You Cannot Train A Cat

In the never-ending debate over cats and dogs, a theory frequently advanced by the dog fraternity is that cats are impossible to train, and for this reason dogs are better per se. The attitude is that, because you can find guide dogs and sniffer dogs, while there are no cats employed in these sectors, that dogs are inherently more intelligent and more amenable to training. However, it is nothing more than invention to say that cats are too stupid to be trained, or so independent that they will not respond to training.

It is certainly possible to train a cat to a certain extent. Though the make-up of their character may be such that they will not ever become guide or sniffer animals, they are far from stupid and they can be trained. All that it requires is a modicum of patience and a firm hand. Oh, and some treats may be useful as well. Cats, like dogs – and even humans – will respond better to any kind of training if their performance within that training is suitably rewarded.

In fact, it is precisely because cats are not stupid that it is possible to train them. In the same way as human beings and indeed dogs, if you create the connection in a cat’s mind and instincts between good behavior and good reward, they will naturally behave better. Also like humans and dogs, cats have different levels of taking to training. This means that you need to persist, even if it seems that it’s never going to take.

The Difference Between Cats And Dogs

When it comes to training an animal, there is no doubt that different limitations apply to different animals. Anyone who has seen a dog show will know that dogs can be trained to do a great number of things. Training a cat is certainly possible, but there is no doubt whatsoever that most of the training you can give a cat is corrective rather than creative. It is important to be aware of this before you set out to train your cat.

Undoubtedly, it would be fun if a cat could be trained to run around an obstacle course and bring its owner a rubber bone, like dogs can. However, this is never likely to happen because cats are not of that nature. You can train a cat to go in a litter tray, to stop scratching the curtains and to wait patiently for its food rather than try to catch it on its way out of the can. However, you will be waiting a long time to get it to play dead or roll over.

This is perhaps why people make the mistake of saying that cats cannot be trained. Without a doubt, you will not be able to convince a cat to do creative things, but this does not mean that it cannot be trained. You simply have to become conscious of the limitations. Sometimes, through practice, a cat will begin to do things that entertain, but this will be as a pleasant side-effect of a fuller training program. After all, cats like to play. Just give them a catnip mouse and watch them go.

Taking A Fishing Tour

Every cat owner has the same problem. When our cats behave as normal, they are a joy to own. They are cute, they are often very loving, and they do some highly amusing things when they are relaxed and think that no-one is looking. Then, all of a sudden, they take leave of their senses and start running around the house or apartment at high speeds and making noises that sound like something out of a horror movie. We, as owners, sit in stunned silence and wonder what the heck is going on.

It is built into every cat that they will respond to anything they sense – whether it is real or perceived – and sometimes they sense things that you cannot see. There are several people who think that cats are more tuned in to the paranormal world, and that they act as they do because they’ve seen a ghost. More likely, it is because of climatic conditions. High winds, drafts and loud noises get some bizarre reactions from cats.

If it begins to bother you that your cat responds to things in this way, then it is important to take them out of their pattern of behavior. If your cat responds to high winds by scampering around and yowling, then the best thing to do is try to move them to somewhere more central in the house, and speak to them in a soothing way until such time as they calm down. For the rest of the time, the best bet is to limit the amount of space they have to run. Quickly, they will understand that they are in no danger.

Problem Miaowing - How To Hush Your Cat

We all love cats. They are endlessly entertaining, cute as anything, and despite what some people might think they are highly affectionate. Indeed, once you have got the friendship of a cat you are pretty much set for life with your pet. They are highly faithful animals. That’s not to say, though, that they cannot get on your nerves from time to time. There’s no harm in that, really. Humans do that. But sometimes it can become a problem if their behavior gets to a stage where they are more annoying than affectionate.

One of the more common problem behaviors with cats is excessive miaowing. It should be said that, in comparison with a dog’s problem barking, miaowing is far less intrusive to neighbors and other people. Nonetheless, it can be troublesome and it is not something you want to encourage. The immediate solution you should be looking for is to check why your cat is miaowing. Is it hungry? Is it in pain? Or does it just fancy exercising its vocal cords for a time?

If it is the last one, then it can be hard to think of a solution. If it is hungry, you can feed it and if it is in pain then you can treat it. However, if it just seems to like miaowing then you need to think of another way. Often, this kind of miaowing is simply your cat looking for attention. One thing you will find is that if a cat which is miaowing is picked up and fussed, it will usually stop. Sometimes all they want is to be the center of attention.

Letting Your Cat Train Itself

There is absolutely no doubt that cats are among the most inquisitive creatures on this planet. In fact, they have this in common with humans in many ways. Just as humans are wired up to look at the way something works and consider how it might be improved, so cats have a tendency to explore and work things out – which can work for good or for bad.

Not for nothing is it said “Curiosity killed the cat”. Cats, as wise as they may be, still sometimes make bad decisions. We’ve all heard stories of cats spending some time in washing machines which are in operation, because they sneak in and lie on the clothes before the machine is switched on. However, you can use your cat’s curiosity to work in your favor.

It is very common to find when you take a delivery in your home, that when you take the item out of its box and have a look at it, your cat will have an equally inquisitive interest in checking out the box. Usually it will hop in and curl up to go to sleep. This natural curiosity can be very beneficial when it comes to getting the cat into its carrier when you need to go somewhere.

About half an hour before you need to go, just take the carrier down and leave its door open with a cat bed inside. Your cat, rather than needing to be chased around the house and then stuffed, claws and all, into the carrier, will usually get in of their own accord and go to sleep – making your task a lot easier, and less bloody.

Learn Your Cat’s Likes And Dislikes

A common remark from owners who are trying to train their cat is that it is like banging their head against a brick wall. “I try to do what I’m supposed to, but in all honesty it’s like the cat is training me to do what it wants”, they will say. And although there is some truth in the suggestion that you have to give a little to get a little, it is important to remember that the only thing which really matters in terms of training a cat is that you get to the end result with a cat who is happy.

Know that your cat has certain “lines” which it does not like to cross. Some cats, for as long as they live, really do not like to be picked up. This is not something you can train or chivvy them into liking. If you do lift them, their response will be to squirm and try to escape. For some owners this is disappointing, but it is vitally important not to try to force a cat into liking something it just doesn't like. All you will get is a discontented kitty.

If you train your cat by applying a sense of what it likes and does not like, by giving it treats you know it enjoys and avoiding taking things down roads which simply make your pet annoyed, then you will get a lot further, a lot faster. A happy cat is always going to be a lot more open to going along with what you want than one who feels that it is simply being prevented from doing what it wants. The psychology is largely universal, but many people think they can win over a cat through force of will. This just won’t happen.

Is This A Good Time?

When you want your cat to behave in a sane, reasonable manner it is only right to teach it good behavior, and to give it the kind if conditions that allow it to feel loved and feel love in return – this way, it is a lot less likely to react to things in a hostile manner. However, you do have to pick your moment with a cat, because trying to get the best response depends inherently on having the best conditions in which to train.

For one thing, it is a very bad idea to try to train a cat which has until very recently been sleeping. Picking a cat up from its basket or its favorite spot in order to train it is unlikely to get you good results. You’ll be trying to get the cat to understand commands and respond to them in the right way, and it will merely be looking back to the warm spot it has just vacated through no choice of its own and hoping very much that it can go back soon, please.

Training a cat when it has just eaten is also something that should be avoided as far as possible. You are just less likely to get a good response from a cat who sees no real reason to co-operate. If there is just the edge of hunger a cat will be more attentive, very much in the hope that it will get some food, but if it has just eaten then all it will want to do is curl up and have a nap.