10 Minutes to Train Your Cat
Jim Moore asked:
If you have a cat – or more than one cat – then you’re in the market for some quick and easy training tips. The following tips . . . tricks . . . and techniques cover a variety of situations that most cat owners encounter.
The key to effective training is consistency. Whatever you choose, be sure to do it on regularly, otherwise, you’ll be sending your cat mixed signals. And that will only make it that much harder to train her. Forget about cat training in 10 minutes!
Below are ten “must have” tips that will get you through your initial phase cat ownership.
1. Cats really don’t care that you punish them. It’s true. If you’ve owned a dog, you know that punishing him will help change his behavior. It doesn’t with cats. Bottom line. Don’t waste your time. They’ll sit there purring at you and just perform that same behavior again.
2. Corporal punishment is out of the question. Because a cat’s body is so delicate, you can’t “spank” a cat the way you do a dog to get its attention. That means when you’re training your cat, you have to match wits with it. Don’t worry. I’m confident you’ll win. There are things out there like cat clicker training, but I don’t recommend it.
3. Use a form of positive reinforcement. As you become a seasoned cat owner, you’ll discover that it’s difficult to catch your cat in the actual “crime”. It’s far easier, then, to reward your cat when you see her performing a right behavior. Keep some cat “treats” on hand. Feed one to your cat whenever she is doing something positive – like using the litter box or using her scratching post.
4. Keep plenty of toys – either store bought or make shift – around the house. Much of the “bad” behavior of cats is simply because they’re board. The feline is by nature a predatory animal. Remember the scene in the Disney movie, The Lion King, where little Simba gets “pouncing lessons.” When you think your cat is literally bouncing off the walls and tearing down the curtains, he’s only practicing his predatory skills. Provide him with alternatives and he’ll tame down – at least some.
5. When you’re away, keep him busy. If your cat is used to company, he may get bored and inadvertently destruction while you’re at work or are gone for any length of time. Here’s a quick hint. Buy a timer for your television set, make sure the TV is tuned to an animal-friendly channel (an outdoor channel or Animal Planet for instance) and then have the television automatically turn on at different times of the day. Cats can see images on the screen. He’ll come to investigate the noise and stay to watch the picture – at least for a while.
6. The value of a spray bottle of water. In some instances, spraying a cat with a harmless water bottle is enough to get their attention and stop the bad behavior. You only need a simple spray bottle that you use for misting plants. ****** the cat if it misbehaves. Soon, he’ll know that he can’t do that.
7. Blow a harmless puff of air in your cat’s face. Yes, this sounds crazy, but it really works. If your cat is literally in your face and you need to teach him to keep a certain distance and give you some space, try it. Blow a puff of air into his face. It’ll startle and puzzle him. Soon, he’ll associate the two and you won’t be bothered by the unpleasant attention he gives you.
8. Make sure you cat has “a room with a view”. You know what they say, “curiosity killed the cat.” More appropriately, an irate owner went berserk over something a bored cat got into. Much of the bad behavior of your cat is simply due to his innate curiosity. Make sure he has a ledge or window sill that he can sit in comfortably to check out the birds and squirrels in your yard. If your window sill isn’t large enough for him to sit for extended periods, you can by an extension at the pet store. Or, if someone you know is handy, you can make your own.
9. Spend quality time with your cat. As a training technique, this may sound a bit unorthodox. But, it’s really a savvy move on your part. The more time you spend with your kitty, the better you’ll be able to communicate with her. Cats definitely have a form of communication skills that involves more than just “talking.” The better you know your cat – and just as importantly, the better your cat knows you – you’ll be able “to read her mind”. You’ll just “know” when she’s considering an improper move. And she’ll know when you disapprove just by reading your body language and the look on your face.
