Training Cats

Copyright© 2005 by Karyn Garvin

Cats are by far one of my favorite appointments. Many people ask me, "How do you train a cat?" I must confess that I have never really done Hollywood type training with cats where they go up ladders or perform tricks. The requests for cat training which I receive as a behavior problem specialist are not nearly that glamorous. The people who call for my assistance are having behavior problems with their cat that need to be resolved.

The psychological approach to any and all problem behaviors is to first realize that these behaviors may occur because the cat is frustrated. Often, the way in which an animal vents its frustrations translates into behavior problems. Knowing the source of the frustration and dealing with it appropriately is part of the cure.

I was first introduced to a list of frustrating factors for dogs in a book titled, Behavior Problems in Dogs, written by William E. Campbell. The following is based on the list of factors William Campbell identified, along with modifications made by myself, which pertain more to cats. Mosby Year Book, Inc. granted permission for the use of this material originally published by American Veterinary Publications, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA, Copyright, 1975.

Frustrating Factors for Cats

Lack of proper socialization with mother or littermates
during critical socialization period.
Lack of proper handling/holding/taming by people at an early age.
Any big change in environment.
a. owners out of town
b. a new addition to family pets
c. a familiar feline comes home from veterinarian's office smelling different
d. guest comes to stay
e. relocating to new home
f. feral cat visitations
g. change of litter, litter box, or cleanliness patterns of care
Change of routine habit factors.
Separation anxiety.
Owner has not established good leadership skills.
Owner dislikes cat.
Emotional stress of owner, even when the stress is unrelated to the cat.
Scolding in the aftermath.
Isolation as a form of punishment.
Boredom.
Restrictions of freedom.
Lack of play or exercise.
Physiological problems and/or illness.
Abusive physical punishment.

One of the most common requests from cat owners is for help with cats that are not using their litter box consistently. I know that this behavior problem can cost the cat its life. An untold number of cats are sent to shelters or euthanized because the problem is not dealt with effectively.

I begin by scheduling a private lesson at the owner's home. It is important for me to be in the environment and see the situation first hand so that I don't miss anything. When I arrive, they know that this is a behavior problem, not a medical problem. These owners, along with their veterinarian, have already eliminated the possibility of the cat having a urinary tract infection. I am there to get the complete history and ask the right questions to get to the source of the problem. Every home is different, and what needs to be done at each home to remedy the situation always varies.

What may be frustrating the cat is very helpful and interesting, but that information alone may not be enough to actually modify the behavior. For example, suppose that Joan calls because she has a cat that has been urinating on her carpet for six months. I find out that she inherited this cat from her mother who died six months ago and that the behavior began shortly after the cat moved in with Joan. Joan may find it interesting and comforting to understand that the cat is frustrated because of relocating and may be suffering separation anxiety from the loss of its owner. However, what Joan needs most is for the behavior to stop! I am going to provide Joan with a number of suggestions on how to retrain her cat. I am also going to help her determine the best way for her to control the environment to stop further repetition of soiling on the carpet.

I cannot count the number of times where I have incorporated the use of Invisible Fence brand pet containment solutions as part of the cure in retraining a cat to its litter box. Depending on the home, an Invisible Fence brand solution is often the best way to keep a cat away from certain areas indoors. A behavior specialist, in combination with the Invisible Fence brand solutions, is oftentimes the winning combination for this behavior problem in cats. To find a behavior specialist in your area I recommend asking your veterinarian. For an Invisible Fence brand solutions consultant just go to www.invisiblefence.com and type in your zip code to find a dealer near you.

Success saves lives and together we can!