Let's see…would you prefer to sleep on a comfortable mattress with warm bedding in a private room, or to sleep on a cot with a sheet in a group shelter? Cats are a lot like us. They appreciate all the comforts of home and enjoy being close to their families.
However, cats unlike us, often prefer a small, cozy area over a king size bed. Why is that?In nature, cats feel safer hidden from view where they can escape predators and maintain a warm body temperature. For these reasons, cats, like dogs, adapt well to contented kennel training.
When you begin introducing the kennel to a cat, make sure everything wonderful happens in the kennel and nothing interesting happens outside of the kennel.
Here are a few tips on how to begin kennel training
First, do NOT begin by putting the cat in the kennel and locking the door.
Do NOT begin to close the door until the cat loves being in the kennel. And, even then, begin by closing the door for a few minutes at a time while giving lavish praise.
Second, all treats and toys live in the kennel. You praise and fuss over
your kitten only when your kitten is in the kennel. Keep the most comfortable, clean bedding inside of the kennel.
Third, when you DO begin to close the kennel door, start for a few minutes at a time when the cat is either eating a meal inside the kennel, or sleeping (if overnight, preferably in your bedroom.)
Help your
kitten associate the kennel with good experiences such as finding treats, favorite toys, your praise, petting, and the most comfy bedding or pillows.
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Why should you provide your cat a kennel?
If you have small children, a kennel
gives your cat a safe refuge. Cats love "caves" as a place for retreat. That's why they often sleep in closets. If you have other pets, kennels are a great way to introduce pets to each other. If you have guests and do not want
your cat underfoot, you may rest assured if your cat is happy and content
resting in an indoor kennel. If possible, place the kennel above ground on a dresser or table. Cats also like to rest in high places.
Until she enters the crate
readily, feed the kitten
inside the kennel for every
meal. |
Teach
Your Cat To Travel
Usually,
the most common time to take
a trip is to the vet. If the
kitten has a negative experience,
it is very important that he
take several car rides with
positive experiences to balance
out a single bad experience.
Otherwise, he will associate
all car rides with an unpleasant
outcome.
Cats
that travel in the car without
being crated sometimes go wild
with energy. Their movements
and noises distract the driver.
In some cases they hide under
the brake, and can cause serious
accidents.
Once
he is crate trained at home,
your cat can travel comfortably
with you in the car. He can
also travel by train or air
without fear (in his own crate
bedroom!). In addition, many
hotels will allow you to keep
a cat (or a dog) in your room
if they are trained to stay
in a crate.
Once
the kitten is crate trained,
it is a small step to take him
with you on an errand. Again,
link a food treat and praise
to the experience. Go on short
trips together. Never leave
him inside a hot or very cold car.
Teach
Your Cat To Enjoy A Bath
Teach
your cat what a bath is while
she is still a kitten. Before
you attempt to bathe the kitten
for the first time, choose a
time when you know he's
hungry. Begin to feed the kitten
in the sink or tub that will
eventually be used for bathing
him. Once he is comfortable,
turn on the tap while he is
eating. If he wants to leave,
let him. Still, only give him
food in the tub. You may need
to repeat this step several
times before the kitten will
eat while the water is running.
If he runs away, it means you
proceeded too fast, and need
to pace the training in smaller
steps.
Be sure to give the
first bath before the kitten
is three months old, if
possible. The earlier you
start, the more flexible the
kitten's response to the
experience will be. |
Once
the kitten associates water
with food (pleasure), give him
special food treats while you
begin to sprinkle him with water.
Try to make it fun. You may
need to repeat this part over
a few sessions until the cat
relaxes and likes being wet.
During
the first bath, give the kitten
plenty of treats, praise and
petting.