If you’ve noticed cat training supplies at your local pet shop, you may wonder if taming your feline is possible. The animal experts at The Pet Hale in Mililani, HI, say your kitty has the potential to learn new tasks and commands with their owner’s patience and a few helpful pet accessories. Below, they provide cat owners a few basic tips from their training professionals.

5 Pet Shop Tips for Training Your Cat

1. Be Consistent 

While your cat may be harder to train than a dog, you can modify their behavior with consistency. Whether you are teaching them to walk on a leash or use a new litter box, use the same commands and responses each time you attempt to train your furry friend. Repetition is crucial for modifying pet behavior or teaching a new skill. 

2. Observe & Listen 

Your cat’s behavior is full of clues. Change their behavior or teach them something new by first recognizing how they perceive their environment, an object, or a new activity. Is your cat clawing your leather couch? She probably needs a new scratching post from the pet shop instead of a trip to kitty boot camp. Does your cat refuse to walk in the backyard on his leash? The sounds of your neighbor’s dog could be frightening him. Try another location. 

3. Incorporate Sounds 

Your cat responds to sounds in their environment. If they begin to get aggressive with you or another animal, you can clap once loudly to get their attention. Over time, repeating this clap when they do something unsavory will discourage the behavior. Some animal parents use a “clicker” available at their local pet store to help their companion learn a new trick. The soft clicking noise will begin to be associated with a command. 

4. Try Treats 

While treats should be used in moderation, they are reliable tools for training. Give your cat a soft morsel each time they complete a task successfully or behave well toward another cat. As a toy for a child or a bonus for an eager employee, snacks are a positive reinforcement for your cat. 

5. Understand Cat Behavior 

By understanding their unique motivations, you will be able to anticipate your cat’s concerns and needs. For example, your kitty may enjoy snuggling up close to your warm laptop or PC. Instead of getting impatient, recognize they are looking for a comfortable place close to you and provide them with an attractive alternative. Purchasing a self-warming bed or fluffy cushion at the pet store may be all you need to fix the behavior. 

With these tips and a little patience, you can train your cat to do everything from a walk on a leash to accepting a new cat as part of the family. To learn more about the training supplies you need for your kitty at your local pet shop, call The Pet Hale in Mililani, HI, at (808) 696-1083. To learn more about their pet products and services, visit them online or follow them on Facebook.