How Cats See Us – And What It Means
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cat Training Information
It is frequently said that cats are not pets in the typical sense of the word. That is to say that, although a dog feels very much that its owner is its master, a cat thinks very much that it owns its owner, and that we are their humans rather than them being our cats. While there is some kernel of truth in the suggestion that cats are more independent than dogs, this is not quite how it works. It would be more accurate to say that cats see us as being other cats.
To your cat, you are essentially just a big ugly clumsy cat that can’t or won’t hunt. This can work in your favor. Although there is less of a hierarchical aspect to how cats behave – while packs of dogs usually have a “leader”, cats are more egalitarian – you still have the power to a large extent. It is you who controls the food, and you who solves the “problems” that a cat may have. Therefore, a cat may feel indebted to you for feeding it and fussing it, and this is beneficial in terms of training.
It is futile to attempt to persuade a cat to ignore its instincts. These are what cats live by and what they revert to when they do not have you to call upon, so they will never be overridden. However, by being ready to reward good behavior with a pleasant treat and by being prepared to put a stop to problem behaviors with a clap or click, you can mold the way a cat behaves – just don’t let that go to your head, and treat a cat with respect. Remember, they were gods in Egypt and have never forgotten the fact. It’s better for you and for them to respond as if to another person within reason, praise and apologize when clumsy or must make them move. Things between them and you will improve.
Problem Miaowing – How To Hush Your Cat
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Cat Training Information, Featured
We all love cats. They are endlessly entertaining, cute as anything, and despite what some people might think they are highly affectionate. Indeed, once you have got the friendship of a cat you are pretty much set for life with your pet. They are highly faithful animals. That’s not to say, though, that they cannot get on your nerves from time to time. There’s no harm in that, really. Humans do that. But sometimes it can become a problem if their behavior gets to a stage where they are more annoying than affectionate.
One of the more common problem behaviors with cats is excessive miaowing. It should be said that, in comparison with a dog’s problem barking, miaowing is far less intrusive to neighbors and other people. Nonetheless, it can be troublesome and it is not something you want to encourage. The immediate solution you should be looking for is to check why your cat is miaowing. Is it hungry? Is it in pain? Or does it just fancy exercising its vocal cords for a time?
If it is the last one, then it can be hard to think of a solution. If it is hungry, you can feed it and if it is in pain then you can treat it. However, if it just seems to like miaowing then you need to think of another way. Often, this kind of miaowing is simply your cat looking for attention. One thing you will find is that if a cat which is miaowing is picked up and fussed, it will usually stop. Sometimes all they want is to be the center of attention.
Cat Training Equipment – The Zapper Collar
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
One thing that people find with cats, perhaps more than any other domestic pet, is that the cat’s behavior will often be very much exactly what suits them, and that trying to persuade it to act against its instincts is something of a battle. There is no doubt whatsoever that cats are more comfortable behaving the way their instincts tell them, and so it is important to work with its instincts to make sure that it behaves in a way you can live with.
One very common behavior that is shown by cats who are used to getting their own way is scratching, when a cat gives its claws a workout by picking at furniture or carpets, and even when you call its name to warn it against doing so it tends to continue. Equally, a lot of cats have a tendency to “over-bury” in the litter tray, scratching away at the litter for a prolonged period until such time as it is physically removed.
One thing that is often used by owners to prevent cats from behaving in such a manner is the zapper collar. Some of these collars emit an electric shock which provides an impetus to stop problem behavior. However, there is great debate over whether this is a humane solution to problem behaviors. Many zapper collars are less than humane – after all, would you physically hit your cat for carrying out such behaviors? That is what it amounts to. However, more humane variations, including one that sprays a citrus scent (unpleasant but not injurious to cats), may be a worthwhile investment.
Litter Training Can Save Your Carpet
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
When you have a new cat, it is generally accepted that it is going to have its share of “little accidents” when it comes to using the toilet. As cats are creatures of instinct, it is only normal that, when it comes to performing natural bodily functions, it will basically respond to the “law of the jungle”, or to be more accurate it will urinate and defecate where it sees fit. If your cat is an indoor pet, this will generally take the shape of going on your carpet or hardwood floor, and then trying unsuccessfully to bury it.
Most people on buying a cat instantly also buy some necessary equipment, such as a litter tray. However, persuading a cat to go in the litter tray is not always easy. Such trays are filled with “cat litter”, which is usually made from natural substances and allows the cat to go to the toilet somewhere that it can bury what it has done. However, a tray filled with litter is not the same as a forest floor. It is also usually very specifically positioned, taking away the cat’s chance to go where it wants, so you need to be firm with training it.
Unlike humans, cats have a very quick digestive cycle, so the important thing when training one to use a litter tray is to wait for a few minutes after feeding, and then physically place the cat in the tray. It will discover that the litter enables it to bury what it has done, and in time will acclimatise to using the tray as its most efficient way of following its instincts.
The Carrot Is Better Than The Stick
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
When a cat owner looks for the first time to train their cat – or at least, to correct certain problem behaviors – they will often find themselves asking the same question that is asked by trainers all over the world. Do I take the disciplinarian attitude that my rules must be followed (or there will be trouble), or do I decide that my cat will behave like it is supposed to (because it will be rewarded if it does)? This is a philosophical question – do you prefer to punish or reward?
In reality, it is probably a lot better to take the second way in this question, because cats are like people in that they react better to the promise of something good than the threat of something bad. Many people will tell you that cats simply don’t think in this way, but a simple little test will be all you need to see how a cat responds to repetitive actions. When you go to the cupboard where its food is stored, you will notice that the cat often runs over to you and either miaows or starts rubbing against you. The reason for this is that it has learned from habit that when you go to that spot, good things follow.
