Cat Training: When is Professional Help Useful?

Be consistent, reward and use a few tricks: Cat training often sounds easier than it is. Sometimes you feel like you just can’t get any further. A cat psychologist can help – but when should you consult one?

Cats are known to be very stubborn. Each velvet paw has a mind of its own and isn’t particularly keen on pleasing humans – quite unlike dogs. It can be correspondingly difficult if you want to train your darling to behave in a certain way or not. This is a serious problem if, for example, your velvet paw scratches the furniture, constantly pees in the apartment, or does not get along with the other cats in the house at all.

Here is Some Advice on Cat Training

Then it is time to seek help. One possibility is of course to get advice from other cat owners – for example on the Internet. However, remember that not all four-legged friends are the same. Chats and online forums are a great place to draw on lessons learned from the general public when it comes to cat training. But beware: Dangerous half-knowledge can also cavort here. It is suggested here and there that you should scold aloud or pinch or even hit a cat if it exhibits unwanted behavior again – you should avoid this at all costs! Also, the punishment with a shot from the water pistol may backfire. You may actually make the behavior worse and instill fear in your cat.

When Can a Cat Psychologist Help?

You should only use the reward principle when training cats. If your darling shows the desired behavior, you can encourage it with praise or a treat, for example. If you are still not seeing results with this training after about four weeks, it makes sense to seek advice from a cat psychologist. This is often easier said than done. Because the professions of cat psychologist or animal therapist are not protected by the state – theoretically everyone can simply award this title to themselves. Pay attention to the training and references of the cat pastor of your choice. In a personal conversation, you can best find out whether you have a professional at hand – trust your gut feeling.