Training Your Cat: Positive Reinforcement

It is much more effective to teach your cat what he CAN do rather than what he CAN’T do. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your cat. Positive reinforcement can be treats, praise, petting, or even playtime with a favorite toy. Correct timing and consistency are vital in positive reinforcement. The positive reinforcement must come immediately after the act in order for your cat to make the proper associations between the reward and the act. Everyone in the home must be consistent in what behaviors are being praised so that there is no confusion of what acts are acceptable and not acceptable. For example, if your cat is now choosing his scratching post rather than your couch to scratch on, make sure he is rewarded immediately and each time he repeats it. Once your cat begins to use the scratching post regularly, slowly wean off the rewards.

Negative reinforcement can also be used, but be careful to only use it properly and only under the appropriate conditions. Just as positive reinforcement works by associating positive thoughts with desired behavior, negative reinforcement works by associated negative thoughts with undesired behavior.

Negative reinforcement can be a posture, noise, or a physical act meant to deter your pet from a specific action. Punishment is only effective when administered while the cat is doing the undesired action. If the negative reinforcement is given too late, even by a few seconds, the link between the punishment and the undesired act will not be made. Punishment will seem unpredictable and frightening to your cat. If done improperly, negative reinforcement can worsen or even create new behavior problems in your cat. No physical punishment should cause in or discomfort. Be very careful with the severity of your punishment so as not to harm or shock your cat, both for the safety of your cat as well as your own.

• Textures: Double-sided tape can be applied to surfaces to discourage cats from scratching

• Smells: Citrus odors and colognes can be used to deter your cat from an object or area.

• Tastes: Certain sprays and gels are marketed specifically for the application to objects that you do not want your cat to chew on.

• Human controlled tools: Spray bottles, air cans, or whistles can be used to interrupt and stop undesired behavior.

Remember to be patient with your cat throughout the training process. As you work to modify behaviors, be sure to provide your cat with proper outlets for his natural cat behaviors. Train, play, and exercise your cat regularly to ensure a healthy and happy relationship between you your cat.