Training
Contrary to widespread belief, cats are trainable by proper methods: rewards and tangible but removed punishment (see ‘Spray Bottle Method' below). Declawing is not a solution to cat clawing at furniture - declawing is mutilation, not a minor operation. Also, a declawed cat cannot escape nor can they defend themselves as well as a cat with claws. Training for cats is more about protecting cats from themselves - for instance, teach your cat not to jump on counters since they may jump on a stove and be burned.
Be firm and patient with your cat. If the cat scratches its claws where it should not, firmly (without yelling) say "NO", take it to its scratching post, and make scratching motions with its feet. Cats respond well to a firm voice and patience. They are naturally fastidious and want to behave.
The Water Spray Bottle Method: Behavior problems that do not respond to "No!" can usually be modified by giving the cat a quick shot of water from a spray bottle. This method removes you from the punishment in the cat's mind, which is desirable for two reasons: The cat doesn't begin to fear you as a source of punishment (as they would if you spank!), and they thinks the water is ‘An Act of God,' and will refrain from the undesirable behavior even if you are not around. (A similar method works to keep your cat from running outdoors: Stand outside, hose in hand, door open, and spray the cat when it sets foot outside. After a few times, the cat will decide that there's nothing out there that they wanted anyway!
Collars and Leashes: If you use a collar on your cat only use a stretch collar and check it weekly to be sure it is not becoming too tight as the cat grows. A too-loose collar is also dangerous. An elastic collar or breakaway stretch collar is the best choice, as it will separate if it becomes caught on something. Breakaway collars have been known not to breakaway. If you cannot break the collar open using two fingers on your same hand, then it may be too difficult for your cat to break away from this type of collar. If using a collar, include an ID tag but use the small tag meant for cats and not the larger tag.
If you train your cat to a leash, use a harness designed for cats - never a collar because a cat will only struggle against the pull of a collar around its neck, but may be more amenable to the behind-the front-legs tug of a harness. Remember that harnesses are not totally secure, and a cat wearing a harness and leash should never be left unsupervised. The cat may slip out of the harness, or strangle itself on the leash. Do not leave a harness on an animal when indoors or unsupervised. Harnesses are not only uncomfortable for wearing in the house but the animal can get the harness snagged on something. Never walk a leashed cat near a roadway or on a busy sidewalk unless you're sure the cat is very calm - cats that can be trusted not to panic in these situations are literally one-in-a-million! The noise and motion of cars, people, other animals, etc. can cause a cat to panic, slip its harness, and dash into danger. The best place for your leashed cat is in your own quiet backyard with you there with them.
Housebreaking A Cat
Housebreaking a cat or kitten is usually quite easy. Naturally clean animals, most cats are already housebroken by the time they are weaned. It only takes a little patience to train your cat for life.
Since all urban cats should live indoors, your pet will need a litter box or pan about 12"x15"x3". Plastic or baked enamel pans available in most pet stores are easy to keep clean and will not rust. Clear a spot in your bathroom, kitchen, or a secluded section of your home for the litterbox.
Fill the box or pan at least three inches deep with litter, sawdust, sand, or shredded newspaper. Place the cat in the litterbox first thing in the morning, after meals and play, and last thing at night. To ensure that he gets the idea, gently take their front paws and make little scratching motions the first few times. Your new cat will quickly get the message.
After you complete their training, your cat should continue to use the litterbox as long as you keep it clean and don't move it around too much. Scoop out the feces daily and change the entire litterbox at least once or twice a week. Always wash the pan with plenty of soap and hot water when you change the litter, but never use strong disinfectants. A little baking soda will do the job, but if you do use a diluted bleach cleaning be sure to rinse the bleach off completely. Cats will not use messy, smelly litter boxes.
If your cat has an accident, do NOT hit them or rub their nose in the mess. This kind of punishment will only make them nervous, which might cause them to repeat their error. Instead, say NO firmly and then place them in the litter box. Clean the problem area with soap and spray it with deodorizer. Lemon juice also helps erase the smell of urine from rugs.
Observe your cat's behavior carefully. If they continue to have problems with the litter box, confine them to the room containing the box during their feeding times. They should catch on quickly.
If your cat is still having problems, have them checked thoroughly by your veterinarian as there may be a medical reason for their troubles. If a cat has already been litter box trained for a long period of time and then has accidents in the home, there is a good chance an underlying health issue like a urinary infection is the cause.
Remember, cats are not all alike, but they all need tender loving care to help them better understand the "rules of the house".
Play
Cats like to play, but they also like to sleep. Generally, the morning or early evening (following afternoon naps) is the best time if you want an enthusiastic response, especially in an adult cat. Soft toys with no small easily removed and swallowed pieces are good toys; a piece of sturdy cloth attached to a thick string tied to a stick is wonderful. With it you can go 'fishing for cats,' and the pouncing and jumping this toy elicits is a great exercise for the cat. If you use this type of toy, do not leave the cat unattended with it as the cat may strangle itself with or on the string. Do not rough play with your cat, as this can make the cat too aggressive (if the cat kicks at your hand or bites at your fingers, say "no," blow in his face, and remove your hand).
Remember that what your cat needs most are your time and attention. Especially if the cat is left alone during the day, they will be very glad to see you in the evening and demand quite a bit of attention. Please remember that cats are sensitive, living creatures, and don't allow your friends, children, or other pets to mishandle the cat. One sure way to guarantee an unsatisfactory pet is to mistreat them, even inadvertently. On the other hand, plenty of attention, love, and considerate play will result in a companion who will give years of joy.
