Before you begin trying to train your cat, it is important to remember that timing means everything. When you are trying to reverse poor behavior of a cat it is important to perform your action within seconds of the infraction. Most cat training methods are most effective if the action is actually taken at the very beginning of your cat's inappropriate behavior.
Cat Training Tips
1. Never use any form of physical punishment such as hitting or swatting. Physical punishment will not train your cat to stop doing whatever it is doing; it will only train your cat to be afraid of you.
2. The water filled spray bottle is perhaps the most effect cat-training tool any cat owner can have. Yes, it's common knowledge that most cats hate water, however, what makes the water bottle quite effective is that it surprises the cat. More than their dislike for water, cats dislike being surprised.
3. Create a loud noise when you catch your cat doing something he or she is not supposed to be doing. Just like spraying your cat with water, this will surprise them and if repeated at the appropriate times during the bad behavior will eventually cause your cat to associate displeasure with their action. Clapping or yelling, "NO", work great.
4. If you are having biting or nipping problems with your cat, an easy training method is to push his or her face. As soon as your cat begins to bite, place your hand on their face and gently push back and saying, "NO", at the same time. Again, do not hit, simply push your cat's face back with the palm of your hand.
5. Make it impossible for your cat to do certain things that you construe as bad behavior. This is especially effective for training your cat when you are not around or in the vicinity to catch your cat in the act. Some examples would be closing doors, not storing food in the open or making use of many of the childproofing techniques parents employ.
As with training any animal, patience and time are going to be needed. Just stick with it and be consistent and you'll soon start seeing the benefits of your cat training efforts.
