Pets and Animals World

Cats, like dogs, learn best through rewards, praise, and positive reinforcement. Because cats are more independent than dogs, you will probably focus your training efforts on socializing your cat to live harmoniously with humans.

• Coming when called. With most cats, all you have to do is shake the box of cat food or run the electric can opener and they will come running. Apply the same principle to your voice command. Before feeding time, hold out a reward of food and, using a calm, friendly voice, tell your cat to “Come”. When he obeys, offer praise and the food. Gradually, increase your distance from the cat until he learns to respond to your calls even when there is no visible reward.
• Biting and scratching. This behavior in cats is often a result of aggressive play. Your cat needs an outlet for these tendencies. Schedule regular play times with your cat – several times each day – using a string or a toy attached to a stick or fishing pole. If biting and scratching continue to be a problem, carry a squirt gun or plant sprayer with you at all times and give the cat a quick squirt when he bites or scratches. You might prefer to fill a can with small rocks and shake it at your cat when he bites or scratches. The goal is to interrupt the aggressive behavior and form an unpleasant association with biting and scratching.
• Clawing at furniture. Cover the furniture that the cat is scratching with tinfoil, double-sided tape, or balloons. Place a sturdy scratching post nearby. When you catch your cat using the scratching post, be sure to praise him.
• Picky eating habits. If you have a finicky eater, cut back on the amount of food you feed your cat and remove his dish 20 minutes after feeding time. This should restore your cat’s interest in dinner.
• Teaching your cat to stay away from food on the counter, the stove top, and the table. Booby-trap countertops and other places off-limits to your cat by taping together “shake cans” – cans with rocks inside – and placing them close to the edge of the surface. The cat’s movement will knock the cans to the floor, creating a racket and startling the cat. Another deterrent is to place contact paper, sticky-side up, on the surface. When the cat jumps up, he will have an unpleasant surprise and come to realize that the countertop (or stove, or tabletop) is not the place to be.

Adapting to a new baby or another pet

As with a dog, give your cat special consideration when bringing a new baby or new pet into your home. Your cat may have trouble adjusting to the newest member of the family, but there are steps you can take to ease the transition.

To help your cat adjust to a new baby:

• Invite a friend with a baby to your home. The goal is to get your cat used to babies.
• Ask friends to record their baby crying. Play the tape softly in your own home to help your cat get used to the sound.
• Bring the baby’s blanket home first. Do this before the baby comes home to allow the cat to become accustomed to the scent.
• Sit quietly with the baby and allow the cat to approach on his own terms.
• Talk nicely to your cat and pet him when the baby is near. This will create positive associations with the infant.
• Don’t change the cat’s routine. Keep to the same feeding and play times as before the baby’s arrival.

To help your cat adjust to a new pet:

• Have a friend bring in the new pet, if possible.
• If the new pet is a cat, put him into a room and close the door. This will allow both cats to sniff each other through the door. After an hour, open the door and let the first cat meet his new roommate on his own terms. Alternatively, leave the new cat in its carrier while the first cat becomes acquainted.
• Give your cat a safe retreat. This is especially important when introducing a new dog into the family.