Many people think cats are naturally proud and independent animals that cannot accept strict training. But cat lovers will tell you that this is not the case at all. Although cats maintain an attitude of not being dependent on others, they are actually very affectionate and full of emotion, and can be effectively behaviorally trained.

　　Cat enthusiasts especially admire a cat's curiosity and agile movements. However, these traits can cause trouble in the home. Cats that constantly jump on tables and chairs and use furniture as scratching posts without any restraint are not pets but nuisances.

　　Cats must be corrected immediately on the spot when they make mistakes. This may be difficult because most cat owners are away working all day, leaving the cat to misbehave alone at home. Most people do not allow their cats to go outside, making this problem even more serious.

　　To truly achieve training goals, training should start from the kitten stage. There is an old saying: "You cannot teach an old dog new tricks." This also applies to cats. Correcting a bad habit in an adult cat is very difficult, while preventing it from the start is easier. However, don't be discouraged. With persistence, any cat can be taught to master some simple behavioral rules.

　　Training is best started within a few days of bringing the cat home. Always keep a water spray bottle or a noise maker (such as a tin can with coins inside) handy during training. Whenever the cat climbs on a chair or scratches furniture, spray it with the water bottle or shake the noise maker nearby. If you cannot watch it, confine it to a room where it cannot misbehave. Never use physical punishment, and do not hit its head or rear. Physical punishment will only make the cat afraid of its owner.

　　Many people think cats are naturally proud and independent animals that cannot accept strict training. But cat lovers will tell you that this is not the case at all. Although cats maintain an attitude of not being dependent on others, they are actually very affectionate and full of emotion, and can be effectively behaviorally trained.

　　Do not leave tasty foods (such as meat or fish) or anything that arouses a cat’s curiosity in places like chairs where the cat can find them. This will only encourage the cat to climb higher. Fleas in carpets will also encourage cats to jump onto furniture to stay. In any case, prepare a scratching post for your cat and move its paws back and forth on it. The scratching post can be covered with a blanket or be a bare wooden stick. This depends on your cat's preference. Consider designating a spot on a windowsill or other elevated place where the cat can sit and bask in the sun. The cat’s greatest hobby is sitting in the sunlight enjoying the view, especially at places away from the floor.

　　在执行训练计划过程中，当你不在家时可采取一些辅助措施帮助猫巩固其良好行为。例如用塑料袋或铝箔把家具上曾经被抓挠过的部位包起来，作为一种警示标志。也可把发声器随意放置在椅子上，一旦猫跳上去就会跌落发出声响。一旦发生这种情况，回家后就应继续加以训练。

　　对猫的良好表现也必须加以赞扬。猫要是使用了你为它准备的磨爪棒或坐在指定窗台上，就应给以奖励性食品并说些表扬的话。

　　训练猫的关键是让猫在树立良好行为过程感到舒适。如果上面所建议的方法不奏效，就重新考虑你的猫所处的环境，安排合适的措施。