Author: Caroline Parks

Cats are incredibly smart and very trainable when you work with their natural instincts. Training is not about control. It’s about communication, trust, and positive experiences.

Here are practical, humane training tips that actually work.

Use Positive Reinforcement Only

• Cats learn best when good things follow good behavior. Reward actions you like with treats, praise, play, or affection. Punishment creates fear and damages trust with your cat.

Keep Sessions Short

• Cats do best with quick, fun training sessions. Aim for 1 to 5 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Always end on a success, even if it’s a small one.

Know What Motivates Your Cat

• Every cat is different. Some work for food, others for play or affection. Figure out what your cat loves most and use that as the reward.

Start With Simple Behaviors

• Begin with behaviors your cat already does naturally. Great starters include coming when called, sitting, using a scratching post, or entering a carrier.

Set Up the Environment

• Training works best when the environment supports your goals. Place scratching posts where your cat already scratches and create positive associations with carriers and new spaces.

With the Holiday season approaching, we know that means travel for a lot of families. Traveling with animals can be stressful, but here are some helpful tips that can help relieve stress for you and your animals.

• When flying, it’s important to make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel, up to date on vaccines, and ready for the journey. Most airlines require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian, whether your pet is traveling in the cabin or as cargo. Keep in mind that vet appointments can book up quickly during the holiday season, so schedule early.
• Carry your pet’s food, treats, and medication with you. For flying, it’s always best to keep these essentials in your carry-on, because travel can be unpredictable. If your checked luggage is delayed or goes missing, you’ll have everything your pet needs. Even if you’re driving, keeping treats handy can also make it easier for your pet to adjust to its new surroundings.
• Keeping your pets hydrated is essential whether traveling by car or plane. Make sure you carry a travel water bottle and bowl so your pets can stay hydrated.
• Packing their favorite things can make a stressful day feel soothing. If your pet is a nervous traveler, having familiar items from home can help calm their nerves. You could even reach out to your veterinarian to discuss safe medications or supplements that may help your pet during travel.

By planning ahead and keeping these tips in mind, you can help ensure a safer, calmer, and more enjoyable holiday trip for both you and your pets.