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Training your cat can be quite easy if you take some initial steps in your home for this new addition to your family. After setting up the cat's food/water bowls and litter box, introduce the cat to each of them. I find it easier to let the newbie of your house to be able to explore it's surroundings for at least 15 minutes before your introductions to the bowls and litter box. I allow my cats free reign of my house including the favorite couch and even my bed which cuts down on my cats' mischievous sides.

Cats are like humans in that each one has a different personality and each one will do different things when they want to get into trouble. When you introduce your cat to the litter box, let them sniff it and play with the litter a bit. If they walk away instantaniously, put them back in the box once more and then let them be in it for a few minutes. Repeat this at least two more times the first day you have your new cat.

I have had four indoor cats in my life, two as a child/ teen, and now two as an adult and none of these cats have had a problem with finding the litter box once introduced to it. They have left me "gifts" of disapproval on very few occasions, however. These "gifts" are usually thier way of saying to you that something is wrong. Your cat may be sick, may want you to clean thier litter box, or may want you to pay a bit more attention to them if you left them alone for too long. These "gifts" will not happen often once their individual problem is corrected by either checking the litter, taking your cat to the vet if it's needed, or giving them that attention they want after a long and often infrequent trip/ vacation.

Training your cat in other ways can be an easy task as well, once you get to know thier individual personality. If you don't want your cat on the kitchen table for instance, pick him/her up while saying a firm "no" and place them on the floor. This will take a lot of patience and some creativity on your part as the owner, but it can be done. Another way is simply snapping your fingers, point to the floor, while saying down. You could also try saying no while spraying your cat with water or even batting thier nose. I have not tried these later tecniques because my cats were strays that were abused by the previous owner and these just wouldn't work for us (my cats and me). Again, this is about trial and error as well as your individual cat's personality. Treats can also induce good behavior and even teaching your cats tricks also.

There are many ways to train your cat and sometimes books, an animal shelter, your vet, or even the internet can help with this task. Most of the time, your cat will behave because afterall, he/she knows who's feeding him/her and wants to please and love you. Congrats on your new addition and best wishes.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom.
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