10. Confine the aggressive cat. Reward the victim. Got more than one cat? Then you probably have that occasional “cat fight.” Felines are territorial animals. They will get into a fight now and then over their “catdom.” If you view the fight, your first step is to disengage the action. Using a water sprayer is the best method. ****** the aggressor. Try to avoid ********* the victim. After that, confine the “bully” in a less attractive space. In the meantime, reward the cat who didn’t attack – even when she was being attacked. Give her a treat and let her free roam the house. When you do put this pair of felines together again, try to keep them as supervised as possible.
These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when you’re training your cat. As you and your pet begin to know each better, you’ll discover a language of your own. It may be through speech – you talk and she meows. But more than likely, the two of you will eventually be able to read each other’s body language. You’ll soon learn the subtle nuances of this very effective form of communication . . . and teaching your cat what she needs to know will be easier than you can ever imagine.
If you have a cat – or more than one cat – then you’re in the market for some quick and easy training tips. The following tips . . . tricks . . . and techniques cover a variety of situations that most cat owners encounter.
The key to effective training is consistency. Whatever you choose, be sure to do it on regularly, otherwise, you’ll be sending your cat mixed signals. And that will only make it that much harder to train her. Forget about cat training in 10 minutes!
Below are ten “must have” tips that will get you through your initial phase cat ownership.
1. Cats really don’t care that you punish them. It’s true. If you’ve owned a dog, you know that punishing him will help change his behavior. It doesn’t with cats. Bottom line. Don’t waste your time. They’ll sit there purring at you and just perform that same behavior again.
2. Corporal punishment is out of the question. Because a cat’s body is so delicate, you can’t “spank” a cat the way you do a dog to get its attention. That means when you’re training your cat, you have to match wits with it. Don’t worry. I’m confident you’ll win. There are things out there like cat clicker training, but I don’t recommend it.
3. Use a form of positive reinforcement. As you become a seasoned cat owner, you’ll discover that it’s difficult to catch your cat in the actual “crime”. It’s far easier, then, to reward your cat when you see her performing a right behavior. Keep some cat “treats” on hand. Feed one to your cat whenever she is doing something positive – like using the litter box or using her scratching post.
4. Keep plenty of toys – either store bought or make shift – around the house. Much of the “bad” behavior of cats is simply because they’re board. The feline is by nature a predatory animal. Remember the scene in the Disney movie, The Lion King, where little Simba gets “pouncing lessons.” When you think your cat is literally bouncing off the walls and tearing down the curtains, he’s only practicing his predatory skills. Provide him with alternatives and he’ll tame down – at least some.
5. When you’re away, keep him busy. If your cat is used to company, he may get bored and inadvertently destruction while you’re at work or are gone for any length of time. Here’s a quick hint. Buy a timer for your television set, make sure the TV is tuned to an animal-friendly channel (an outdoor channel or Animal Planet for instance) and then have the television automatically turn on at different times of the day. Cats can see images on the screen. He’ll come to investigate the noise and stay to watch the picture – at least for a while.
6. The value of a spray bottle of water. In some instances, spraying a cat with a harmless water bottle is enough to get their attention and stop the bad behavior. You only need a simple spray bottle that you use for misting plants. ****** the cat if it misbehaves. Soon, he’ll know that he can’t do that.
7. Blow a harmless puff of air in your cat’s face. Yes, this sounds crazy, but it really works. If your cat is literally in your face and you need to teach him to keep a certain distance and give you some space, try it. Blow a puff of air into his face. It’ll startle and puzzle him. Soon, he’ll associate the two and you won’t be bothered by the unpleasant attention he gives you.
8. Make sure you cat has “a room with a view”. You know what they say, “curiosity killed the cat.” More appropriately, an irate owner went berserk over something a bored cat got into. Much of the bad behavior of your cat is simply due to his innate curiosity. Make sure he has a ledge or window sill that he can sit in comfortably to check out the birds and squirrels in your yard. If your window sill isn’t large enough for him to sit for extended periods, you can by an extension at the pet store. Or, if someone you know is handy, you can make your own.
