Training Your Cat

By : Bob Evanston
Can cats be trained? Many people think they are so independent that the very idea is an oxymoron. For this reason, some people prefer dogs, while others love cats all the more for their independent nature. Whatever your preferences, it is not true that cats are untrainable. If your cat behaves in ways that are troublesome, in all likelihood you can cure this.

People sometimes think that where cats are concerned they either have to simply put up with a problem --whether it be aggression, destructive behavior or not using the litter box-- or get rid of the cat. This is, in most cases, simply not true. The vast majority of cats can be trained out of troublesome behavior.

One unpleasant, not to mention unsanitary, cat behavior problem involves the litter box. Since cats are very clean animals, they are easily trained to use the litter box. If a litter trained cat suddenly stops using the box, something is definitely wrong. This is sometimes a medical issue, so the first step is to bring the cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.

One physical problems are ruled out, you should consider the condition and positioning of the litter box itself. It has to be frequently cleaned out or the cat will not want to use it. It should also be in a quiet space. Cats, like people, like to have their own "bathroom" not in the middle of things. It should also not be very close to the cat's food and water. The size should be just right as well -large enough, but also small enough to feel like a distinct space.

Does your cat scratch or bite? This can obviously be an undesirable situation, especially if it leaves you with cuts! As with litter box issues, you should have the cat checked out physically, especially if the behavior is recent. On the other hand, if the cat has always been aggressive, it may simply be not socialized or perhaps it was a feral cat not used to being around people at all. For these situations, you will have to have some patience and realize that the cat needs to be gradually tamed and accustomed to human companionship.

Watch your cats movements and body language when it is aggressive. Learn when it is "safe" to touch him/her (until your training efforts have paid off, when it should be safe most of the time). You should also make sure your cat gets enough exercise. Make time to play with your cat, every day if possible. This both gives the cat exercise and is a bonding ritual. If your cat is not spayed, you should have it done; this will make the cat calmer and less aggressive.

I have provided a starting point in addressing some common behavioral problems. You may need to further educate yourself and spend some time working with your cat. Just remember that the vast majority of cats will respond to the right kind of attention and can be transformed into wonderful pets!

Article Source: http://articlem.com


If you want to improve your relationship with your cat, you might want to explore these resources: cat behavior problems ,covering all aspects of cat ownership and problem cats
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.