Despite what many people may think, cats can be easily trained. Although they may not be quite as obedient as dogs, they can still be thought how to use a litter tray, shake hands and stop unwanted behaviour. The main things needed for training your kitten are a clicker, lots of treats and some patience.
Clickers For Cats
Clickers should only be used to reward good behaviour. Using a clicker when not deserved with reduce its effect and almost make it useless. A treat should be given to your kitten following the click, this will lead them to soon understand that the click is in fact rewarding good behaviour.
To train a cat to come towards you, again, the best way to do this involves food. Before feeding each day call their name. This will make them associate their name being called with food. Again use a clicker when they come and reward them with a treat.
How To Train Your Kitten To Use A Litter Tray
Most kittens learn how to use a litter tray by watching their mother. However, it's possible that your new kitten may not know how to use a litter box yet so it will be your job to show them what to do. Toilet training your new kitten before they pick up any bad habits can save both you and them alot of stress. Training your kitten to use a litter tray is easier than it looks. First we recommend that you place your kitten's litter box in a quiet area of your home. If you have any other cats in your home, we suggest that you use a seperate litter box to theirs. We recommend that you use the same type of litter that your kitten is familiar to. Getting your kitten to use their litter box straight after they eat or sleep is highly recommended. Simply stand your kitten in their litter box and if they let you, get your kitten to scratch at the litter with their paw (you may need to help them at the start if they let you). It is very important when toilet training your kitten that you keep an eye on them and if they look like they may need to go toilet again then once again just stand them in the litter box. Finally, we recommend that you do not punish your kitten if they have an accident and miss their litter box as this will cause your kitten to have a negative association with their litter box.
How To Train Your Cat To Shake Hands
Training a cat to shake hands is also possible. Align yourself with your cat and have a treat in hand. Tap its paw, saying shake, and reward them until they do it without tapping.
How To Stop A Cat From Scratching The Furniture
If your cat is scratching the furniture, you may need to train them to do otherwise. A simple fix would be to invest in a small scratching post on which they could sharpen their nails instead.