The nature of a kitten is not like a puppy, therefore training a cat is not the same as training a dog. For someone who is used to training dogs, the process of training a cat will be more challenging. This is because cats tend to be independent and less interested in humans. However, with the right technique and a lot of patience, you can train your kitten to be a happy, healthy, and most importantly, obedient companion.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Training the Kitten to Blend in
Step 1. Allow your mother kitten to mingle with her for about eight weeks
It usually takes kittens at least two months to learn to blend in with their mother before they separate. During this time, it is the mother who must "train" her kittens to be good and manageable kittens.
- Kittens are weaned at one month of age. At eight weeks of age, he will completely separate from his mother and should be able to digest heavy food.
- Leave the mother cat with the kittens for at least two months before separating them. Mother cats must train their kittens to learn to know their strengths, how to eat properly, and to use the litter box.
Step 2. Don't buy kittens that are weaned too young
If you buy a kitten from a store, make sure you know its age. Kittens that are weaned too young are usually more aggressive and will require more rigorous training than kittens that are weaned at the right time.
Step 3. Continue teaching your kitten to blend in
Pets should learn to blend in from a young age. Starting from two weeks of age, kittens should be invited to mingle with various groups-old and young, male and female, and various physical appearances. This should be done twice a day for about 5-10 minutes. The more often you do the better.
- If your kitten doesn't mix well with humans, you'll have a hard time training it because the kitten will always be wary and distrustful of humans. So, your first task is to make your kitten fearless.
- If your kitten is over 8 weeks old and still not used to being around humans, they will tend to act like a domestic or “wild” cat. Unfortunately, this habit will be difficult to change once it is established, and your kitten will grow up to be an anti-social cat.
Step 4. Be patient when teaching your cat how to blend in
Since you can't force your cat to do something, your weapon is patience. It's also a good idea to give your kitten positive rewards so he can relate his impressions of you to pleasant experiences.
Lie on the floor while watching TV, and keep a snack or two in your hand or pocket. Lying down will make your position less threatening, and the kitten will come to you because it's curious about you. Reward her bravery by giving her a snack. This will make the kitten think that humans like good food, which can lead them to come to you in the future
Step 5. Provide positive support
Yelling at your cat for something wrong is a bad way to train it. Give him a gift as a positive response to something good he has to repeat. That way, your cat will get rid of his old bad habits. This is the easiest way to change a cat's habits.
- If your cat does something you don't like, shut up your cat. Usually, cats will try to attract attention by meowing at the door or scratching at something. If that doesn't get your attention, he will give up his bad habits.
- A gift for your cat can be a nice treat as most cats have a favorite treat. If your kitten isn't interested in a particular food, try feeding it a few different types of food to see which your cat likes.
Step 6. Don't punish your kitten
Punishing a kitten may provide some development, but it can make your cat even more mischievous. Take for example when your cat pees in the middle of your living room rug. If you punish or scare your cat, they will attribute the punishment to their impression of you, not to their bad behavior. The kitten will then be careful not to defecate in your presence.
This can backfire on you as the kitten will secretly defecate in unreachable places. They'll also be reluctant to use their litter box if they see you
Step 7. Make a mother cat sound when you don't like your kitten's behavior
When mother cats punish their kittens, they make a "click" sound at the back of their throat that you can imitate. By following the habits they did as a child, your kitten's disciplining process will be more effective.
All you have to do is click your tongue against the roof of your mouth when your cat scratches or does something forbidden
Step 8. Use the catnip plant to train the kitten
Training your cat with catnip and rewarding him with treats will be more effective than yelling at him. This can be a great way to draw your cat's attention to scratching posts, toys, or getting them to sleep in certain areas. A little catnip in the bag can keep your cat entertained for hours.
Not all cats are attracted to catnip, and that makes your task even more difficult. If your cat isn't interested, you can try giving them something they like to get their attention, such as a treat
Step 9. Provide plenty of area for your cat
If your cat keeps climbing the kitchen table or going to a restricted area just to look around, don't yell at her. This makes your cat afraid of you. It's a good idea to place a foothold or bench in a nearby area, then lure the kitten by storing some catnip and treats on it. That way, he can jump onto the step or bench and see the whole area from up there.
Make sure that the footing is a special place for your cat. If your cat jumps on the kitchen counter again, move them there
Step 10. Play with your kitten regularly
To prevent your cat from misbehaving, link play to your cat's feeding routine. Before eating, exercise their hunting instincts by playing with threads, ribbons, laser beams, and so on. This is an important part of your cat's daily routine. Without it, your cat will be moody or even overexcited.
