or other toy.
• Removal. Take your cat away from
  the area or take the item away from your cat.
• Rewards. Give
  a treat for good behavior along with a “good cat” or other
  endearing talk. Try not to reward expected behavior like using
  the litter box; but if this is a problem, a couple of
  reinforcements won’t hurt.
• Withdraw attention. If your cat
  is doing something you don’t want it to do, but the behavior is
  more annoying than dangerous, withdraw your attention. Many cats
  will do things because you laugh or pay attention to them when
  they exhibit the behavior. By withdrawing your attention, the
  cat will find something else. Most likely, however, the cat
  wants your attention and will continue to act out until you play
  with it or cuddle it.
• Tell your cat “No.” Simply tellling
  your cat to stop may be effective in many instances. I find that
  by telling my cats to get down or saying “No,” they behave
  nicely. Many cats understand human speech to an extent, and can
  put together the sounds they hear with the behavior that is
  required. The longer you live with your cat, the more pronounced
  this will become.
• Calling your cat to you. Over time, as the
  cat comes to know and trust you, you may be able to call your
  cat to you. A scratch behind the ears should always be given. My
  cats come when called, expecting a cuddle or treat. I can then
  pick them up and give them medicine or groom them. The cuddle is
  the trick.
• Never, ever hit or strike your cat! Not only is
  this cruel, but the cat learns that you are not to be trusted.
  They come to fear you and may start other objectionable
  behaviors, either in retaliation or out of fear and anxiety.
  Even a raised voice can cause this reaction cycle. The cat may
  leave your home given the chance, to find a more pleasing one.