Kitten Training

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The idea of kitten training may seem strange to you. After all, we are told that it's impossible to train cats.

Well, firstly, cat training is possible. And secondly, the earlier you start, the more beneficial it will be.

The following tips and examples are just as relevant for training older cats, but naturally, the earlier you start, the better the results will be.

Tips On Kitten Training

Be patient. Remember that the process is just as important, if not more important, than the successful outcome. You are spending time with your kitten in a very focused and loving way. She'll benefit more from your attention than from anything else, so don't worry if it takes a while for her to grasp what you are trying to teach her. Besides, each cat learns at a different rate. Don't lose your cool, keep it fun.

Unless your vet advises otherwise, don't leave food out for your kitten to graze on during the day. Stick to a twice daily feeding routine. This has the benefit of helping your cat to enjoy her reward treats more and also gives your cat a routine, most cats love routine.

Don't expect too much from your cat. Start with short sessions and very basic commands (see below). Allow for your cat's short attention span and keep it fun, interesting and upbeat.

An Example Of Kitten Training

This is how you would train your kitten to sit at your command.

You'll need a training wand and a clicker for this exercise. You can purchase these from pet supply shops. You can make your own wand from a short length of bamboo stake from the garden and secure a fluffy feather to the tip.

Extra tip: If your cat can't stay focused for more than a few seconds, try dabbing a little oil from a can of tuna on the tip. You'll get a pretty different result when you waft it past her face if it smells like dinner!

• Hold the wand over her head and just slightly behind so that she has to look up and back.
• If your cat was standing, she should sit down now as she can't tilt her head back far enough when she's standing.
• As she sits down, say 'Sit'. (Your cat will eventually associate this command with the act of sitting, and over time will learn to sit down whenever you ask her to.)
• As soon as her bottom is on the ground you must click your clicker. Don't miss a beat or she won't get the association right.
• Praise her and give her a small treat. We're talking food here, something she can’t resist and small enough so that she can just gulp it down and not forget why she got it.
• Move back from your cat so that she has to stand to follow you and the wand (and those treats!). Repeat the training process and see if she will do it again.
• 3 or 4 times a session should be enough. Make sure you have some games and play as well as the training.
• Once you think she is getting the hang of it you can start phasing out the training aids. But never give the command to sit unless you are ready with the clicker and a treat or she will assert her will and give you the cold shoulder.
• Once she confidently sits on command, then the clicker can be phased out.

Extra Tip: Keep giving treats sometimes. It seems that unexpected treats are more likely to keep cats keen, more so than reliable treats. Perhaps they get bored if it's too easy?!

Kitten Training Resource

Don’t just stop at 'sit', there are a whole range of commands that kittens and cats are capable of following.

And don’t forget, these commands don’t just make your life easier, they have the added benefit of improving your relationship with your cat and giving you both a great outlet for play together that keeps those teeth and claws completely out of the picture.

The best resource I've been able to find on kitten training and cat training is the Complete Cat Training Book.

And the best thing about it is that not only does it provide step-by-step advice on training your cat, it also goes into complete detail about solving problem cat behavior, cat psychology and how to have the best relationship with your cat that you can.

The book comes with a money back guarantee and a free email consultation with a cat behavior expert, plus more freebies on cat treats and cat pampering. Read more here…

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