So, you have just adopted your cat. You are excited about your new little friend, they love you back. They can’t stop hunting you gifts. They roll on their bellies and they silently lay on your lap, but unfortunately, you are not happy about their toilet manners aggressiveness and lots of other behavior.
Don’t worry, you have chosen one of the best pets there is and with a few tips, your cat won’t stress you anymore.
But first, let’s understand why cats might misbehave.
Your cat will rebel if its litter box is placed in a wrong and dirty place
Cats are one of the cleanest pets there is and one common reason they will refuse to use the toilet is if it is dirty. These fellows have 200 million odor-sensitive cells and will detect the smell of a dirty litter box or partially clean litter box and reject using it.
They might also misbehave and eliminate on the floor if their litter box is placed near their food or dishes. Remember cats don’t like to eat in places where they poop. That’s why in the wild when they eliminate, they dig up to cover up the waste. So where is the best place to stage your cat’s litter box? A quiet, private, and less distractive place.
Your cat will claw your carpet because they need something to claw
Cats are natural hunters. No matter how domesticated they become, they will still claw things. You will later learn how to train them not to claw your furniture but the first thing you need to do is find them something else to claw.
Cats hate to be punished
Your new friend might look cute and innocent but cats are very rebellious to punishment. If you punish your cat, they might just get worse at what they are doing or even get stressed and eventually develop hate for you.
Armed with this info about why your cat might not be doing the things you want them to do, it is going to become easier for you to train them in the way you want. So here are 4 great ways to effectively train your cat.
4 great ways to effectively train your cat
1. Get a clicker or penlight
The most effective way to train your cat is to use a clicker. For deaf cats, go for a penlight.
The role of the clicker is to draw the cat’s attention otherwise your cat won’t be able to understand your instructions.
So, with your clicker, give instructions and click once your cat obeys. The cat will become excited and look forward to more orders.
Make sure you have some treats in your hands. Maybe a piece of turkey, chicken, meat or any other of their favorite. Make sure you click and reward them immediately they obey a command so that they know the reason you are rewarding them.
2. Litter box training
From our facts about “why a cat will misbehave” we know that cats want a clean litter box placed in a clean, quiet place right? Now once you have that ready, it is time to do the litter box training. Cats commonly eliminate immediately they wake up or after they have played. So, during these times, stay alert and do the following;
Carry your cat and place them in the litter box immediately after they wake up. This doesn’t always go well but it’s the most basic way to train them. If you notice that they aren’t eliminating bring in some toys and close the door behind you and play with them as you wait for them to feel the urge. If they eventually eliminate on the floor, make sure you carry their waste and place it in the litter box and cover it with litter. They will smell it and realize that this is where they are supposed to.
If this fails, try this. Place your cat in a room with their litter box, food and water (Make sure their food and water are far from the litter box. Then close the door and allow them to explore. But this should happen as a last resort. With the above tips, cats will usually learn to use the toilet in less than 3 days.
3. High five & handshaking
With a treat, ready in your hand, bend down to align with your cat’s height and then start tapping on their claw and say shake as you tap. Whenever the cat moves its paw, applaud it by clicking. Do this over and over for 3-4 days until your cat can firmly hand you its claw.
4. Wearing a leash
The first thing you will need to do here is to make the cat get used to seeing a leash. So, buy a leash and place it where your cat spends the most time which is near their bed because cats spend 16hours sleeping. Let it be the first thing they see when they wake up and when they go to bed. If you have the time, you can keep changing its location; put it in its eating area or near the litter box.
The whole idea for this is to get them accustomed to seeing a leash. Gently drape the harness over the neck and leave it on so that the cat gets used to it as well. This should take at least two days. Now attach the leash to the harness and still let your cat move around the house with the leash for another day or two. Once they are familiar with the leash, you can now move to the outdoors with them.
Conclusion
The most important thing you should note while training your cat is that these little beings are very sensitive and affectionate and will only listen to a loving owner who’s full of treats. Avoid yelling at them and just lovingly instruct. Give them as many treats as you can and keep encouraging them with several clicks. You will be amazed at how soon they pick up.
Happy training!
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