Take out the toys and make your cat jump or run, then catch your cat and make him eat. Usually, after eating, the cat will take care of itself first and then sleep. Have the kitten play for at least 20 minutes or it stops
Method 2 of 6: Training a Kitten to Eat
Step 1. Find out your cat's diet
There are two principles regarding cat feeding that affect your cat's diet. In general, you can feed your cat constantly or at certain times, but don't do both things at the same time. Some cats will just leave their food when they are full. This may be the easiest way for you as long as you can manage your food intake.
How to feed a cat by providing food at all times is called ad lib feeding. This method is inspired by the way cats eat in the wild, namely by eating their food little by little. Cats that are not easily bored, easily entertained, and have good mental stimulation can usually control their own calorie intake and can be trusted with ad lib feeding
Step 2. Feed the kitten regularly if he is overeating
The main problem with cats overeating is that they get bored easily or are under stimulation so they can't control their calorie intake.
Usually, this type of cat will meow when asking for food when food is not available. Therefore, you must make a feeding schedule. Kittens are usually fed four times a day until they are 12 weeks old, and three times a day until they are 6 months old. Once your cat is an adult, you can feed it twice a day, in the morning and at night. Do it at the same time every day
Step 3. Feed your cat the right foods
Kittens will gain two or three times their weight in the early weeks of growth. This means that kittens usually have a diet that is higher in calories and fat than adult cats. Commercial food usually makes a cat age limit for each food product. Therefore, kittens should be given special kitten food.
Do not feed kittens adult cat food, and vice versa. The calories in each of these types of food are different and can result in malnutrition for kittens who eat food for adult cats, and excess weight in adult cats who eat food for kittens
Step 4. Provide clean water at all times
The cat will start meowing if it doesn't get what it needs. This can become a long, annoying habit. Make sure you do proper training the first time you do it if you don't want to retrain your cat. If your cat knows the jar will be refilled before it's empty, it won't meow. Stay alert to take care of your cat's needs.
Step 5. Do not feed the cat with your food
Human foods such as garlic, onions, chocolate, grapes, and raisins can poison cats. In addition, if your cat is used to asking for your food, he will continue to interrupt every time you are about to eat. Remember not to give your cat anything other than cat food, and feed him at the right times.
- Don't give milk. The assumption that says kittens should be fed milk is actually not true. Foods containing milk cannot be digested by cats, and will cause your cat to have diarrhea.
- Cats should only eat tuna as a snack once or twice a week. Most cats love canned fish, but these foods don't actually have the nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. Tuna also makes cats addicted. If your cat only eats tuna, he will be like a human who only eats chips.
Method 3 of 6: Training the Kitten to Use the Sandbox
Step 1. Buy a simple cat litter box
A simple box is usually what cats like best. A clean litter box is a cat's preferred environment for doing its “needs.” Don't use a litter box that's too sophisticated, as it can frighten your cat.
- A litter box with a lid can hold cat litter better, but it will be difficult for your cat to access it. If you're having trouble keeping your cat in a box, try using a simpler, more open box.
- If you don't want to clean your cat's litter, don't have a cat. There are many special tools and equipment to help you clean it. The point is cleaning cat litter is something you must do.
Step 2. Put your cat in the litter box
If you want your cat to use the litter box, all you have to do is place it in the box. Cats want to pee in exactly the same place, so you just have to put them in the box to show them where they can go.
- Some trainers recommend sitting down with your cat, and forcing him to touch the litter box a few times, to get him used to the atmosphere. Its function is to trigger your cat's instinct to cover its litter with sand after using the box.
- If your kitten becomes tense because you're holding her paw, don't continue.
Step 3. Place the litter box in a quiet corner of the room
Kittens usually feel threatened when they have a bowel movement. With walls on the left and right, the kitten will feel more secure because he only has to watch out for predators from the front.
Also, avoid storing the litter box next to the washing machine or other appliances that make noises or move suddenly. If the machine is running while the kitten is in the box, it will be startled and frightened when it comes to using the litter box
Step 4. Clean the litter box regularly
Cats want to wear the litter box with ease. The main reason why cats litter is because the litter box can't be used. Usually because the litter box is too difficult to access, you changed the sand too often, or it's too dirty.
The litter box should be cleaned every day. Use a shovel to remove feces and urine, and change the sand regularly to keep it clean. If you find the box very smelly, your cat feels the same way. Always remember that
Step 5. Use one type of sand
Changing the type of litter can be confusing for your cat. You can use sand that is odorless and made from natural materials to provide the best possible environment.
- Avoid using scented sand. Maybe this type of sand is pleasant to smell for humans, but the smell is too strong for kittens who have more sensitive noses. This will discourage the kitten from using the litter box.
- Use enough clean sand so your cat has room to cover the litter with her paws. Cats don't want to touch their own urine, just like humans do.
