(7 of 10) Training Your British Shorthair: Tips and Tricks

While British Shorthairs are known for their calm and independent nature, they’re also quite intelligent and capable of learning—on their terms, of course. Training a British Shorthair isn’t about domination; it’s about communication and understanding. Let’s explore how to teach your fluffy aristoc(r)at some essential skills (and maybe a fun trick or two).

Litter Box Training: Best Practices

Thankfully, most cats are naturally inclined to use a litter box, and British Shorthairs are no exception. However, a little setup goes a long way:

• Placement: Choose a quiet, low-traffic area for the litter box. Nobody wants to do their business in the middle of a party.
• Type of Litter: Experiment with different litters to find one your cat likes. Many cats prefer unscented clumping litter.
• Cleanliness: Scoop the box daily and clean it thoroughly once a week. A clean litter box equals a happy cat (and a less smelly home).
• Positive Reinforcement: If your British Shorthair is a kitten, reward them with a treat or praise after they use the litter box correctly. Just don’t make it weird.

Teaching Basic Commands and Behaviors

Believe it or not, British Shorthairs can learn commands like "sit," "stay," and even "high five" with a bit of patience and consistency. Here’s how:

1. Use Treats:

Food is a universal motivator. Use small, tasty treats to encourage desired behavior.

2. Clicker Training:

Pairing a clicker with treats helps your cat associate the sound with a reward. Click when they perform the desired action, then immediately give them a treat.

3. Start Simple:

Begin with basic commands like "sit." Hold a treat above their head and move it back slightly. As they look up, they’ll naturally sit. Reward them immediately and repeat.

4. Keep Sessions Short:

Cats have short attention spans. Limit training sessions to 5-10 minutes to avoid boredom.

Managing Scratching with Proper Scratching Posts

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so the goal isn’t to stop it but to redirect it to appropriate places. Here’s how:

• Provide Options: Place scratching posts or boards around your home, especially near their favorite spots.
• Discourage Furniture Scratching: If they scratch your couch, use anti scratch tape or a cat-safe deterrent spray on the area.
• Encourage Use: Rub a little catnip on the scratching post to make it more appealing.
• Reward Good Behavior: Praise and reward your cat when they use the scratching post.

Addressing Undesirable Behaviors

Cats aren’t perfect (though they’ll tell you otherwise). Here are some tips for dealing with common challenges:

Jumping on Counters:

• Keep counters clear of tempting items like food or toys.
• Use a deterrent like aluminum foil (this apparently works, in our case they started nibbling on the foil.
• Reward them when they stay off the counter.

Biting or Scratching During Play:

• Use toys, not hands, for playtime.
• If they get too rough, stop the game immediately and give them a chance to calm down.

Ignoring Commands:

• Patience is key. Remember, cats aren’t dogs. They’ll learn at their own pace, especially if there’s something in it for them.

Fun Tricks to Teach Your British Shorthair

Training doesn’t have to be all about discipline—it can be fun too! Here are some tricks your British Shorthair might enjoy:

• High Five: Hold a treat just above their paw and wait for them to reach up. Reward immediately.
• Fetch: Toss a small toy and encourage them to bring it back. Not all cats take to this, but some British Shorthairs might surprise you.
• Come When Called: Use their name consistently during mealtime or treat time to associate it with good things.

Final Thoughts

Training your British Shorthair is as much about bonding as it is about teaching. With patience, treats, and a healthy dose of humor, you’ll have a well-behaved and happy cat. Just remember: they’re always in charge (or so they’ll let you think).

In our next post, we’ll explore how to keep your British Shorthair entertained with playtime and toys that match their dignified yet playful nature. Stay tuned!