Using the Cat Database

The cat database is crucial to training. Any of our actions towards the cat must be understood as something they do not lose. Ever.

It all goes into the Cat Database.

Every behavior we have, every behavior the cat has, every behavior of everything around them is filed away according to how the cat feels about what has happened. These lists are multiplied by emotional weight.

If the cat liked it a little, it will be a weak drive. If the cat didn’t like it, a lot, then the cat’s first reaction will be strong and negative. We increase the positive reactions by supplying a lot of good, supercharged, feedback when the cat pleases us.

Suppose we call the cat, and they come. If we just say, “Hey, look at that,” and not follow up with the cat, we have created an entry in the database. The cat didn’t mind, but it is not going to build a strong drive to come when my name is called.

If the cat does not come when called, perhaps we have not made it worth their while.

This is how we can get them on our lap, hang around us when we are doing things, and show up when they are curious; by immediate, emphatic, and positive feedback.

Cats are thrilled when we show that we are thrilled by them.

So go ahead and fuss over the cat. How else are they going to know we are pleased to see them?

Likewise, we should not yell or be punitive when the cat does something we do not like, because the cat will not connect our action with their action. The cat will think we have suddenly and inexplicably gone mad. They will avoid us, not the bad behavior.

The proper way to make an entry into the cat database is to be sad. Act upset over the broken bric-a-brac, distressed over the scattered stack of papers from our desk, and miserable over the tipped over lamp. This will convey the proper emotional mood, and then the cat will be able to connect their action with our distress.

This functions best, of course, when the cat has a strong emotional connection with us, and cares if they upset us.

This is why we should always apologize if we frighten them, because without us to reassure them, they will be puzzled. Too much puzzling makes the entry a bad thing. If we drop a pan while they were in the kitchen and scared them, let them know it was an accident and you didn’t mean to. Otherwise, they can develop a fear of kitchens, pans, or us.

So if the cat does something we like, let them know. If we really like it, say so. Tell them they make us happy. We can expand on our experiences that make us happy, which will give them plenty of ways to get good attention from us.

The cat will always prefer a positive outcome. So do we.

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There’s more to raising and training a cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my CAT TRAINING TIPS.