Methods of Cat Training

Target Training

This is when you get your cats attention when calling a command. For example if you wanted your cats to stand on it’s back legs while you issue the command to stand hold a stick above your cats head and they will naturally go to grab it. Once they stand on their back legs, reward them with affection or a small treat.

Clicker Training

Clicker Training uses the idea of operant condoning, this is where the cat consciously associates a particular behaviour with a outcome.  This type of cat training gets it’s name due the small device that emits a click when the correct action is being performed by  the cat.  For example if you were training your cat to sit on command, the section your cats bum hit the floor you would press the clicker and immediately reward your cat with a small treat.  After enough repetition you can will realise they their own behaviours can acquire them treats.  So when they hear the click, they will sit because they know that if they do there’s a treat heading their way.

This type of cat training has the huge advantage of allowing the trainer to know the exact behaviour that being reinforced, with Target Training the reward may not come immediately after the behaviour so the cat might associate another behaviour with the treat.

Tips for Cat Training

If you leave your cats food out all day so they choose to eat, restrict them to scheduled meal times just like humans, other wise they will have no incentive - We’re not saying starve them, just ensure they’re hungry like we are just before a mealtime!

Try cat training just before meal times this will increase your cats responsiveness and heighten their senses.

Take it one step at a time when cat training and be patient, remember if neither of you are enjoy it stop and throw a ball for them instead.

Cats have a short attention span so lessons need to be very short, interesting and fun, otherwise you might just get a look of disdain.

If you have a cat, no doubt you’re a responsible owner and want to keep your cat healthy?  Ear mites can cause your cat discomfort making them unhappy so lets take a look at what cat ear mites are, how they affect your cat and how they can be treated.

What exactly are Ear Mites in Cats and what do they do?

The ear mites that affect cats are tiny spider or crab like parasites. They consume the blood, skin and ear wax of your cat. There correct name is Otodectes Cynotis and they borrow deep into the ears of your cat. The saliva from the ear mites can cause an allergic reaction in some cats, causing your cat to scratch, often breaking the skin. This scratching can tear the sensitive skin of your cats ears and allow an infection to occur. Also continual scratching can cause the skin to thicken leading to disfigurement. The ear mites also increase the wax production in your cats ear, giving the mites more food to feed off and creating a great deal of discomfort for your cat.

How do I know if my cat has ear mites?

If you notice your cat shaking their head from side to side and constantly scratching their ears, there is a chance they may have ear mites but you will need a closer look. Get your cat to sit on your lap and when they are relaxed take a look in their ears. You will need to do this fairly quickly as your cat isn’t likely to stay sat on your lap for long once you start fiddling with their ears. If you can see dark flecks inside your cats ears there is a high probability that they will be ear mites and it would be best to have this confirmed with the vet.

How should you treat ear mites in cats?

Cat Ear mites are extremely easy to deal with, however you do need to be aware that the mites can live in material and hard surfaces for a while so you need to clean these too to stop the cycle. There are many solutions on the market for treating cats ear mites however we recommend Johnsons Ear Drops which are suitable for cats over 12 weeks old.

You can by Johnsons Ear Drops at a discount price here:

Cheap Johnsons Ear Drops for Cats

Moving cats to a new house is very stressful for them, I know moving house is very stressful for you too, but at least you know its going to happen. Your cat just sees the boxes piling up and rooms becoming bare as you prepare to move house. Since cats are creatures of habit and like familiar surroundings, any major changes, like a moving house can lead to cat behavior problems. Here are some tips to make this moving your cat to a new home easier on your cat and on yourself.

When first moving your cat into a new house, try to confine them to just one room. Cats that are given the run of the whole house will just run and hide and feel very stressed out, that is when problems start.

Cats confined to just one room will adjust much faster, because they feel more secure in a smaller space. In this room keep everything your cat needs, like the litter box, toys, food, and water.

After two days, then let your cat explore another room. This should only be done with you there to offer support. If you have to leave the house to go shopping or to work, then move your cat back in its safe room.

Some cat behavior problems might happen at this time of the move. Not using the litter box, aggression, spraying, or scratching are some of these. You can prevent these from happening by only giving your cat access to one room at a time and by offering your cat lots of assurance.

Moving a cat to a new home does not have to a stressful event for them or you. Remember to plan ahead and prepare a great room for your cat to stay in.