There are many cat loving people who are under the impression that cats are un-trainable creatures. The belief is that a cat is too moody and snobbish to adhere to the commands of its owners. However, often times, cats do not comply with their owner’s request simply because they do not understand what is being asked of them.

While training a dog is somewhat difficult and time consuming, training a cat takes a much more calm, relaxed, patient and devoted individual. When training a dog, negative reinforcement is usually adhered to for disobedience; however, a cat will not respond to training that is reinforced with anything other than positive reinforcement.

Large amounts of praise when your cat has complied with the task that has been requested will ensure your feline grasps a better understanding of what is expected. Typically, you should start training your cat when it is about eight to ten weeks of age, although an older cat is still quite capable and willing to learn a few new tricks.

When you start training your cat, it is important to decide on a quiet place to practice. Noise and confusion will only distract him from what is trying to be accomplished. Another essential tool to have when training your cat, is an endless supply of his favorite cat treats to be used in implementing positive reinforcement.

As with training a puppy or dog, it is important to work on only one command at a time. Introducing several different commands at once will only lead to frustration and anger. The best command to start training your cat with is by fat the easiest and that is, to come when he is called. All commands, no matter what the situation, should be kept short and to the point. For teaching your cat to come when he is called, a simple “Here Kitty” or “Come Kitty” works best.

In order to effectively teach your cat his first command, you must first get down on his level. Sitting or kneeling on the floor, call out the command that you have chosen to call him to you. If your cat responds, give him plenty of praise and show an immense amount of excitement, followed by his favorite treat.

After the first try, wait for your kitten to travel away from you. Then, move to another area of the room and call him again. If your cat responds, repeat the same praise and treat routine you enlisted previously. It is important to note, not to work on training your cat for more than ten minutes at a time. If you notice that your cat is acting bored or frustrated, it is now time to stop.

Trying to train your cat when he is not truly interested will only upset you and your cat. In order for the trick or command to be learned, training should be done two to three times a day for one week. If after that time, your cat has successfully learned the command; it is now permittable to start teaching him a new command.

Cat Crate and Leash Training
Crate training and harness and leash training are very important things that must be taught to your cat for his own safety and well being. Traveling for long distances or a trip to the veterinarian can become quite frustrating if your cat is upset by being attached to a leash or confined in a small crate.

In order to teach your kitten to use a leash and a harness, it is important to introduce them both gradually. First, start by placing the harness on him, making sure it is not too tight.

Allow him to walk around the house with it on for about twenty minutes or so. Repeat this one or two times a day for about a weak. Once your cat is used to wearing the harness, it is now time to introduce the leash. The best way to do this, is to attach the leash to the harness, but do not pull on it. Only allow your cat to drag it around while maneuvers through the home, but be careful to watch and be sure it does not get caught up on anything that could potentially become harmful or dangerous.

When your cat is used to dragging around the leash, gently pick it up, showing him it is okay for you to have it. Be sure to speak in a calm and soothing voice. Then, as you call your cat, give the leash a gentle tightening. You can use treats to coax your cat into following you around and this should help enlist the positive reinforcement.

Crate training is a bit easier. It is important that you have a cozy blanket and your kitten’s favorite toy inside. As you place your kitten inside the crate, praise him. After only about two to three minutes, let your kitten out, but when doing so, do not make an excited or lavish gesture about it. Performing this several times over while extending the length of time gradually will eventually have your kitten feeling quite comfortable in his private crate hideaway for about an hour or two.

Every pet in some form or another is able to perform a daily routine of bathing on its own. But, as most mischievous pets do, they can get extremely dirty when their curiosity gets the better of them. Dogs are, for the most part quite easy to bathe as most of them do enjoy the water.

However, the old wives tale is true regarding cats, they HATE the water. Baths are good for a number of reasons from cleaning off dirt, chemicals, grease or even for flea infestation. Dogs and cats have highly sensitive skin and some even have hair that is fragile and prone to damage, so experts recommend giving them a bath no more than once a month.

Just as we require special items in order to bathe, so do dogs and cats. But, before you begin to gather these items, there is something you must decide first. Where are you going to give your cat his bath?

We have all seen pictures of the little boy or girl giving their dog a bath outside in an old metal tub while using a garden hose. While this method may be great for those hot summer days, cats are smaller and require a little more finesse.

There are two prime locations that work great for bathing your feline companion. The first is the kitchen sink. This area is much smaller and may provide a more comfortable area that will allow you to retain a better grasp on your cat and most kitchen sinks are already equipped with a sprayer. However, the kitchen is a much larger room and if your cat escapes your hold, it has plenty of areas to run for cover.

The second option is the bath tub. A bathroom leaves you the ability to contain your cat in a small area in case of an escape attempt. For safety reasons, along with making your cat feel safe, it is recommended that a non-skid mat be placed securely at the bottom of the tub or sink. This prevents your cat from sliding all over the place and gives them a more secure feeling.

Now, it is time to gather the items needed in order to give your cat a clean healthy body. The first on the list is pet friendly shampoo and conditioner. Human shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the eyes or skin of your cat. Next, you will need two absorbent soft terry towels, a sprayer, cup or pitcher for rinsing purposes and some experts say playing soft soothing music in the background can help calm your cat during bath time as well, although this is optional.

After you have placed all the items in the designated area and have secured the skid free mat to the bottom of the tub or sink, add only about two to three inches of warm water. You can use the elbow trick like testing water for a baby’s bath to make sure it is warm and not to hot. Now it is time to turn on the charm, turn on the music and finesse your cat.

As you pick up your cat and begin to place him in the water, pet him gently and begin speaking to him in a soothing, reassuring voice. Usually, within a few minutes, the cat will begin to relax and not struggle as much. Using the sprayer or if this method startles your cat into a panic, you can use a cup or pitcher to slowly pour water over his body, making sure to stay away from his head and face, all the while, continuing to speak in a low reassuring voice.

When wetting the cat down is complete, place a small amount of shampoo, about the size of a dime into the palm of your hand. Start rubbing the shampoo gently into the hair and skin, slowly working it into lather, once again, being very careful not to get near the head or face. When you are finished lathering the soap, using a sprayer, or cup which ever does not frighten your cat, slowly begin to pour clean fresh water over his body.

Make sure all soap is rinsed thoroughly from the body as it can cause skin irritation. If your cat is willing, you can now begin to lather a dime sized portion of conditioner into his hair. This step is not required. Once again, rinse your cat thoroughly making sure not to leave behind any residue. After the body is finished, get a small sponge or soft wash cloth damp with warm fresh, soap free water and begin to gently wipe off his head and face. Please remember to be very careful around the eye area.

The final step in the cat bathing process is to pat your cat down with one of the terry cloth towels. When that towel is wet, grab the second one and begin the process again. As the final towel begins to become damp, a short haired cat can usually take over and finish the job itself.

If you own a longhaired cat, it may be beneficial to see how it will react to the sound and wind of a hair dryer. It is important to remember though, to use the lowest setting. Another very important point to remember is to always keep the hair dryer in motion making sure not to get too close to the body in order to prevent the possibility of burning the skin.