We can “train” all we want, but if we place our most expensive vase in the most scenic windowsill, we’ll have conflicts with our cats.
So many times I am asked for help in a person’s quest to train the cat to do something they will never, ever, do. Some people are pleased to discover that using better methods will create a better pet relationship. Some frown and say, “They said cats are easy!”
Like everything else, this is easy. If we do it right.
The litterbox shortcut.
There are people who skip the litterbox entirely and just rely on the cat going outside. Except, so often, the cat doesn’t come back.
Shoddy litterbox maintenance is always going to stink up the house, create stress in both us and our cat, and undermine our cat relationship. It shows we don’t care.
Here’s how to maintain the litterbox.
The scratching post shortcut.
We have to have a scratching post. The cats need something to scratch. If we don’t give them something, they will choose something, and we won’t like their choice.
If we offer our cats a scratching post they like, in a location where they need one, it’s so easy to teach them to scratch their post instead of our couch or woodwork. And a good scratching post is a fraction of the price of a good couch!
Here’s what we need to know about choosing the right scratching post.
The cat tree shortcut.
As in, not having one. If we have lively cats who are climbing things, we are all better off by giving them something they are allowed to climb.
Yelling at the cat to get off the drapes or bookcases will never work because a cat who climbs is a cat who needs to climb. Alpha cats are especially athletic and acrobatic, but any cat can desire a lofty perch or the challenge of racing up a vertical surface.
Here’s why we might need a cat tree.
The outpost shortcut.
“Get down” is not a case of a stubborn cat. It’s an indicator of a stubborn person.
If our cats are always in or on things we don’t want them in or on, we need to provide them with places we both like better. Our cats have instincts which pressure them to collect safe and happy spots which also make them a part of our activities. It is flattering that our cats want to be with us. We should make it easy for them!
It’s key to keeping them off the kitchen counters, for instance.
The amusement shortcut.
Cats can amuse themselves. But leaving this dropped option on the table means we are passing up bonding and guidance routines that would enhance our relationship.
Cats spend their entire lives At The Hunt. The interest and energy they bring to this important ritual provides us with an extraordinary powerful way to to our cat’s friendship. Just as we should be flattered when our cat wants to hang with us, our cat will be thrilled when we want to “play” with them.
Playtime is a serious amusement/bonding opportunity we should not leave “up to the cats.”
The relationship shortcut.
While our mere presence is a part of being a cat’s friend, becoming a nurturing and active part of their lives is much more rewarding for both of us.
As I always say, the cat’s reputation for low maintenance does not apply to their emotions. Far from being aloof and indifferent, a cat is a deeply emotional creature who ventures their heart at the risk of getting their feelings hurt by rejection.
If we take them for granted, and do not make any overtures in their direction, we will get back the same measure of effort we have extended. Cats are completely reciprocal.
Cats are easy to care for, provided we do care for them. Repeated and pointless discipline to get the cat to stop doing things which annoy us is wasted energy. With just a bit of that same effort, we can establish routines which keep our cats cared for, relaxed, and happy.
And then, so are we.
My eBook and Kindle book, Cat 911, explains exactly how to fix, or better yet, avoid, the common cat care problems.
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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.
SOURCE: Way of Cats blog » The Way of Cats helps you understand, train, and love your pet cat – Read entire story here.