Who’s a good cat? They are!

If you want to raise a good, well behaved cat, then there has to be a little give and take. They are a lot like children in many ways, however farcical that may sound. Think of it like this – cats, and most pets, have a character of their own in exactly the same way as humans do. To expect two different cats to behave exactly the same way is very much like expecting two kids to react in the same way to the same stimuli. They have their own personalities, and will respond accordingly to the way you choose to treat them. So you should monitor how a cat responds to different things if you want to get them behaving the way you would like.

One cat, for example, may like one kind of cat treat, or one flavor, or a different toy as opposed to what another will – even if they are from the same litter. So if you want to encourage good behavior in a cat, learn what makes them happy. You will be able to tell when they are happy, because they respond with real affection to any touch. Most cats will rub against your legs or an outstretched hand in response to something that pleases them. This is their way of demonstrating high approval – the way they see it, they are putting their mark on you, showing that you are a highly worthy individual. Conceited on their behalf? Well, probably. But that’s how cats tick, generally.

So if your cat uses the litter tray correctly for the first time, respond with a treat that makes it clear how happy you are with them. They will associate your action with the action that they have just done. But you must seize the moment. They will forget what they have done if you choose to reward them half an hour later and the opportunity to give positive reinforcement for their good behavior will be lost. This is not what you want to happen – deal with a cat in the correct way and you will get the response you want. They will think that they are training you. Let them think that, because in the long run it leads to a positive experience as a pet owner.