Educating the cat: prizes or punishment
Learning
Learning is the change of behavior as a result of experience. This is a common characteristic shared by many living beings, including the cat. More specifically, it is the ability to understand how events are related to each other and how to learn from them.
During pregnancy, the cat already discovers and learns new information about the outside world thanks to the sensory organs. During growth, the kitten, just like children, goes through particular moments in the development of the nervous system called sensitive periods. Everything that the little feline discovers, especially during the first three months of life, enriches its individual "database".
Objects, noises, smells, people, other cats, dogs and many other things are examined by the kitten and memorized so that the kitten will not be afraid of them in the future. The educational role of the mother is essential to achieve all this. The little one must be able to manage its emotions during growth in order to make the most of its learning potential. Learning takes place only when emotions are perceived with an "average" intensity. Cats are able to learn throughout life, even in old age.
Educating the cat
According to the dictionary, Educate derives from the Latin ex - ducere which means to draw out or to let out. The educational process develops and refines the skills of the individual taking into account the character of the individual subject. It is a path that aims to make something that is "hidden" appear.
Educating does not mean transforming the cat as the Pet Parents want or eliminating what they do not like, but accompanying the little feline in its growth by fully bringing out its personality. We are often led to think that a polite cat is a calm, peaceful animal that does not disturb us while we are working or resting, it lets itself be caressed when we want it or plays if we have free time to dedicate to it. I usually say that this is the description of a "stuffed animal"!
Teaching your cat: Rewards and punishments
Punishment consists in the appearance of a pain provoking stimulus (such as raising the voice, slapping, isolating the kitten) that generates negative emotions related to that fear, not only hinder the learning but can also facilitate the appearance of aggressive behavior as a means of communication for the cat. The punishments also favor the birth of a conflictual relationship.
Within the family environment, the cat is considered much like a son and follows the example set by the human family. The little feline learns to use "strength" to solve issues. It is not possible to identify a threshold below which the punishment can be declared tolerable. Violence is always and in any case unacceptable and will affect the subject's right to respect its physical and mental integrity.
Animals are not only sentient beings but also subjects in their own right and must be respected as such, avoiding the use of violence which cannot be considered an acceptable form of education. Education-based on positive reinforcement, on the other hand, allows for faster and easier learning. A look, a caress, a "sweet" tone of voice, or a delicious treat are prizes that encourage learning.
Here's what to do:
- It is advisable to focus your attention on the things that the kitten does well rather than on what he does wrong.
- Praise and gratify the little cat when he behaves well.
- When the kitten does something wrong, the family members can exclaim "Come on ... what are you doing?!" and provide a viable alternative.
