You've probably heard sayings like these before: Cats only see their owners as "can openers"! Cats aren't dogs, waiting to serve their masters... But cats can learn rules too.
As always when it comes to training—whether dogs, horses, or cats—the key to success lies in positive reinforcement combined with a good dose of consistency.
Consistency does not mean being harsh, shouting, or even physical punishment. Consistency means not changing your own rules on a whim. If the rule is "no cats on the kitchen table," then this rule should apply forever and not be broken just because the cat looks cute chilling on the table in the sun. Off the table—every time. Everyone in the household should enforce and follow the rules with the animal—no exceptions, not even for certain people.
The learning process will surely be successful. With a little patience and consistency, your cat will understand your rules sooner or later. Of course, expectations and rules must be created in a way that is appropriate for the free-spirited cat. And never forget the most important thing: praise, praise, praise.
Cats also learn through association. They will remember your strokes or treats after a positive action. If you want a cat to be house-trained, it helps, for example, to praise it and stroke it after it has done its business. You can also reward the use of the scratching post (instead of the furniture) with a treat and praise.
Of course, you can scold your cat sometimes. It can even be helpful to establish a "no" word. However, it doesn't help if you chase after your cat while cursing loudly. Or if you yell at her because she has her head in the bowl on the kitchen table.
Cats are extremely sensitive to noise and hear much better than we do. It is therefore sufficient to express your displeasure with a clear "no" in an appropriate tone. Please do not add your cat's name to the "no," otherwise it will soon associate it with something negative.
An example of successful training: If your cat scratches the sofa, say "No." Just "No," emphatically if necessary. This usually works wonders. Then you can take the cat to the scratching post—and if it is still in a scratching mood and actually continues there, you can give it a treat.
When training, never forget that animals often exhibit innate behaviors. Shortening their claws is a basic need for cats. You cannot train them out of it; it is more a matter of redirecting them so that we humans can live happily under the same roof with our furry friends.
Your velvet-pawed friend may occasionally resist your friendly, positive training methods, and you may need a contingency plan to prevent the wallpaper from being scratched.
Since cats are very sensitive and noise-sensitive, you can use this to your advantage. Either build a so-called rattle can or buy a clapper. The idea is to make a noise that gets the cat's attention but doesn't scare it away completely. It should also have nothing to do with you, the animal's best friend. To make a rattle can, fill a small tin that can be closed with buttons. If your cat scratches the walls and ignores your "no" several times, you can add a rattling sound to the "no." Then gently guide the animal back to the correct scratching spot. The cat should not necessarily associate the noise with you. Clapping your hands (a fly swatter works too) has the same effect.
Whatever you do, stay your pet's best friend. Don't force anything and remain loving, even if it's difficult at times. Your furry friend will thank you for it someday.
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