Cat Training Tips For Beginners

Domesticated cats have lost their ability to fend for themselves.  They are no longer like cats in the wild.  Household pets depend on human beings for proper care and feeding.  To learn more about caring for your cat read up on educational materials.  Your local humane society will provide you with free educational materials, as will your vet.  You can also find good reading on responsible cat ownership at the bookstore or library.  Here are some tips for how to care for a cat.

You may not know it, but cats can be trained.  Like other animal training programs gentle, positive training will work best.  Offer your cat a treat when they behave correctly or as you have taught them.  When they misbehave just ignore them.

Even though cats are relatively clean, it’s good to bathe your cat about every three weeks.  You can use a mild soap which you have at home, or purchase a specialty product made just for cats.  Some cats are difficult to bathe.  Prevent bath time from becoming difficult by bathing your cat from the time it is a kitten.  When bath time is over, reward your cat with a snack.

Do everything you can to make the bath fun and rewarding for your cat.  Don’t hit or punish your cat at bath time.  This will only cause your cat to be more apprehensive about bathing in the future.

Don’t forget to clean your cat’s ears and nails with a gentle q-tip.  Towel dry your cat after its bath.  Don’t even consider using a blow dryer.  The noise and hot air will scare the cat, and the hot air can damage your cat’s sensitive skin.  Brush your cat after the towel dry.

Unless you want to sleep in cat hair, consider getting the cat its own bed.  Most cats like to sleep with their owner or beside the bed.  You can set up their bed beside your own.

Keep the cat litter box in a place where the cat can easily reach it, but where the smell will not disturb you or your family.  Keep the litter box clean for the health and safety of your family and your cat. Keep some of these tips in mind when it comes to choosing a pet for kids as well.