Step 6. Don't put anything but sand in the litter box
Don't tease your cat by putting toys, treats, or food in the litter box. Cats don't want to eat where they pee, and keeping food in the litter box can make it confusing to decide where to go and where to eat.
Method 4 of 6: Training a Kitten Using a Clicker
Step 1. Introduce the clicker when your cat was small
A good time to introduce a clicker is when your cat is still small. A clicker is a "click-click" device that you can use to indicate good behaviors that your cat should repeat. This is a great way to teach your cat a few tricks, and can also be used to summon her.
Step 2. Connect the clicker with the snack
Start by making a “click-click” sound and then give your kitten a treat. When you do this, the kitten will associate the clicking sound with the reward. When they start coming up to you and waiting to be treated to a treat, click their clicker and give them a treat. Keep doing this until you're sure your kitten can obey you.
- Normally, the reward for cats is food, although there are also cats who are not interested in food. However, every cat has at least one type of food that they like, and all you have to do is figure out what that food is.
- Experiment with different types of food such as meat, tuna, chicken, fish, and shrimp. If your cat eats her favorite food, she will gorge on it and meow for more.
Step 3. Train your kitten when he is not full
If the cat is full he will not care about the gift of food. To begin this exercise, offer your kitten a treat, and when he accepts it, press his clicker. Do this 3 to 4 times, then let your cat sit for a while. Keep repeating until your cat obeys you.
Step 4. Mark good behavior with a “click-click” sound
When your kitten manages to associate a "click" with a treat, you can make a "click" sound as an initial reward for doing good. After that, give your kitten a treat.
Step 5. When the kitten behaves well, make a clicker and give it a reward
You can also combine your command with the word “sit”.
Method 5 of 6: Train the Kitten to Come When You Are Called
Step 1. Train the kitten to come to you when called
Even though it's hard to do, it's a good thing if you manage to do it. This is very useful to help you find your cat if it is lost.
Often kittens will feel scared if they get lost. Using his instincts, he will seek shelter and hide. However, if he is trained to come when called upon, he will be able to overcome his tendency to hide when he is afraid
Step 2. Use short but frequent practice sessions
When training a kitten, you should follow the concept of "short but frequent" training. Cats have the ability to concentrate for a shorter time than dogs. Their focus will disperse after approximately 5 minutes. A good practice time is 3 to 5 minutes per day, or you can give a spontaneous exercise when the kitten is in the mood to play.
Step 3. Choose keywords to call your kitten
When he approaches you, you say the keyword you chose to call him. Use words your cat wouldn't hear in other contexts, so you can use unusual or artificial words.
It's best NOT to use your kitten's name as it can be used in a number of different contexts. If you say “Cute Kitty” in a conversation, you don't mean to call your cat. This can confuse your cat, and weaken the keyword
Step 4. Use the clicker to make the kitten come when prompted
Say the key word, then make a “click” when the cat approaches you to indicate that the behavior is good behavior. After that, immediately give a snack. If you do this regularly, your kitten will come to you when you hear the word.
You can use this principle when training your kitten to perform tricks such as jumping off a table, or shaking hands
Method 6 of 6: Training a Kitten to Claw in its Place
Step 1. Provide a place for the kitten to paw
If you're worried that your kitten will scratch your clothes or furniture, you'll want to provide another place where it can be used. A scratching post with a catnip plant or cardboard underneath can be a good scratching place for a kitten.
Cats must use their nails to keep them sharp and healthy. That means they have to scratch something. There's no point in punishing them for scratching, because they don't do it because they're naughty, but because they have to
Step 2. Reward when your cat uses the scratching post
If you see your cat sharpening their nails in the space provided, give them a treat to keep them going.
Step 3. Always carry a spray bottle with you
A great way to prevent your cat from scratching things it shouldn't be is to gently spray your cat when it scratches something. This can turn your cat away in an instant. After you spray your cat, hide the spray. If your cat finds out you did it, it will be afraid of you.
Step 4. Apply mint-scented oil on areas that should not be scratched
Applying a small amount of mint-scented essential oil to areas that should be avoided can prevent your cat from scratching the area. This is a great way to prevent your cat from scratching your things or furniture.
- The mint scent is a natural cat repellent. Cats don't like the smell of mint. Mint is not harmful to cats, it's just the smell that cats don't like.
- Be sure to be careful when applying essential oils to objects that could be damaged if smeared with the oil. Apply it on a hidden spot to test it before applying the oil to a visible surface.
Tips
- Entertain the kitten by wagging the string in front of him. They will really like it.
- Try to watch your kitten closely, and assess their good and bad behavior. Think of ways to suppress bad behavior and encourage good behavior.
- If you are gentle with your kittens, they will be more gentle and sweet to you.
- Play with your kitten regularly and call him by name so he will know his own name.
