(Commonwealth Union)_ Cat training is fundamentally about educating your cat to correlate a desirable behaviour with a reward. You can urge them to cease undesirable conduct and start desired behaviour in this way, allowing you both to have a better, healthier life.
Although cats do not naturally collaborate with humans, they may learn to obey directions and perform tricks just like dogs. Cat training can also give beneficial mental and physical stimulation for cats, which can aid in the reduction of anxiety, aggression, and other destructive feline habits.
Consistent cat training can also help you pick up on their body language and learn what they’re trying to express (including the various ways they show their affection for you!). If you’re on the fence about getting a cat because of the possibility of undesirable behaviour, consider the effectiveness of cat training in your choice.
Stock up on sweets
Cats, for starters, require motivation. Cats, unlike dogs, will not be as excited and willing to learn unless the rewards are worthwhile. Stock up on their favourite snacks and excellent cat chow to make the most of your training sessions.
Determine the optimum time
Cats’ daily life follow a consistent cycle of hunting (playing), eating, grooming, and sleeping; thus, you should schedule training sessions around their schedule. Try training your cat shortly after they wake up from a nap because they will be more alert and likely to focus. They’ll also be hungry, which means they’ll work even harder to get those yummy snacks.
Keep training sessions to a minimum
Cats’ attention spans are short. A training session lasting less than 15 minutes is lengthy enough to achieve the goal while remaining brief enough to keep your cat focused. Remember that growth, not perfection, should be the aim!
Remove any distractions
A distracted cat is unable to concentrate. For your training session, choose a peaceful location away from pets and family members. Any background noise can confuse your cat, rendering the training session ineffective.
Keep cues consistent
To avoid confusion, utilise the same signs (which could be hand signals) or cues for each command. Maintaining consistency will be easier if family members understand the appropriate signals and cues.
Train only one skill at a time
Attempting to teach numerous tasks at once might be overwhelming. You should only progress to the next skill when your cat has mastered the previous one.
Repetition, repetition, repetition
Your cat’s behaviour is reinforced through repetition. Once your cat has mastered the skill, make sure to practise it frequently outside of training sessions so that your cat does not forget.