When you train a cat, a dog, or even a human being, by always having the threat of harsh treatment hanging over them you will only get one result. A timid being who is not free with their affections, and who may eventually turn on you in a most unpleasant manner.
How Many Is A Crowd?
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
A large number of cat owners have more than one cat. There are varying reasons for this, and the reasons will often dictate the dynamic. Sometimes in a household, even though the pets are nominally a family animal, you will find that a cat (or a dog for that matter) is often referred to as being attached to a specific member of the family. For this reason, sometimes a family will get more pets so that everyone has their “own”. This doesn’t always work out.
Another reason for getting more pets is that people find that a cat will be more content if it has a playmate. This theory works, up to a point, but anyone who has introduced a new cat into a household where one already exists will know that there are some drawbacks to the theory. Namely that if you introduce a new cat onto an older cat’s “turf”, the older one will not willingly give up any of its space.
Usually, though, a cat will eventually welcome a new pet into the house and will begin to form a bond with it. This helps training because – along with the increased contentment of having a “prowling partner” – each cat will be a lot more keen to follow instructions if they see that their fellow cat is doing the same and not having any problems as a result. Indeed, in many ways you are “leading by example” because a cat who recognizes the right way to act – through witnessing it in another – will be quicker to pick it up.
Learn Your Cat’s Likes And Dislikes
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
A common remark from owners who are trying to train their cat is that it is like banging their head against a brick wall. “I try to do what I’m supposed to, but in all honesty it’s like the cat is training me to do what it wants”, they will say. And although there is some truth in the suggestion that you have to give a little to get a little, it is important to remember that the only thing which really matters in terms of training a cat is that you get to the end result with a cat who is happy.
Know that your cat has certain “lines” which it does not like to cross. Some cats, for as long as they live, really do not like to be picked up. This is not something you can train or chivvy them into liking. If you do lift them, their response will be to squirm and try to escape. For some owners this is disappointing, but it is vitally important not to try to force a cat into liking something it just doesn’t like. All you will get is a discontented kitty.
If you train your cat by applying a sense of what it likes and does not like, by giving it treats you know it enjoys and avoiding taking things down roads which simply make your pet annoyed, then you will get a lot further, a lot faster. A happy cat is always going to be a lot more open to going along with what you want than one who feels that it is simply being prevented from doing what it wants. The psychology is largely universal, but many people think they can win over a cat through force of will. This just won’t happen.
Is This A Good Time?
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
When you want your cat to behave in a sane, reasonable manner it is only right to teach it good behavior, and to give it the kind if conditions that allow it to feel loved and feel love in return – this way, it is a lot less likely to react to things in a hostile manner. However, you do have to pick your moment with a cat, because trying to get the best response depends inherently on having the best conditions in which to train.
For one thing, it is a very bad idea to try to train a cat which has until very recently been sleeping. Picking a cat up from its basket or its favorite spot in order to train it is unlikely to get you good results. You’ll be trying to get the cat to understand commands and respond to them in the right way, and it will merely be looking back to the warm spot it has just vacated through no choice of its own and hoping very much that it can go back soon, please.
Training a cat when it has just eaten is also something that should be avoided as far as possible. You are just less likely to get a good response from a cat who sees no real reason to co-operate. If there is just the edge of hunger a cat will be more attentive, very much in the hope that it will get some food, but if it has just eaten then all it will want to do is curl up and have a nap.
You Cannot Train A Cat…
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
In the never-ending debate over cats and dogs, a theory frequently advanced by the dog fraternity is that cats are impossible to train, and for this reason dogs are better per se. The attitude is that, because you can find guide dogs and sniffer dogs, while there are no cats employed in these sectors, that dogs are inherently more intelligent and more amenable to training. However, it is nothing more than invention to say that cats are too stupid to be trained, or so independent that they will not respond to training.
It is certainly possible to train a cat to a certain extent. Though the make-up of their character may be such that they will not ever become guide or sniffer animals, they are far from stupid and they can be trained. All that it requires is a modicum of patience and a firm hand. Oh, and some treats may be useful as well. Cats, like dogs – and even humans – will respond better to any kind of training if their performance within that training is suitably rewarded.
In fact, it is precisely because cats are not stupid that it is possible to train them. In the same way as human beings and indeed dogs, if you create the connection in a cat’s mind and instincts between good behavior and good reward, they will naturally behave better. Also like humans and dogs, cats have different levels of taking to training. This means that you need to persist, even if it seems that it’s never going to take.
When Cats Go Crazy
December 6, 2011 by admin
Filed under Common Cat Problems Solved
Every cat owner has the same problem. When our cats behave as normal, they are a joy to live with. They are cute, they are often very loving, and they do some highly amusing things when they are relaxed and think that no-one is looking. Then, all of a sudden, they take leave of their senses and start running around the house or apartment at high speeds and perhaps making noises that sound like something out of a horror movie. We, as owners, sit in stunned silence and wonder what the heck is going on.
As small predator/prey it is built into every cat that they will respond to anything they sense – whether it is real or perceived – and sometimes they sense things that you cannot see and sometimes they are looking at something you should check out, like a big bug.
There are those people who think that cats are more tuned in to the paranormal world, and that they act as they do because they’ve seen a ghost. More likely, it is because of climatic conditions. High winds, drafts and loud noises get some bizarre reactions from cats.
It can also be as simple as the temperature has come down to a point where you cats are able to exercise their cat like super-powers to run amok about the house.
If it begins to bother you that your cat responds to things in this way, then it is important to take them out of their pattern of behavior. If your cat responds to high winds by scampering around and yowling, then the best thing to do is try to move them to somewhere more central in the house, and speak to them in a soothing way until such time as they calm down. For the rest of the time, the best bet is to limit the amount of space they have to run. Quickly, they will understand that they are in no danger.
