Have you recently adopted a cat? Congratulations! It’s always fun getting to know your new pet, and developing that special bond we have with our feline pals. One thing that is very important is making sure your furball understands what is and isn’t allowed in your house. A Frisco, TX vet offers some tips on teaching your kitty good manners below.
Start Early
Kittens are beyond adorable, which makes it easy to forgive them for misbehaving. Your playful pet may very well try to use you as a toy as she’s working on her chomps and pounces. This is definitely not a habit you want Fluffy picking up! Discourage your pet by firmly telling her ‘No’ or ‘Don’t bite’ when she attacks. You can also blow in your face. Then, walk away and ignore her for a while. She’ll figure it out sooner or later!
Offer Suitable Outlets
Cats need to run, jump, and pounce. Provide your feline friend with lots of toys to bat under the couch. It’s also important to play with your kitty regularly. When you control Fluffy’s ‘prey,’ you’ll make playtime both more fun and more challenging for her. Use toys you control from a distance, like a laser pointer or wand toy. This will help teach your pet to attack them, not you. (Note: always put wand toys away after use, so your kitty can’t get tangled up in them.)
Pawsitive Reinforcement
Never punish Fluffy for misbehaving. This may just frighten her, and make her feel like she needs to defend herself. If you notice your furball doing something she shouldn’t, like jumping on counters or trying to scoop up your goldfish, make a loud noise. You can clap your hands, stomp your foot, or bang a kitchen pan. Then just say ‘No’ or ‘Bad kitty.’ Of course, it’s equally important to reward your kitty for behaving properly. Offer toys, treats, catnip, praise, and ear scritches when she’s being good.
Keep Kitty Purring
Fluffy is more likely to be cuddly and affectionate if she realizes that she’s got it pretty good. Proper veterinary care, a good diet, toys, and comfy beds will all help keep that motor going. It’s also important to pay attention to your cat, and make her feel loved.
Please contact us, your Frisco, TX vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
