How to Train Your Cat to Do Awesome Things

How to Train Your Cat to Do Awesome Things min 1

Many owners think that ‘punishing’ is a way of ‘disciplining’ cats or teaching them to do things accordingly. But truth be told, it is actually a way of introducing stress, which eventually leads to various behavioural and health issues.

Well, I can understand that you just want to train your cat. However, I tell you that doing so requires patience, positive reinforcements, and several tools like clickers. Nevertheless, the entire training experience could get really fun and exciting, especially if you get your pet to listen to you and do as he’s told.

So where do you start?

“Come Over” Command

You thought only dogs can do this? You’re absolutely wrong. Some cat breeds are very good at responding to vocal cues and make their way to you!

Before you open a bag of treats, make a distinct noise like calling your cat’s name or clicking your tongue. By doing that, your pet will know how to associate the noise with something positive like food. So whenever he hears you do that, he’ll run your way.

And then, gradually increase the distances. Make the noise and when your cat comes, reward him with a treat.

The ASPCA highly recommends two training sessions a day that lasts five minutes or less.

Use the Toilet

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While this may take a lot of time, it’ll definitely let you reap a lot of benefits. Not only will you save on litter, but you’ll also have a cleaner home.

To train your cats how to use the toilet, simply put a litter box next to the toilet. And then, gradually move it closer to the top of the seat. Once your pet is used to using the litter box on top of the toilet, find a special litter box that perfectly fits your toilet.

As he becomes accustomed to using it, slowly use less and less litter. If you think he has already mastered the art of doing his business in the toilet seat, remove the entire litter box.

Shake Hands

Shaking hands with your kitty is easier that you think. First, keep treats within reach and align yourself to the similar level as your pet. Next, tap his paw while saying the word “shake”. It would also help if you use a clicker when he moves his paw.

And then, repeat this training over and over until your cat responds to your shake command without having to tap his paw.

Just like the “Come Over” command, this trick may take a few sessions for your cat to master.

The Art of Begging

Begging is somewhat the same with the “Shake Hands” command. To teach him how to beg, hold a treat above his head and say the command “beg”.

Your cat should stand on its legs to reach for the treat. If he does, use the clicker to make a sound and then give him the treat. Practice this trick until he begs on command without have to lure him with a treat overhead. Still, make sure you give a reward.

For me, begging is something cats are really good at. I remember one time I asked my cat to get off the couch because I’ll watch television. Surprisingly, he did what he was told and moved away. But before he could even get far, he looked back to my direction and gave me a face I cannot resist. So I called him and allowed him to sit on my lap.

Walking on a Leash

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Yes, you can train your cat how to walk on a leash. This would be very useful whenever you intend to travel with him. All you need to do is to get a harness with a leash and attach it to your pet’s back.

However, before you even do that, leave the leash in areas where your cat usually spends his time – his sleeping area or feeding area. That way, he’ll be accustomed to the sight of it. So instead of being scared of it, he’ll think of it as something that is part of his everyday routine.

After a few days, you can transition to putting the harness over the cat. To somehow ease that task, might as well use some treats. If he allows you to put it on him, pet him and offer him a cat biscuit. But before you attach the leash, make sure the harness is secure and comfortable.

Once he is comfortable with it, slowly attach the lease and let him wander freely with it. If he’s okay with it, start holding the leash when training. Pretty easy, huh?

Bonus Trick – Scratching His Post, Not the Furniture

Of course, it will be easier to teach this trick if you have a cat scratching post with you. By positioning the post in an area where your cat loves to scratch – near the television, beside the furniture, or next to the table, your cat will slowly understand that it is meant for scratching.

There you have it! Aren’t these very easy to follow? Feel free to share your thoughts about these tricks below.

Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

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