Cat Behavior Chewing

Advantages Of Training Your Cat

I like cats and despite all of the stereotypes; cats are not completely self-sufficient creatures and need us to feed and water them and to protect them from the elements. And, despite all of their protests against it, cats need us to love them. Adopting a cat can be a very rewarding feeling, as well as a major challenge at times. We want our family life to be calm and warm, not frantic and frustrating, so we need all of the members, including the furry ones, to be at their best behavior. Training your cat can ensure that you have a gentle, loving pet that does not eat your furniture and pee in your houseplants. Training your cat does not only protect it from potential dangers, but keeps your belongings safe from destruction as well.

Cats claw, scratch, bite and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys, that is great, but many times they will find something else. Cats that chew on the new divan or the electrical cords are not only destroying property, they are also potentially put their own lives in danger. Young cats will mouth or chew on things for the same reasons that puppies and human babies do- they are exploring their world, as well as teething. Give them substitutes and reward them for chewing on the right items. If an older cat has suddenly developed a urge to gnaw on things other than food or usual toys, then consider whether he is bored, or if it is possible that he has a nutritional deficiency.

Poorly trained cats will often start using the entire house as their personal litter box. If you have ever walked in the house when the litter box needs to be changed, you know how disgusting that can truly be. If your cat is using items like your bed or favorite chair to potty on, he might be sending you a message. Does he loathe the new litter you bought? Did you move his litter box? Or, has something in the cat's environment been changed?

I like cats, but let's face it some cat behavior problems have to be dealt with. There are many guides and resources available that will help you to understand and solve these problems. Some of these problems can also be caused by health issues so make sure you understand what is causing the behavior and your training program will be greatly improved. Understanding cat behaviors and causes is key do developing a well trained cat and creating a loving relationship with your pet which one of the main reasons I like cats.

Before we start training our cats to do something or to stop doing something, we need to look at how cats learn. They don't understand language; they can't read books or attend lectures. They learn by experience. If the experience is good, they will try to repeat it. If the experience is unpleasant, they will try to avoid it in the future.

The cat is a very independent animal, and many cat owners will tell you that this independence is what makes the cat such a comfortable companion around the house and is another reason I like cats. Cats are not as demanding of attention as dogs. And, unlike dogs, most cats don't make any particular effort to win your approval and often wait for you to come to them rather than run around trying to catch your eye.A well trained cat can be very entertaining and enjoyable pet giving years of companionship and love. The advantages of training far outweigh the disadvantages.