Train Your Cat

Teaching kitty new tricks and behaviors is easier than you think

BY PAM JOHNSON-BENNETT

Common ideology among cat and dog guardians goes something like this: dogs are the interactive, trainable species, while cats are independent and aloof. But why is it that we tend to only associate trainingwith our canine companions? When you adopt a dog, you anticipate that you’ll be house-training, teaching leash manners, helping him learn snazzy new tricks and more. When we get a kitty, however, we assume that he will be low maintenance. He will intuitively know to use a litter box, won’t need to be exercised and can be left alone for long periods of time. As a result, no effort is put into feline training. Is it any wonder that we wind up confused and frustrated when our low-key kitty scratches the furniture, jumps on the counter or bites the houseguest?

Contrary to popular belief, cats are very intelligent and trainable. To better put it, we have to stop looking at so-called misbehaviors with the attitude our cats are stupid, mean or spiteful. Behaviors serve a purpose or animals wouldn’t repeat them. You can create a harmonious relationship with your cat by simply pinpointing what she is getting from a particular behavior and then offering her an acceptable alternative that is of equal or increased value. Finally, reward her when she chooses the acceptable alternative.

To show you how smart and trainable your cat really is, let’s teach him to sit on command. It’s something we regularly associate with dogs but rarely would think about training a cat to do.

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