Cats are intelligent animals. When it comes to kitten training, it can be a rewarding journey. It is important to start early due to the curious and impressionable kittenhood period. Hence, they learn quickly.
Kitten training is mainly about establishing respectful and clear means of communication between you and your pet. You must be patient and offer loving guidance to ensure a well-behaved and cooperative adult cat.
What To Do With Kittens While At Work?
Cats are popular pets due to their independent nature. They can help themselves with food, water, and a clean litter box. This can come in handy for people who work full-time. You can be away from home for 8-9 hours while ensuring your cat is cared for while at work.
Provide Food & Water
Your cat’s food and water can be taken care of by ensuring to leave a small bowl of food and water. For cats that may require a lot of food, an automatic feeder can help. It can dispense food at set times. You can also keep a water fountain to keep water available throughout the day.
Keep a Clean Litter Box
Cats can be trained to use litter boxes. Thus, when healthy, they will use it without needing you. You can also use an automatic litter box for easier cleanup. Kittens, rescue, or semi-feral cats might need multiple litter boxes in different areas to prevent accidents. Cats with health issues may also soil outside the litter box.
Install a Cat Door
These are a great way to give your cats access to come and go during the day. They can enjoy fresh air or if you have a catio-like similar setup.
Cat-Proof Your House
This can help save your cats from any possible trouble. It can be challenging with agile and curious cats. But you can start by moving valuables to high shelves or into closed rooms that your cat can’t access.
Leave Toys Around
Keeping a variety of toys around the house will ensure that your cats are entertained. This will keep them from boredom and destructive behavior. Such toys include scratch posts, cat trees, and small toys. Simple items like empty boxes can also provide entertainment. Consider electronic toys for high-energy cats.
How To Teach Your Kitten Tricks?
Try these three fun tricks with your kitten.
Fetch
To teach your cat to fetch, rub some tuna water on their favorite toy. And throw it just out of reach to engage their hunting instincts. Be patient—it may take a few sessions for your cat to learn. If your cat brings the toy to you, click and treat. Once they are able to get the toy, you may start using the word fetch.
Sit
Sit on the floor with a clicker in one hand and a treat in the other. Call your cat to you and hold the treat slightly above their head. They follow the treat with their eyes and sit, click, and reward. Reward only for a good sitting position as they improve. When your cat sits reliably, start adding the cue word “sit.”
High five
Start teaching your cat a low five before progressing to a high five. Begin by asking your cat to sit and offer a high-value treat. Encourage your cat to reach for the treat in your hand, clicking and rewarding when they do. Once they consistently reach for the treat, add a cue word like “tap” as you present your hand, then praise and reward. Practice this daily for a few minutes as a fun game, and soon your cat will give you high fives on command.
How To Train A Kitten To Cuddle?
Not all cats are cuddly! They’re independent and will only spend time with you on their terms. Sometimes they may sit on your lap. While other times they may prefer to be nearby on a rug or high perch, or off on their own. Also, some cats might never become cuddly at all. So, that is okay!
You may try some kitten training tips to help your cat become cuddly.
- Start from an early age
- Never force them to do anything they don’t want to
- Build a relationship with your kitty
- Create a secure environment
- Choose the Right Time
- Use their favorite blanket
- Use Rewards
- Find their soft spot!
- Encourage them to be calm.
How To House Train A Kitten?
Introduce Your Kitten to the Litter Box
Litter box training is an essential part of kitten training.
So, once your litter box area is ready, you may follow the steps to help train your kitten.
Step 1: Show the litter box to your kitten. Let them sniff it.
Step 2: Keep your kitten inside the litter box.They might start pawing at the litter or using the box instinctively. If they don’t, gently demonstrate the pawing action by running your fingers through the clean litter.
Step 3: If your kitten didn’t use a litter box during the initial introduction. Then place them in a box after they eat, drink, or wake up from a nap. Repeat, until they start using it independently.
Reinforce Good Litter Box Habits
When your kitten uses the litter box correctly, immediately reward them with a favorite treat to create a positive association. If they make a mistake, don’t punish or yell. Calmly clean up with an enzymatic cleaner without reacting further.
Conclusion
Kitten training can help you strengthen your bond with them. And you can teach them various tricks with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. This will ensure a cat who is well-adjusted and happy.
