Dog parents usually consider training their canine companions; however, this aspect doesn’t cross the mind of many feline owners who assume their feline knows what, when, and how to do things. Most cats are fiercely independent, resilient, and infamous for aggression, territorial spraying, biting, scratching, and killing birds. Cat training is an efficient way to connect and bond with your feline and teach them a few keywords and commands.
Although some of your cat’s qualities can be annoying, don’t lose hope. Repeated behavioral training sessions can correct many of your cat’s negative behaviors. Contact your vet for the best action plan to set your furball on good behavior. Also, it is worth noting that cat insurance policies cover behavioral issues resulting from an underlying health issue that can be treated, not otherwise. So, read your pet insurance policy statements to know what your pet is covered for.
Below are some functional tricks you can train your cat to do :
Sit
- Keep the treat near your feline’s nose.
- Slowly move the treat from the nose to your kitten’s head level.
- Your kitten will mostly follow your instruction and go into a sitting position as you bring the treat upwards.
- Your kitten will most likely follow the treat and go into the sitting position as you raise the treat upwards.
- When your kitten sits in the correct posture, say “Sit” and reward it immediately with the treat in your hand and some generous praises.
- If your kitten jumps up to grab the treat, lower the treat in your hand to the ground and hold it in the same position until your kitty’s feet are firmly on the floor.
- Don’t give the treat just then; raise the treat again and repeat the process several times.
Eventually, your kitten will learn what is expected of them.
Stay
- Say “Stay” and offer your kitten a tiny treat.
- After that, move back a few steps and say, “Stay.”
- If the kitten moves towards you, don’t offer a treat.
- However, hand out a treat when the kitten remains in the same position while you move back a little and say, “Stay.”
Keep trying and increase the distance between you, so your baby cat learns how to respond when you say “Stay.”
Come
- Take a bag of treats, spread the packet, and command your kitten to “Come” to you verbally and through hand signals.
- Your kitten will most likely walk toward you because it is familiar with the sounds and treats.
- Reward it with a bite-sized treat for following your instruction. Remember to give your kitten a treat when it comes to you when you have yet to issue the command.
- Slowly you can increase the distance, repeat the above steps, and check if your cat will come to you.
- The key points to pay attention to are the sound of the packet, the command “Come,” hand signal, letting your cat come to you after the order and not the other way round, and juicy rewards for positive reinforcement.
Target
You can make a DIY, buy a target from the store, or even point your finger. Get your cat trained and ready to be alert by placing the target three inches in front of your feline’s nose. The moment the kitty responds and touches it, reward her with treats. Once the feline moves in the direction of the target, say the word target so that the cat registers it and does this exercise often.
Stay On Your Mat
Make a mat for your cat by laying a towel or cloth napkin on the place you feel is appropriate for your feline. Curiosity will get the better of your kitty. Place the reward or the treat away from your feline’s mat, introduce the cue to stay on your mat, and encourage the feline for the next round. Eventually, make your cat get used to the command to “stay” so that she stays on the mat longer. You can carry the mat with you wherever you travel or to vet visits. It will help you console your feline.
While some cats are quick learners, others may require more time to get the hang of new commands. So, be patient through the behavioral training sessions, or else your kitten might walk away with little care. Make wise decisions concerning the feline’s health; in the process, you should consider buying cat insurance. Pet insurance helps support your feline pet with primary medical care at affordable costs.