| PET
BASICS > BASIC CAT SUPPLIES
> TRAINING YOUR CAT |
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Litter
Box Training – Cats are naturally clean animals
and will learn to use the box very quickly. When you first
bring your cat home, put her/him in a long-term confinement
area, outfitted with a comfortable bed, fresh water, a
litter box, a scratching post and toys. Once your cat
has become accustomed to its new playroom, you can allow
her/him to begin to explore. It
is important that you supervise your cat’s freedom
initially. Once s/he has learned where to eliminate
and what is OK to scratch, you can give the cat full run
of the house. Click here for more information on litter box training. |
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Scratch
Post Training – Scratch post training begins
in your cat’s long-term confinement area. Draw your
kitty to the post by sprinkling it with catnip and hanging
toys or stuffed Kongs on it. There are also several types
of flat scratching pads with attached toys to draw the
cat to the pad. When your kitty first comes out of her/his
long-term confinement area, you should supervise its scratching
and reward your cat for using the post. If you catch your
cat scratching something other than the post or pad, gently
carry her/him to the correct scratching place and reward
her/him when s/he scratches there. |
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Biting
and Scratching – Rough play involving biting
and scratching you is common in a cat under two years
of age, especially in an only cat. Use toys – not
hands – to teach your kitty the correct way to play
with humans. If the cat is playing too roughly, redirect
her/his attention to a toy (wrestling toys are particularly
important in single-cat households). Rub the toy gently
against your cat’s belly to encourage it to wrestle.
If s/he continues to play roughly with you after you have
redirected her/him to the toy, withdraw your attention
from the cat – simply leave the room. If you pick
your cat up when s/he’s misbehaving, your attention
rewards the behavior. Removing yourself is the most effective
way to stop misbehavior. By taking yourself out of the
picture, you instantly stop the fun. |
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Nail
Clipping – Gently handle your cat’s paws
on a regular basis to prepare her/him for claw clipping.
With clipper in hand, slowly massage the cat’s pad,
and present a tasty treat. When your cat becomes comfortable
with you handling its paw, place your thumb on the back
of the paw, your index finger on the pad, and squeeze
the pad gently. This causes the cat to reveal its claws.
Clip the sharp tips of the nails, being careful to avoid
the pink quick. Don’t forget to give a treat. |
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Recall
Training – Even your indoor cat should come
to you when you call. With a tasty treat in hand, summon
your cat. Have her/him follow you from room to room before
presenting the treat. |
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