Many cat owners are unfamiliar with the concept of “cat training”. Cats are well-known for being very independent animals, and usually do not require additional training in order to live a normal life in the household. However, training your cat is actually a very important part of pet care, since it determines how your cat will react to changes in their environment. Through proper training, it is possible to teach your cat to be responsible for their own actions, while still forming a strong bond with you as their owner.
In regards to proper cat pet care, there are many different training aids that may help you to properly train your cat. Though there are hundreds of different products available for purchase, these are the most commonly used training aids among cat owners.
LEASH
Similar to a dog leash, a cat leash is used in order to take your cat for walks outside your yard. Especially if you live in an area of high vehicle traffic, it may not be safe for your cat to roam outside on a regular basis. Most cat leashes include a full harness, since cats are much smaller and prone to slipping their leash. A leash for your cat is relatively inexpensive, and can be purchased at most pet supply stores.
SCAT MAT
This training aid is a tool you can use in order to prevent your cat from entering certain areas. Cats love to explore, and are constantly seeking out new interesting areas. In order to prevent your cat from going into potentially dangerous areas (such as near certain electrical appliances) you can place a scat mat around the area. A scat mat functions by producing a static impulse, which will zap your cat every time they step on the mat. Eventually, a cat will learn to avoid the scat mat, and any areas that are enclosed by these mats. Once your cat stops trying to explore forbidden areas, you can even use “dummy” scat mats (which are not functional) to remind your cat that a certain area is off-limits.
CATNIP
Most people can’t understand why cats react so strangely to the scent of catnip. The actual reason for a cat’s extreme interest in catnip is that the scent of this herb is actually very similar to the scent of cat urine. This is why many cats will often lick, eat, and rub their faces in catnip. Catnip can also be used when training your cat to use the litter box, if it is placed around the litter area. Giving your cat a catnip treat is also a great way to reward them for good behavior.
TOYS
If you are training your cat to help with ‘pest control’, you may want to use cat toys as a training aid. There are certain motorized play-mice that are often helpful in stimulating your cat’s predatory instincts, especially when used in conjuction with food-based treats.
However, the best aid that will help you when training your cat is patience. By being patient with your ca, and paying attention to their needs, you will be able to entjoy a wonderful life with your cat.