The personality of cats is generally proud and independent, leading many people to believe that cats cannot be trained. However, that is not true. Cats can indeed be trained, although they cannot learn complex commands and actions like dogs. If you want to train a well-behaved and responsive cat that understands simple commands, you need to master the correct scientific training methods. In this article, we will introduce how to train a pet cat, covering the best training timing, which tools to use for training, and which subjects to train, making the process simple once you understand the methods.
Best Training Timing for Cats: How Long?
Similar to dogs, training pets should be done during the optimal training period to achieve the best results. For cats, the best training time is within 3 to 5 months after birth, just like with dogs. Very young kittens have relatively fragile bodies, and older cats may have already developed some undesirable behaviors. However, between 3 and 5 months, kittens’ development can support training, they haven’t formed bad habits yet, and most importantly, their learning and understanding abilities are excellent, making training relatively easy.
Cat Training Tutorial Sharing
Here, we will introduce detailed cat training methods, including the tools you need to prepare and how to use them, the subjects you should train, and the training process, along with important considerations. Without further ado, let’s take a look together.
Tools You Need to Prepare
Training cats doesn’t require many tools. Generally, you only need to prepare their favorite treats. If you want to train them to use a litter box or toilet, then you will need cat litter, a litter box, and a toilet. These are usually already available in homes where cats are kept, so no separate preparations are needed.
Training Subjects and Methods Introduction
Subject 1: Sit Training
When the cat is standing, attract its attention by waving the treat in front of its face. If the cat tries to grab the treat, hold it higher where it can’t reach. After a while, the cat will realize that you are giving it a command. Then, give the verbal command “sit” and reward it with the treat. Repeat this process several times, and the cat will learn.
Subject 2: Shake Hands Training
First, make sure the cat is in a sitting position. You can gently press down on its hindquarters to make it sit. Then, use a cat toy or treat to touch the cat’s paw. The moment it lifts one paw, gently hold it while offering the treat near its mouth. While the cat is eating the treat, continue to hold its paw. Gradually, the cat will associate the behavior with the command.
Subject 3: Shake Hands Training
Teaching a cat to shake hands is definitely more challenging than teaching a dog, not because cats don’t understand what you want, but because they tend to be lazy and curious, and are less willing to cooperate. However, you can follow these steps:
After the cat sits, give the “shake hands” command. Initially, the cat won’t respond, so you can manually lift its front paw and shake it. Then, reward it with a treat. Repeat this process every minute, alternating between the left and right paws. With 4 to 5 training sessions per day, the cat will develop a reflexive behavior and raise its paw when it hears the “shake hands” command.
Subject 4: Recall Training
Wouldn’t it be great if your cat immediately came running when you called its name? Training this behavior is also simple. The best time to train is during mealtimes or when the environment is calm. First, give your cat a simple and pleasant name. Then, call its name and reward it with a treat when it comes to you. Repeat this process multiple times. You can control the distance and gradually increase it over time.
Subject 5: Toilet Training
In fact, the vast majority of cats are naturally inclined to use a litter box. When you bring a new cat home, place it in the litter box immediately, and it will remember that it is the place to use the toilet. The litter box should be easily accessible and well-ventilated. If you want to train your cat to use the toilet.
The above 5 subjects are the most training for cats, for cats can not require it to master a lot of skills like pet dogs, training a lot of subjects, just learn some simple on the line. In summary, the training should be combined with its favorite snack, induce the cat to complete the action, until it has developed a behavioral reflex, then the training is successful. These pet cat training subjects and training methods are very simple, shovel officers should remember two points: one is to train at the best training time, and the other is to learn to use snacks and other tools to induce the cat to learn. After mastering these two points, training the cat is actually very simple, of course, the shovel officers themselves should be patient.
