Cat Training 101

Yes, cats are very trainable! The problem is that often people only think about training a cat when cats exhibit undesirable (but perfectly natural!) behaviors such as scratching.

So what do we do? Sadly, many opt for aversive training and reach for a water spray bottle… and it doesn’t work! Cat only gets sprayed when a human is around… if a cat scratches and you’re not there, nothing bad happens! It gets punished only when you are there, and the cat learns that you cannot be trusted. Punishment won’t save your furniture but it may teach your cat to fear you!

What to do instead? Use positive training! Reward the cat for using the scratch post, and gently redirect if it goes for the couch — by moving it to the appropriate area, and again rewarding it there.

Remember that cats are never spiteful or intentionally naughty; they only do what their instincts and experience tells them!

Check out this video by Jackson Galaxy!

https://youtu.be/WJcWoksdlOM