9. Spend quality time with your cat. As a training technique, this may sound a bit unorthodox. But, it’s really a savvy move on your part. The more time you spend with your kitty, the better you’ll be able to communicate with her. Cats definitely have a form of communication skills that involves more than just “talking.” The better you know your cat – and just as importantly, the better your cat knows you – you’ll be able “to read her mind”. You’ll just “know” when she’s considering an improper move. And she’ll know when you disapprove just by reading your body language and the look on your face.
10. Confine the aggressive cat. Reward the victim. Got more than one cat? Then you probably have that occasional “cat fight.” Felines are territorial animals. They will get into a fight now and then over their “catdom.” If you view the fight, your first step is to disengage the action. Using a water sprayer is the best method. ****** the aggressor. Try to avoid ********* the victim. After that, confine the “bully” in a less attractive space. In the meantime, reward the cat who didn’t attack – even when she was being attacked. Give her a treat and let her free roam the house. When you do put this pair of felines together again, try to keep them as supervised as possible.
These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when you’re training your cat. As you and your pet begin to know each better, you’ll discover a language of your own. It may be through speech – you talk and she meows. But more than likely, the two of you will eventually be able to read each other’s body language. You’ll soon learn the subtle nuances of this very effective form of communication . . . and teaching your cat what she needs to know will be easier than you can ever imagine.
Do You Have A Cat That Is Constantly Afraid?
Judy Jantzen asked:
If you have a cat that is constantly afraid then you need to read the following very carefully.
A cat should have a good safe hiding place, where it can be left alone until it perceives that things are safe. The cat will usually pick one of its own, but it should have access to its food bowl, water and litter box.
Close room doors when possible to make the cat feel more secure. This is extremely important when company comes to visit or you have a noisy party. Giving a cat as a gift at a noisy party, can freak the cat out, because it violates its comfort factor. Take the time to introduce the cat quietly.
Cats have a social organization that is flexible and allows them to share their territory with other cats. Some times they are accepting of another cat and sometimes they do not – just like people, who have just met someone new. Liking and disliking, on a moments notice. One may want to play and the other may not. Their time as a kitten may determine the likelihood of their desire to be sociable.
When cats have been introduced, they may want to fight to protect territory or establish dominance. Many cat training e-books will tell you NOT TO allow a fight to happen or to continue, if one happens. Make a loud noise, such as yelling HEY. Use a spray bottle with clean water and spray them once or twice from a distance. A clean, well washed out used cleaner bottle will work nicely. They will probably be on the run for their safeafe place before you can get the second spray out.
DO NOT try to physically separate them or in their passion of the moment, they may be aggressive toward you. Be very careful in handling, while a cat is fearful. Their instinct is for self protection. When they have reached their safe hiding place, close the door and give them a time out, just as you would a child.
Be consistent with your water bottle treatment and the time outs. Other punishment may cause further bad behavior and fear. The cat may become aggressive toward you, if it preceives you as a threat. It is NOT acceptable to them, for you to hurt them in your temporary anger. Be loving after the time out, so that the cat knows you love them, but that there are limits to be lived by.
A cat will usually react to fear with 3 Fs – fight – freeze – flee – sometimes loss of bladder/ bowel control. A cat may also puff out its fur, hiss or spit. What causes the fear? Figure it out and fix the problem. Some things that cause fear are a person, children, other animals or loud noises such as a vacuum cleaner being used.
One example we had, was the putting on of a ski hat and sunglasses when Winter came. It freaked out our recently rescued cat the first few times it happened. He had a bad memory?
DO NOT force a fearful thing/ person on them. Introduce at a safe distance – slowly. Feed the cat a treat and praise them for accepting the new thing/ person. Remember that animals have a better inner radar than we do, about people and the vibes they give off. Trust their judgment.
Routines and schedules are important for the well being of your cat. Be as consistent as ppossible. They want the same things to occur each day in the same way and at the same time.
