Cats are extremely popular pets for a very good reason, because they are smart, loving, and satisfied living indoors. This makes them a great pet for city dwellers. But, how difficult is it to train them? Cat training is very complex and interesting, because in theory training should be quick and easy due to their high intelligence level.
But just ask any cat owner, and they will tell you that cats are also strongly independent, and not nearly as eager to please as dogs are. This can make training them more difficult, as they may not be as receptive to some of the methods commonly used in training dogs.

How successful you are in training your cat will depend on a few different things. One is when you start training your cat. Cats are most receptive to new behaviors when they are young, so consider beginning kitten training your new pet as soon as you get it. The other thing is to consider what the phrase "cat training" means to you. Do you want to train your cat to come when called, and to use a litterbox? These tasks are easily accomplished.

Use kind words in order to get your feline to follow your orders. This will work wonders when you are trying to teach them simple commands. Gently call your animal to you, and when it arrives, say some kind words and stroke its fur. An association between the request and the praise will soon form. In order for this to work, you must always provide the kind words. If you are inconsistent, or alter the pattern, it will do nothing but confuse a cat.

You can choose from a variety of litterbox training methods to choose from. After researching the various possibilities, select one that seems to fit the disposition of your cat and your personal situation. Once you have chosen a method, it is important to be consistent in order for your cat to learn what is expected of it. Be aware that whatever method you select, the odor of cat urine will be around for a while, as it will take some time for your cat to learn. However, your patience will pay off in the end.

Different types of cat training may be necessary when undesirable behavior arises as the cat gets older. One frequent problem of this type is when the cat ceases to use the litterbox and instead relieves itself in corners. Several methods exist to discourage this behavior, but it is recommended that the cat is medically evaluated first to assure there is no underlying physical cause for the behavior. If the cat is healthy, cayenne pepper can be sprinkled in the inappropriate places where the cat tends to urinate. Since the pepper is irritating to the cat it is discouraged from returning to urinate again.

The best advice when trying to train your cat is to be patient and consistent in your approach. If you build a better rapport with your pet by trying to eliminate problematic behavior you will have a much more satisfying and fulfilling relationship with your pet, and be more likely to be able to teach them.

About the Author
Cats are wonderful pets to have. They are smart and independent, and make great city pets. It's a good idea to start kitten training as soon as your new pet comes home, since kittens are more adaptable to new behaviors. Decide what behaviors you want to encourage.