Training
Toilet training
Even if you have a cat that spends lots of time outdoors it’s a good idea to have a litter tray inside. Cats, with their proud, fastidious nature, are generally very easy to toilet train.
After a meal or a sleep, or when you see your cat showing signs of needing to go to the toilet (sniffing or digging in a corner), pick them up and place them in the litter tray. Take their paw and gently scratch at the cat litter with it. If your cat uses the tray correctly you should give it lots of praise. You should only have to repeat this a couple of times for your cat to catch on and do on their own.
Did you know cat’s can
be toilet trained far
more quickly than
humans? And you think
you’re the superior
species...
Toilet training tips:
- Place the litter tray in a quiet, private area
- Experiment with different types of litter until you find the one your cat seems most comfortable with
- Make sure you scoop out the tray at least once a day and empty it completely every 2-3 days
- Never punish a cat for a toilet accident as this will only make them fear you and less likely to do the right thing
Basic training
Cats have a reputation for being highly independent, aloof creatures, who run the show at home. In reality cats can be very responsive to their owner’s actions and this makes it possible to train cats to obey certain commands.
The basic rules for training are:
- Patience: Cats are individuals, so don’t expect a set response when training them
- Rewards: When your cat responds correctly to your command, reward them with food so they know they’ve done something right
- One at a time: Only teach one command at a time and wait until your cat is completely comfortable with the command before moving onto another one
Scratching posts
Cats like to sharpen their claws by digging them into things, so if it’s not a scratching post it could be your couch or favourite jumper! Placing a couple of scratching posts in your living area could help save your favourite furniture.
The information provided is general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice. Medibank Private does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information, representations or advice contained. To the extent permitted by law, Medibank Private accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by readers of this website as a result of or in connection with the information contained on this website (whether by way of negligence or otherwise).
Limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Medibank Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ACN 090 584 473; AFSL 241436) (Hollard), is promoted by Medibank Private Limited (ACN 080 890 259; AR 286089) (Medibank) and administered by Pet Sure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 075 949 923; AR 268991). This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. The product disclosure statement (PDS) for Medibank Pet Insurance is available from www.medibank.com.au . You should obtain and consider the PDS in deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, Medibank Pet Insurance. Any general advice provided by Dr Chris Brown in relation to Medibank Pet Insurance is provided as an authorised representative of Hollard in connection with an arrangement with Medibank under which an entity associated with Dr Chris Brown will receive remuneration. Medibank is an authorised representative of Hollard and has appointed Dr Chris Brown as an authorised representative of Hollard. Hollard can be contacted by telephone: (02) 9253 6600 or by mail: Level 38, 2 Park Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000.