Play time before bed time will help to ensure a good sleep. The more leaping, jumping and running the better. Remember that cats are noctural by nature. They like to play at night and tiring them out will help them sleep. If you sit down to watch a TV program, that you watch each day, the commercial breaks are a great time to brush your cat and play with it.
Author: Judy Jantzen - My husband and I have owned cats for the past 25 years. Currently have a orange tabby and a black short hair. All the cats we have owned have been strays.
For more fabulous articles and some of the finest cat goodies available anywhere including cat food bowls, cat carriers, fur ball remedies, return address labels and cat training e-books check out our web site at: Cat Goodies Finder.com
If you have a cat that is constantly afraid then you need to read the following very carefully.
A cat should have a good safe hiding place, where it can be left alone until it perceives that things are safe. The cat will usually pick one of its own, but it should have access to its food bowl, water and litter box.
Close room doors when possible to make the cat feel more secure. This is extremely important when company comes to visit or you have a noisy party. Giving a cat as a gift at a noisy party, can freak the cat out, because it violates its comfort factor. Take the time to introduce the cat quietly.
Cats have a social organization that is flexible and allows them to share their territory with other cats. Some times they are accepting of another cat and sometimes they do not – just like people, who have just met someone new. Liking and disliking, on a moments notice. One may want to play and the other may not. Their time as a kitten may determine the likelihood of their desire to be sociable.
When cats have been introduced, they may want to fight to protect territory or establish dominance. Many cat training e-books will tell you NOT TO allow a fight to happen or to continue, if one happens. Make a loud noise, such as yelling HEY. Use a spray bottle with clean water and spray them once or twice from a distance. A clean, well washed out used cleaner bottle will work nicely. They will probably be on the run for their safeafe place before you can get the second spray out.
DO NOT try to physically separate them or in their passion of the moment, they may be aggressive toward you. Be very careful in handling, while a cat is fearful. Their instinct is for self protection. When they have reached their safe hiding place, close the door and give them a time out, just as you would a child.
Be consistent with your water bottle treatment and the time outs. Other punishment may cause further bad behavior and fear. The cat may become aggressive toward you, if it preceives you as a threat. It is NOT acceptable to them, for you to hurt them in your temporary anger. Be loving after the time out, so that the cat knows you love them, but that there are limits to be lived by.
A cat will usually react to fear with 3 Fs – fight – freeze – flee – sometimes loss of bladder/ bowel control. A cat may also puff out its fur, hiss or spit. What causes the fear? Figure it out and fix the problem. Some things that cause fear are a person, children, other animals or loud noises such as a vacuum cleaner being used.
One example we had, was the putting on of a ski hat and sunglasses when Winter came. It freaked out our recently rescued cat the first few times it happened. He had a bad memory?
DO NOT force a fearful thing/ person on them. Introduce at a safe distance – slowly. Feed the cat a treat and praise them for accepting the new thing/ person. Remember that animals have a better inner radar than we do, about people and the vibes they give off. Trust their judgment.
Routines and schedules are important for the well being of your cat. Be as consistent as ppossible. They want the same things to occur each day in the same way and at the same time.
Play time before bed time will help to ensure a good sleep. The more leaping, jumping and running the better. Remember that cats are noctural by nature. They like to play at night and tiring them out will help them sleep. If you sit down to watch a TV program, that you watch each day, the commercial breaks are a great time to brush your cat and play with it.
Author: Judy Jantzen - My husband and I have owned cats for the past 25 years. Currently have a orange tabby and a black short hair. All the cats we have owned have been strays.
