Training and Rewarding Good Cat Behaviour
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It has been proven that cats respond more to rewards than punishment. This means that cats will most likely repeat bad behaviour when punished but could learn to do the same thing again and again if consistently rewarded. Reward your cat when he does something you approve of and you will train him to live respectfully and harmoniously with members in your household.
Know What Motivates Cat Behaviour
Cats act out when they are bored Felines need to expend energy. When bored, they tend to do things and act out like scratching on walls or bounding off stairs. Make sure to spend time with your cat and play with him outside or with cat toys.
Positive Training This type of training is based on scientific techniques such as classical conditioning. This encourages pets to think and want to behave in a certain way, rather than being forced or punished into compliance. Positive training rewards felines when the cat exhibits good behaviour. In positive training, you ignore the cat’s bad behaviour and instantly reward your cat when it is in the act of doing something good. You can reward your cat with positive affirmations seen and felt through your body language and verbal praise as well as a treat or toy. Most felines react positively with a small treat, especially if they have cat toys already and can go to them freely. This technique relies on the cat learning to do good things without commands and works well with stubborn felines that cannot be forced to do something they don’t want to do!
Lure and Reward Training Lure-based training is another form of positive training. Instead of waiting for your cat to do something good, you ask for a behaviour, respond to the correct behaviour and then reward it! This is the most effective way to train your pet. A classic example is when you ask for your pet to “sit” and when your pet obeys and sits, you immediately give him a treat and even pet him for a job well done. Cat behavior training isn’t hard at all. It just takes a little bit of patience. With the proper tools, you can be on your way to a more fulfilling relationship for the both of you.
