If you are the proud owner of a new kitten, you may be anticipating all of the fun that you will have with your pet. Along with the playing, you will need to teach your kitten acceptable behavior. Kittens, like other animals, are easiest to train while small, so you should immediately begin training when you bring your new pet home. The following list includes the main areas to cover in your kitten training.
Cat Possessions Versus Your Possessions
Cats enjoy batting at objects, but you probably don’t want him or her doing this to your treasured keepsakes. The best strategy is to keep these items in a locked cabinet. Otherwise, you will have to teach the animal that certain shelves and furniture items are off limits. Encourage your cat to bat at cat toys, feathers, and other acceptable targets.
Litter Box Training
This is an essential task. You do not want your new pet to use your carpet for a bathroom. Ensure your pet has access to a litter box at all times. Fortunately, most felines train themselves to use the litter box since they are clean animals by nature.
Where to Scratch
Scratching is natural feline behavior. While a kitten’s tiny claws may not do much damage, an adult cat’s claws can shred your furniture to tatters. Have scratching posts and other devices available that your kitty can use and immediately give the toy to the cat if you see scratching occurring in undesirable locations.
Off Limits Areas
Cats like to climb which often gets them into trouble. You probably don’t want kitty on your kitchen table, counters or curtains. Before you bring the cat home, decide which places the feline will not be allowed so you can immediately begin to train the cat where he or she is supposed to be.
Playing Nice
Your new kitten may not have been around people, children or other pets. You will need to teach him or her good manners to reduce the likelihood of a person or animal being hurt.
By covering the areas listed above, you should have a great start on kitten training and to an eventual well-mannered adult cat.
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