How To Simply Train And Discipline A Cat (Part 1)

Cats are marvelous animals with a distinct style of their own. If you have chosen a cat you probably already understand that training and disciplining them requires some careful thought. You will need to some extent to adapt to your cat’s personality.

Most cat owners realistically aren’t looking for a cat trained to jump through hoops. They will be satisfied if the litter box is used well and all the furniture is left intact.

Accordingly, it’s good to realize that cats learn through experience. This may require an owner to exercise patience, to build a pattern of cause and effect. In other words, if they encounter a good thing they are likely to do it again. Also, the reverse is true, especially if the experience was unpleasant. So whatever there’s good behavior (like using the pet scratching post instead of your furniture!), you will want to encourage that with a reward, perhaps a treat each time.

Whether it’s good or bad behavior, your cat will learn by this pattern of ‘immediate’ response. Delaying a punishment or reward will only confuse her. As an example, if a cat is fed each and every time it pesters you, that will encourage the behavior. So it is important to gage your reactions appropriately.

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