Training your beautiful feline should be a ‘rewarding’ experience for you as well. Depending on how you approach this activity, it can be a great way to connect and bond with your furry friend. It is important to remember that cats can be fussy and not all of them will want or like to do all the things that you expect or want them to do. With some effort, you would be able to gauge the behaviours that your cat naturally displays/or is inclined towards. As a pet parent, remaining positive and gentle is necessary – training is essentially a time to ‘attach’ words to the natural behaviours and then rewarding your cat for the ‘cooperation’! Check with your vet on the best methods and ‘rewards’ for your cat. We will focus on ‘treating your cat right – treats that are healthy, lower calories, and used only to the extent of 10% of your cat’s daily diet.
Cats are highly intelligent and are easy to teach – though, you would need to find the exact motivators at times, and treats work well during the training process.
Carefully chosen treats can get your kitty to cooperate and ‘perform’ the behaviours you expect. Treats can be a great way especially during nail trimming time, to avoid all the ‘drama and fussing’. As a tip – we believe that choosing treats with several variables and those that are good for health can do the ‘trick’! There is no universal truth or reason for why one treat is better than others, and the wise thing to do is experiment with different flavours, types, and brands – you and your cat buddy will know what works best. Always check with a pet expert/frontline healthcare professional, when in doubt. Let us take you through some of the things that you should remain aware of when buying treats for your feline:
Ensure they are healthy
Treats that are processed should be avoided. It is always better to pick treats that contain a few natural ingredients.
Bite-Sized Nibbles
Smaller treats are not only easier for your kitty to eat, they serve the purpose of a reward without being too much at one time. Further, your kitty might just wander off with a larger treat, putting training off!
Dry Treats Are More Efficient
Yes, treats of any kind would work – even the wet ones – but dry treats are not messy, easier to store in your pocket, and can even be lopped into the air or thrown a distance, enabling even more exercise and fun.
Get Value Packs – Keep Costs Down
Pet treats do not need to be an expensive proposition. It would be sensible to balance quality with value for money. Buy in bulk, but it is recommended to buy smaller packs rather than one humongous bag. The contents of a large pack might spoil or become stale before you go through the entire bag – hence, buying multiple smaller packs would keep the treats fresh and edible for a longer time.
Keep their ‘Smile’ Intact
Get your feline, treats that will promote dental health – the kind that is crunchy because they serve to scrub off food and deposits from the cat’s teeth.
Is Organic True?
Labels might say organic – however, it is important to note the ingredient mix. Hence, while the ‘meat’ in the treats might be organic, the other ingredients might not fall under the organic label. Check with your vet if you are not sure.
Training your cat is a lot more fun and easier, when you use treats. Choose the treats wisely, remember to follow the guidance of your vet, and never exceed the maximum percentage of treats in your cat’s daily diet. Treats are just that – treats – and not meant to be a substitute for a balanced and optimal diet for your pet cat. If you notice that your cat is eating less of the normally recommended meals, you would know that it is time to reduce the number of treats. Overall, stay vigilant, caring, and patient with your cat during the training period – you could be pleasantly surprised to see your cat perform a new trick! Happy ‘treating’!
,
