Even though training is typically associated with dogs, cats are also capable of learning tricks! Your furry friend can be taught to recognize their name and come to you when called. To assist your pet in acquiring these skills, it is crucial to commence training your kitten at a young age and as early as possible.
Teaching your kitten social skills
The training of kittens begins with their socialization skills. Exposing them to various experiences at a young age will help them become less easily startled or surprised as they grow older. From the moment they can explore on their own, kittens exhibit the famous feline confidence and curiosity. Between the ages of 3-7 weeks, they are at their least fearful and more receptive to new encounters and environmental changes. As they grow older, kittens become more cautious, so it's beneficial for breeders or rescue shelters to introduce them to a wide range of experiences before they are adopted, ideally between 8-13 weeks (depending on the breed and breeder).
However, your kitten's emotional development doesn't halt at 12 weeks. You can continue to train and nurture their growth once they are home. Here are some tips to further develop your kitten:
- Invite diverse friends to your home to expose your kitten to different types of people, including individuals of varying ages, genders, heights, and appearances.
- If you don't have children, invite them over while ensuring they understand to handle the kitten with care, especially during their first meeting.
- If you know someone with a cat-friendly dog, arrange a meeting between the two animals. However, ensure that the dog is well-trained and capable of remaining calm, even in the excitement of a new friendship.
During the training process, take your kitten on short car trips to familiarize them with traveling in a vehicle from an early age. Offer a special treat upon returning home to create a positive association with car travel.
How to begin kitten training
Once your cat has developed basic social skills, you can move on to training them in other areas. Before you begin, it is advisable to schedule a thorough check-up with the vet to ensure your pet is in good health and doesn't have any underlying medical conditions that could hinder the training process, such as joint or hearing problems.
Assuming your cat is healthy, you can start teaching them a few useful tricks. To make the most of your training sessions, consider the following guidelines:
- Emphasize the verbal cue you use to teach your cat (e.g., "sit") by speaking clearly and confidently, and reinforce their correct behavior with positive praise, such as "sit, good, sit."
- Use food-based rewards as reinforcement during kitten training. Just like humans, cats are more motivated to work harder when they know a tasty treat awaits them.
- Introduce a "clicker" or a soft bell sound when offering a treat to your cat. This helps them associate the sound with a reward and enables them to perform tasks simply by hearing the sound in the future.
- Schedule training sessions before mealtimes, as a hungry cat will be more motivated by food rewards. However, avoid starving your cat as it can lead to impatience and frustration.
- Minimize background noise from the TV or stereo to help your cat stay focused during training.
- Keep training sessions short, ending them before your cat becomes bored or tired. Aim for sessions no longer than 15 minutes to keep your cat engaged and attentive.
- Maintain consistency in your training sessions, using the same trainer (either yourself or a professional, if applicable), cues, signals, and rewards.
By following these tips and being patient and consistent, you can effectively train your kitten or cat and achieve positive results.
Teaching your cat to recognize their name
When you've chosen a name for your cat, it's important to help them associate it with themselves. By frequently using their name, they will quickly learn to recognize and respond to it. Here are some tips to help you in this process:
Repeat your cat's name during positive experiences, such as when they are eating or when you engage in play or petting sessions with them.
Avoid shouting their name when they have misbehaved. This prevents them from associating their name with negativity, ensuring they come to you when called. This is especially crucial for outdoor cats.
Toilet training your cat
While cats naturally have an inclination to go outside for their bathroom needs, they can adapt to using a litter tray with proper training, particularly when introduced at a young age. Follow these steps to assist your cat in learning how to use a litter tray:
Recognizing the signs: Observe your kitten closely for signs such as sniffing, scratching, or crouching, which indicate they may need to relieve themselves.
Guided introduction: After your kitten eats or wakes up, gently place them in the litter tray to familiarize them with its purpose.
Patience and consistency: Toilet training cats may require some time and patience. Stick with the training process and be consistent in providing the litter tray as their designated toileting area.
Choosing the appropriate tray and litter
To ensure your cat's comfort and cleanliness, consider the following:
Tray selection: Use a low-sided plastic tray during kitten training for easy access. As your cat grows, switch to a larger, deeper tray that allows them enough room to turn around.
Litter preference: Cats may have different preferences for litter types. Experiment with clumping or non-clumping litters to find the one your cat prefers. Avoid scented litters or tray liners, as they may deter your cat from using the litter tray.
Proper depth: Follow the instructions on the litter packaging for the recommended depth. Providing enough litter allows your cat to dig comfortably. Placing newspaper underneath the tray can help contain any loose debris.
Teaching your cat to use a scratching post
To prevent furniture damage, it's essential to redirect your cat's scratching behavior to a suitable scratching post. Here's how you can help them learn:
Introduction and enticement: Show your cat the scratching post and encourage them to play by dangling a toy near it. When their claws come into contact with the post, they should begin to understand its purpose.
Guided demonstration: Gently lift your cat's front paws and demonstrate scratching motions on the post. This helps them understand how to use it.
Positive reinforcement: When your cat uses the scratching post, praise them with encouragement. The scent left on the post from their previous scratching will attract them to use it again in the future. Adding a little catnip to the post can make it even more enticing.
Encouraging your cat to cuddle
Cats, especially kittens, are naturally curious and full of energy, which may make it challenging for them to sit still or cuddle for extended periods. Follow these tips to encourage cuddling:
Respect their boundaries: Give your cat time to adjust and grow comfortable in their environment. Don't force them to stay still or be picked up if they're not receptive to it.
Gradual bonding: Allow your cat to explore and learn about their surroundings before expecting them to settle down for cuddling. Building trust takes time and understanding.
Create a cozy environment: Provide comfortable and inviting spaces where your cat can relax and feel secure. Use soft blankets or cat beds in warm and quiet areas of your home.