Basic Training for Cats
What! Training and cats in the same sentence? We all know that
cats are independent, can even sometimes be just a touch aloof,
and interact with us on their terms. How can such royal pets be
trained? Many just assume a cat cannot be trained to perform even
simple tasks.
Cats are actually able to learn some basic tasks, but understanding
their psychology is important. Cats respond to praise very well,
and will learn tasks that bring them a suitable reward. They also
have short attention spans; fetching a Frisbee® or stick might
keep a Labrador retriever engaged for a whole afternoon, but a typical
feline play or training session might continue for 5 to 10 minutes.
Playing "catch the furry toy ball" is of real interest
to cats, and this is one simple game that can benefit the cat by
increasing their exercise and is of high entertainment value. To
reinforce their fetching behaviour, a food treat and praise (words,
and petting) can be given each time they return the toy. For some
cats, the food treat might sidetrack them, so for these cats, just
praise and the next toy toss will suffice. Start with short distances
and give rewards each time the cat cooperates. Make play sessions
very short so that they are less likely to get bored and march off.
End the session as soon as you see the first hint of tiring out.
Cats can be taught to relieve themselves using the household human
facilities (see Miao-Miao Wang)
if the owner wishes. Some cats do not appear to take to toilet training,
but most can be successfully trained with a lot of patience. The
cat appreciates the clean facility, but may balk a bit because they
were taught by their mother to scratch their stool into sand, litter
or soil. Obviously, young cats that have not yet got in the habit
of going in the box for a long period are easier to transition but
cats have been trained even after maturity. One can purchase special
potty training kits for cats, but a homemade system works just fine
too. Start by putting the box near the toilet. After a few weeks,
start to raise it gradually stepwise off the floor, using a solid
support system (you don't want the cat to jump in and have it fall
off the support and spook him!), and continue this for a few weeks.
Finally, place the box on the toilet (lid up, seat down) and when
this is comfortable, you are ready to start with the human toilet
surface. Take a heavy-duty foil turkey roaster pan, and securely
tape it under the seat onto the toilet base. Initially, put a bit
of litter in the bottom of the pan under the seat hole. As he gets
used to this, you can place a progressively larger hole in the tray,
until he needs to stand on the toilet seat. Always leave the seat
lid up so he can get at his facility!
Leash training is another skill that takes some patience, but if
you are planning to offer your cat fresh air, going for a walk is
an excellent way for them to get some exercise, and for you to ensure
that they do not get into trouble with strays, or cars etc. Using
a well-fitted harness is more
secure, and will prevent him from slipping a collar or stressing
the neck if the cat decides a sudden dash is in order! Some owners
even teach their cat to walk along at the same time as the dog goes
for a walk. Remember to keep the walks short, and praise the cat
when they move forward when you call their name or another cue such
as "walkies". Leash training is more easily done in kittens
than with adults. If the cat appears to have tired, it is OK to
pick them up to help them home! Don't expect the cat to stay neatly
by your side (as you would with a trained dog). They will want to
meander a bit, and may make periodic stops to gnaw a bit of grass.
A walk with a cat is not a cardiovascular workout, but rather more
of a parambulation!
Your veterinarian will likely have some excellent basic pet training
books, and sometimes they will allow clients to sign these out.
Even if they focus on dog training, the basic principles are similar.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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