For more fabulous articles and some of the finest cat goodies available anywhere including cat food bowls, cat carriers, fur ball remedies, return address labels and cat training e-books check out our web site at: Cat Goodies Finder.com
Feel Sad No More With a Pet Cat
Kritthaphat N. asked:
One of the popular pets is the cat. Some people love them because they are sweet and affectionate. But just like any other animal your pet cat also has a wild and vicious side especially when they are attacked or provoked. You will know that your pet cat is angry when he arches his back and his fur is raised. This is a sign that the cat is already angry and ready to attack. Cats attack by using their sharp nails and scratching their enemy. They can also slap and bite. One will usually end up with scratches and cuts after the cat calms down. Only on rare occasions do people get seriously hurt through cat attacks. Yet still one should be very careful in provoking the cat because no one wants a fight. On the lighter side of cats, they are also fond of playing. You may notice that your pet cat is fond of strings the reason behind this is because they see the string as the tail of their mother. Cats look for each other and follow one another through their tails. Sometimes when cats are playing with another it may seem that they are fighting because they make loud noises and they look like they are wrestling one another. But the truth is they also play the same way. The only difference is that when they are angry they bite and scratch.
Now when it comes to the nutrition of your pet cat they need essential vitamins and minerals like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats. Cat foods are available in the market and can be bought any time you need one. Just make sure that you read the label of the cat food before purchasing it, check if it has all the essential nutrients your pet cat needs. Another important consideration is the recommendation of your veterinarian. Since vets know the specific food that your cat needs he will be a lot of help when it comes to deciding what to feed your cat. Cats need different kinds of food depending on what stage they are in. Kittens have special needs that are different from those senior cats. Just to be sure better to consult the vet. Cats also get infected with different diseases like urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, kidney failure and diabetes. Diseases are usually transmitted through viruses from other cats. When you have two or more cats living in one place it’s best to bring them to the vet regularly so as to prevent problems. Another problem with the cat is fleas. We all know that fleas can be dangerous and it can lead to anemia, and tapeworms. One thing you can do to prevent fleas from infecting your pet cat is to make sure that the cat is always clean. Good grooming is the answer.
All in all caring for cats require a lot of effort on the owner’s part but once you’ve done it you’ll see that it’s very fulfilling.
One of the popular pets is the cat. Some people love them because they are sweet and affectionate. But just like any other animal your pet cat also has a wild and vicious side especially when they are attacked or provoked. You will know that your pet cat is angry when he arches his back and his fur is raised. This is a sign that the cat is already angry and ready to attack. Cats attack by using their sharp nails and scratching their enemy. They can also slap and bite. One will usually end up with scratches and cuts after the cat calms down. Only on rare occasions do people get seriously hurt through cat attacks. Yet still one should be very careful in provoking the cat because no one wants a fight. On the lighter side of cats, they are also fond of playing. You may notice that your pet cat is fond of strings the reason behind this is because they see the string as the tail of their mother. Cats look for each other and follow one another through their tails. Sometimes when cats are playing with another it may seem that they are fighting because they make loud noises and they look like they are wrestling one another. But the truth is they also play the same way. The only difference is that when they are angry they bite and scratch.
Now when it comes to the nutrition of your pet cat they need essential vitamins and minerals like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats. Cat foods are available in the market and can be bought any time you need one. Just make sure that you read the label of the cat food before purchasing it, check if it has all the essential nutrients your pet cat needs. Another important consideration is the recommendation of your veterinarian. Since vets know the specific food that your cat needs he will be a lot of help when it comes to deciding what to feed your cat. Cats need different kinds of food depending on what stage they are in. Kittens have special needs that are different from those senior cats. Just to be sure better to consult the vet. Cats also get infected with different diseases like urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, kidney failure and diabetes. Diseases are usually transmitted through viruses from other cats. When you have two or more cats living in one place it’s best to bring them to the vet regularly so as to prevent problems. Another problem with the cat is fleas. We all know that fleas can be dangerous and it can lead to anemia, and tapeworms. One thing you can do to prevent fleas from infecting your pet cat is to make sure that the cat is always clean. Good grooming is the answer.
All in all caring for cats require a lot of effort on the owner’s part but once you’ve done it you’ll see that it’s very fulfilling.
