Something home made for Winter

Training your cat

It’s best to establish a routine as soon as the kitten becomes part of your family. Cats love routine. Firstly, give your cat a name. Calling your cat’s name regularly helps it learn to respond quickly, especially at feeding time. Never reprimand or punish, no matter what your cat is doing. Try to make your relationship fun and rewarding. Daily play sessions will help prevent boredom (and the destructive behaviour it causes) and relaxing massages will help calm kitty. Reward good behaviour. (Starting with toilet training.)

image:kitten

Using a cat flap

A useful training tip is to help your cat to use a cat flap, so it can go inside and out at will. Some cats will take to the cat flap easily, but some may need encouragement.

Begin by opening the flap and fastening it in the open position, allowing the cat to try it out. Placing some food on the other side might help. Make sure the flap is securely fastened so it doesn’t startle kitty.

Once kitty has stepped through, gently lower the flap, then try to tempt it to come back with a treat. This time help it to push the cat flap.It will be a regular cat flap user in no time!

Toilet training

Training should begin early, usually at three or four weeks of age when your cat starts to eat solids. Position the litter tray in a quiet, convenient spot where it is easily accessible to your kitten.

Place kitty in it frequently, particularly if crouching with their tail in the air! Adjust your cat’s feeding time so you’re in the house when kitty needs to go to the toilet. In fact, you should both be in the room with the litter box. Stay in the room while your cat does its business, then praise it – excessively.

Treat your cat to some delicious fresh salmon or another favourite food. Limit kitty’s ability to go wherever he or she pleases until your cat is completely toilet trained.

Scratching

If scratching furniture is a problem, make your furniture less attractive – to your cat. Wrap some aluminium foil around the legs of your sofa or table or perhaps use some double-sided tape.

Cats hate the feeling of both! A scratching post is a good idea. At the first sign of your cat scratching furniture, simply lift it up and place it at the scratching post.

Persist with this training and in time you will find it will leave your furniture alone.

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