The pandemicIt fueled a RisePeople adopting kittens and puppies for the first time as well as pet owners. Even though novice owners may expect that a puppy will require some training, most people don’t think the same applies for kittens.
Just like dogs, cats also need support Adjust to live alongside us. For their well-being, simple training forms can be beneficial.
Comparable to dogs, cats share more of their DNA with each other. Different historical relationshipsHumans. Never have cats been selectively bred for their ability to communicate and cooperate with us or perform work roles like guarding or hunting.
However, research has shown that they can. Recognize and RespondPlease refer to our subtil social cuesLearn how to perform Similar tasks can be done with dogs.
But it is unlikely we would need to teach a cat how to walk nicely on a lead or settle at the pub. And cats typically need less support than dogs to master toilet training – providing the right litter trayIt is almost always enough.
We are missing the point if we think only about training pets to make life easier. Daniel Cummings, a colleague from Cats Protection, would argue that the cat has many benefits.
For example, in a rehoming shelter training can be a valuable tool to increase the number of a Exploration behaviors of catsPositive reactions from people and perhaps even adoption chances.
Simple techniques can be used at home to help cats feel comfortable in their cat carriers, get used to car travels, and many other things. tolerating being groomedBasic information and how to get it Exams and treatments for health. These trainings can also benefit cats Make your life easierVisits to the vet.
What works
Cats don’t have an instinctive affinity towards humans. Gentle, but warmHandling from 2 weeks old to help them understand that we are friends, not foes.
It is Limited evidenceYounger cats may be more open to social cues which could make them more receptive to training. Cat wands are also a good choice for kittens to play with, as they can learn how to not attack our feet and hands.
Punishments, such as shouting or rough handling, can lead to stress and compromise the quality. Owner-cat relations.
Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, whenever possible. This goes beyond the physical. The most efficient way to train Pets are great, but so is it! Better for their well-being.
Reward-based training can be a good way to get a cat to either enter their carrier by themselves or sit still while we give their flea treatment. Cats that are very food-motivated may be able to learn to give a high 5 or to sit or spin.
Cats are less likely to pay attention than dogs and to do the right thing, especially when they are uncomfortable. These are some possible explanations. High dropout ratesIn studies that teach cats how to read human social cues.
It is vital that the cat feels at home when we train them. If they are uncomfortable, give them a break.
You should look out for signs such as a cat looking away, nose licking or shaking, sudden bouts or self-grooming, a raised head, a raised eyebrow, a raised head, a raised hand, a raised paw and twitching tail.
Here are five steps to help your cat learn how to get into a carrier.
1. Bring them on a blanket
If your cat is already comfortable, show it how to be a good friend.
Place your cat on a blanket. You can do this by feeding the cat food.
You can reward your cat for sticking to the blanket by giving them more treats, petting, or verbal praise depending on their preference. Start by feeding treats at the nose to encourage cats to sit. Then, start giving treats at the ground to encourage cats to crouch down and eventually lay on the blanket.
2. Introduce the carrier
After your cat has completed step 1, place the blanket in a carrier. You can repeat the same lure and reward steps.
3. Slow down
Once your cat has settled down on the blanket, you can place the lid over the carrier.
4. Your cat can set the pace
Once your cat is happy to enter the carrier and has settled inside, close the door.
Encourage them to get out of the carrier as often as they wish and give them treats to help them return in. Start slowly closing the door, then opening it again. Give the cat treats every time.
Slowly build this up until the door is fully closed. The cat should be fed treats through the door.
5. Nearly there
You can work towards getting the cat to stay in the carrier longer, by increasing the time between each treat. Continue rewarding your cat with treats by sticking treats in the door or sides of the carrier. Gradually increase the time between each treat.
A training session should only last a few minutes. Some cats may be more comfortable with just one session per day. It may take many sessions, or several days or weeks, before you reach the final step.
Lauren FinkaVisiting Research Fellow, Animal Behavior and Welfare Nottingham Trent University
This article was republished by The ConversationUse the Creative Commons license Please read the Original article.
