Training Your Cat

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Many people harbor the misconception that it is impossible to train cats, and that they must put up with whatever their cat chooses to do. And while you will not have quite as easy a time training your cat as you did your dog, the training of the two certainly share similarities. Once you understand the little things it takes to train your cat, you will be able to share your house with a truly well-behaved feline!

As is the case with dogs, the tone of voice you use with your cat will determine the way they respond to you. Never yell at your cat, but instead, always keep your voice at the same level of volume, using a stern tone when your cat has been bad and a happy tone when they have been good. The same goes for all the things you might be training your cat in, including litter box usage, keeping them from clawing your furniture, and (when they are a kitten) keeping them from biting.

Your cat can also be conditioned to respond to certain auditory signals, which can be used when they are in trouble or can even be used to call them. For instance, find something that makes a noise your cat does not like - such as a bell - and use it when they are misbehaving. On the other hand, if your cat has a favorite treat, you should clank the fork against the plate any time you are feeding it to them. Over time, they will come to associate this sound with a call to come your way, which will enable you to "call" them just like you would a dog!

And one of the best ways to keep your cat in line - acting the way you want them to act - is by using a spray bottle. You can quickly train your cat against clawing your furniture or going somewhere in your house where you do not want them to go if you simply spray them in the eyes or on the nose with water from this spray bottle whenever they do these things; they will quickly learn not to do these things, and will also learn what the spray bottle means when they see it.

Once you follow these tips, you will realize that cats can be trained just as well as dogs, and it is not really so difficult to have an obedient cat!