Every Cat

Posts Tagged ‘training cats’

Cat lovers enjoy almost every thing about their pets. The purring, adorable antics, meowing and affection the cats show their owners, make cats a joy as pets. The litter box is another story, nobody enjoys cleaning out a dirty, smelly litter box. Cats are clever and clean creatures and with a little effort on your part, your cat can be trained to use the toilet. Professional animal trainers have been potty training cats for years. Training your cat to use the toilet, not only eliminates a dirty job, it saves you money. Cat litter is expensive and it’s an environmental hazard. Training your cat to use the toilet will rid your home of the unpleasant smells of a litter box. Here are some basic tips for cat toilet training.

The Litter Box

If your litter box is already in your bathroom, you’re halfway there. If your litter box isn’t in the bathroom, move it slowly, a few inches each day, until it is in the bathroom this is training your cat. Once you have the box in the bathroom, begin elevating it. You can use bricks , concrete blocks or telephone books. Make sure it’s secure so your cat can’t knock it over. Raise the box until it is level with the toilet. As you raise the litter box, slowing reduce the amount of litter in the box, so your cat becomes used to using less litter.

When the litter box height is even with the toilet, slowly begin moving it closer to the toilet. Keep reducing the amount of litter that you use until there is less than an inch of litter. You want the cat to understand that the toilet is a litter box. Get the litter box as close to the toilet as possible. Cats are intelligent and very clean by nature. They can also be stubborn, but they just need a little time to get used to new ideas. Move at a pace that is comfortable for you and your cat.

Making the Switch

Now you’re in the ho! me stretch. You can buy a cat toilet training aid now, or use an shallow pan. Attach the pan between the toilet and the seat. Make sure it’s secure, or the cat won’t use it. Put less than an inch of flushable litter in the litter pan. You can find kitty toilet training aids in your local pet store or online, but if you don’t want to spend the money, or can’t find one, a shallow plastic or aluminium pan will serve the purpose.

You can train a cat to use the toilet if you slowly morph the above device. For example, cut a hole into the center of the pan. Start with a small hole and then work up until it is larger and larger. Keep reducing the litter. Soon, the cat will become used to going to the bathroom using this device and without water. You can train a cat to use the toilet, but it is bound to take weeks or even months to accomplish. The slower you move between steps, the better able your cat will be to learn this new skill. In time, when people ask if you can train a cat to use the toilet, you will be able to show them!

It is amazing that  there are so many guides on dog training accessible. There are certainly a lack of cat training guides. Cats are also beloved by many people including you and me. Like dogs, cats are as smart and alert, and we are definitely able to train them as well.

Most of the cats in the household live a carefree life where food are provided and live comfortably curling up on their owner’s lap. Have you ever wondered that you are able to train your cat by teaching them how to do tricks and work with willingness?

There are so many amazing things that a cat can do, really. You will be totally stunned that a cat are able to perform like the acrobatics in the circus! They can do amazing stuff like roll over, play dead, shake hands and even play fetch! Cats are also as capable as dogs? Cats are as capable as well!

Perhaps, you are among the very few people who are seeking for the perfect guidebook on cat training. No more searching. You will get to know Paula Robb, the author of Complete Cat Training Guide is the reputable cat trainer who really knows her stuff well.

This is not just any simple guide out there.

Want to know how to teach your cat stunts, about your cat’s behavioral problems, health and how to communicate with your cat and more? Complete Cat Training is what you are looking for. This guide has all the information and advices that you will to know.

Complete Cat Training has 101 training tips for your cats, providing intructions based on true stories and real life experiences. You will not see lines and lines of instructions, instead there are pictures showing you step by step with training strategies. People are always overwhelmed by looking at strings of words, that is why this book provide pictures to allow readers to have a clearer view and easily shorten the whole process.

That is not all you will get. You will also get two bonus books which are “The Essential Cat Recipe Book” and “The Ultimate Guide to Pampering Your Cat”. You will learn how to prepare yummy food and treats for your precious kitty and how to improve your cat’s quality of life by providing lots of love and affection, this is where bonding starts.

More to come! You will also get a free, private email consultation which is worth $120, where you can ask any questions, and you will get solutions on any difficulties you experienced dealing with your cat.Your emails will be answered by a team of qualified cat trainers. It’s really worth a deal?

Target training and clicker training are two of the more popular methods used in training cats.

Target training
This is where you attract your cat’s attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of a designated tool such as a training wand.

Clicker training
Clicker training is a type of operant conditioning. A ‘clicker’ is a small mechanical device which you use to make a short and very distinct clicking noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior. For example, for the ’sit’ command, the clicker is pressed at the exact moment your cat places it’s bottom on the floor. Straight after the clicking noise, the cat is given a small treat.

With repetition, the cat grows to associate the click with the food, and recognizes his own ability to earn treats by performing the desired action on command.

A few quick tips for training cats properly

• The key is patience. Your cat is an individual, with its own abilities and preferences. Make allowances for his personality, and don’t lose your temper if it doesn’t go exactly according to schedule.
• Enforce a feeding schedule. Your cat should not have access to its food all the time during the day to have as it feels like. Increase the reward-value of food treats as training devices and introduce routine into your cat’s life.
• Train smart. Schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes. The routine of its usual mealtime will increase your cat’s focus and its desire to listen to your commands.
• Take it one step at a time when training your cat. As with all training, the most effective way to teach your cat is to get the basics right first before moving on.
• Keep lessons short and interesting and always try to end on a positive note.

Training cats to ’sit’ on command
‘Sit’ is the perfect first command to train your cat to do as it acts as a foundation to build upon for other commands and tricks such as ’stay’ and ‘high five’.)

The training wand can be made even more effective by dipping the end into some tuna oil for example, which will make it more atttractive to your cat. Once he’s come over to you, place the wand just over his head, so that it’s slightly behind the crown of his head.

In order to keep his eyes on the wand he will move his head backwards. Doing this will force him to sit down naturally. As he sits down, say the word ‘Sit’, which will be the verbal cue for this command. As soon as his bottom touches the ground, click the clicker. It’s important that you time this precisely.

Directly after clicking, give him a small food treat. Ensure the pieces are small enough for your cat to eat quickly otherwise the reason you gave it will be lost on him.

You’ll want to duplicate this exact training consistently over a couple of weeks until your cat’s performing the desired behaviors with ease. When he’s able to sit down on command, you can phase the clicker out – but still give treats sporadically. It’s important to bear in mind that patience and a consistent approach are crucial.

Where to find more information on training cats
For step-by-step advice on how to train your cat in a huge variety of other obedience commands and tricks check out our Complete Cat Training Review.