New Cat owner :)

Hi everyone,

I have recently adopted 2 male kittens (brothers). I'm a first time cat owner, but have wanted a cat for many years. I ended up getting my rubber arm twisted into taking TWO baby kitties instead of one. That being said, we could not be happier with our decision and so far, everything has gone very smoothly the past month. I have joined this forum to learn more about cats so I can provide a more stimulating lifestyle for my kittens. I want to give them the best life possible and I would also LOVE to train them to do tricks. I'm a certified, force-free dog trainer and my method of choice happens to be clicker training! I have seen what some people can do with kit-katters and I'd love to be able to share in the fun with my two boys  Sadly, cats are still quite alien to me and I am kind of cautious to begin any training without the support of seasoned cat trainers. Looking forward to learning from everyone.

Take care,

Nightshade.
 

PS: My kittens are mutts. Their mother was a Siamese (or at least had the markings of one) and I cannot speculate on what breed or mix their father was. Both kittens are 3 months old and neutered. 

Welcome!

I have been a first-time cat owner for three months. I'm trying to do some clicker training as well, though I haven't been as regular with it as I should be and I don't have previous training experience. Karen Pryor wrote a great beginning book on clicker-training your cat. The key with cats is that food rewards are pretty necessary, moreso than dogs who have a social desire to please you and who are better evolved to read our micro-signals of emotion.

I wouldn't worry too much about lack of experience or lack of "supervision". You can't do anything wrong, unless you were to discipline the cat, which it doesn't sound like you're going to do. Make sessions fun and short, and don't get discouraged. You should also check out this cat clicker training group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cat-Clicker/

Congrats, and keep us posted. And personally, I think everyone- owner, and kittens- are happier when there are two kittens rather than one.

Hi there welcome along to TCS

My husband was a dog person until I gave him his first cat for his birthday 25 years ago. We have now welcomed our 5th cat to our home, and have not gone back to dogs. Dogs are great but there is just something about a cat. Perhaps it's because you feel special that the cat has chosen you. When the cat sleeps on your lap or purrs in your ear, it's because he wants to, not because he's forced to.
My cats have all acted like dogs. They greet me at the door, follow me around the house, talk back to me, entertain me.
You will love them.
You can teach them. I have not tried the clicker but just use food, my voice, and praise. They come when called (use food, petting, and praise). "Get down" (loud voice, put them down). "No" (loud voice, water bottle if needed). Just be positive. I've only had one stubborn cat. An hour in solitary worked on him. Only had to do that a couple times.
Hitting does not work! If you lose your temper, walk away, calm down and try again, or distract him with a toy.
Also try to remember that you own the house! At least we want to think we do?
I hope this helps and this site and other owners will help to. Good luck, and enjoy being "owned" by a cat.