How to Train a Kitten and Be Friendly with It?

The cat owners are aware that the feline is one of the best pets around. They are friendly, smart, and independent. Despite their inquisitive nature, it is relatively easier to house-train the cats. Training your cat must start as early as possible to keep unwanted behaviors at bay.

They can quickly adapt to their new surroundings and adjust to a routine in no time. Teaching them new skills can be fun and will help them become agile. Training also provides stimulation to their mental growth. So, it will not be difficult to train a cat for the first time. It would be best if you had some patience.

Here are a few steps that may help you to house-train your cat:

1. Start with litter training

When you are adopting a kitten, or you have rescued one, the first thing you need to do is to litter train your cat. Litter training is an essential exercise, and it can take some time to get your cat fully trained. Cats prefer a quiet, private, and consistent place to use the bathroom. For that, you need to get the right kind of litter box first and keep it in a quiet place.

Pick up a box that will have much space and must be at least double the size of your cat. It is seen that cats prefer small-grained and soft litter. You can begin with one to see if your cat likes it. If your cat does not like it, you may try something else.

The kittens do not have the instinct to go to the litter box when they need to use the toilet. They have to be effectively trained to get used to it. Either your mom or you can develop the habit of using the litterbox.

If you are the one who is trying to make your kitten learn where to go to the toilet, take it to the litter box after naps or meal times. Give it some time in private so that your furry friend understands to use the litter after taking naps and eating.

2. Notice the cues

You should also be able to read the cues when your cat wants to go to the bathroom. Normally, a cat crouch, sniff, or scratch if they feel like going to the toilet. If you notice such actions, you must put your pet immediately in the litter box and help them realize that it is the place they need to go when they feel the urge to use the bathroom.

3. Place the litter box in the right place

Make sure to place the litter box in a quiet and private place, and it must be away from the feeding bowls. You must clean the litter box regularly. However, it is always better to add a tiny bit of litter when you are house-training a cat until your pet learns to use the litter box without assistance.

4. Reward your kitten

To reinforce good behavior while litter training, you must not forget to praise your kitty whenever it uses the litter box to go to the toilet. You may even offer a food treat or reward a playtime for the good work. You may be surprised to see how much your cat love appreciation. The gestures can bring you two close to one another.

5. Do not allow your kitten to go outside

Kittens must not come in contact with other cats outside the home before they are properly vaccinated and house-trained. Give the kitten at least a month to get used to its home completely. When you decide to get it out first, give access to your garden. And in stages, allow it to go outside. Slowly, your pet will become completely independent and can come and go as it wishes.

Read Also: How to Know Your Cat’s Breed?

6. Can adult cats be house-trained?

There is no age limit for cats to receive house training. They can learn the skills at any age. But when training an adult cat, keep in mind that they have already received some house training and will be able to use the litter box in your house easily as they are doing so. The only thing is that you need to make them learn the location of the litter box and make it feel comfortable.

House training kittens or adult cats become much easier if you make it a habit to communicate with them.

Is it possible to communicate with cats?

To strengthen the bond with your cat, you need to understand what it is trying to tell you, and your cat must also be able to follow what you are telling. For that, you need to:

Listen to it carefully:

The sound they make expresses cats’ feelings to a great extent. For example, a short meow sound is for a general greeting, while cats make multiple meows when they are excited. When they are complaining, displeased, or about to fight, they will make a low-pitch MRRRoww. A mild-pitched meow indicates your cat is looking for food and water. You will learn to follow your cat’s sound and understand it with time.

Follow the gestures:

Since cats are very expressive, their body language and sounds will make you aware or convey their message. When they are approaching, you with their tails up like a question mark. This denotes that the cats want to be friendly.

However friendly the cats may appear, you must approach slowly. Give them some time to be comfortable. If your pet tries to come near you and becomes uncomfortable or scared, it may never come to you. So, do not act against them. Scolding, yelling, or spraying water on cats can break the bond permanently.

Talk to your cat

Kittens always try to communicate with humans. They will pick up the skills faster if you communicate with your pet often. You need to use the same word repetitively, and soon your kitten will be able to associate them with actions. If you blink your eyes slowly while making eye contact with your kitten, it may come to you to be stroked slowly.

Read Also: 10 Reasons Why Cats Run Away from Home & How to Deal with It

Conclusion

Positive reinforcement training is essential for pets when you plan to share your home with your pet. Build your training schedule around their playtime. It will keep them active, happy, and motivated. Remember that a pet, whether it is a cat or dog, needs your constant love and reassurance. Unlike dogs, cats or felines tend to be more independent.

It is significant to train your cat so that it adopts the right behaviors right from its early years. Training your cats helps their overall well-being and is also significant for their mental health. Cats are inquisitive by nature, and if they lose interest in the house, they will explore their surroundings.

Before you welcome a kitty into your family, try to make your home cat friendly. Remember, patience is the key to getting your cat trained successfully. With time, you will also develop a sweet bond with your kitten.