However, cats do need to learn how to behave and common examples of training include teaching kittens to use the litter tray or a cat flap, introducing them to travel in a cat basket or cage and training cats to respond to your calls. A good reference to help is Training Your Cat written by Dr Kersti Seksel (a registered veterinary specialist in animal behaviour).
In addition to specific training, kittens also need to learn how to control their own behaviour and limit potential injury to others. Part of this process involves learning that the use of teeth and claws are not acceptable when interacting with owners and other pets or people. It is therefore important not to encourage their use during play by using human body parts such as fingers or toes. Play should be directed to appropriate toys instead.
Teaching appropriate behaviour through positive reinforcement from an early age is always preferable to punishing unsuitable behaviour, which can run the risk of seriously damaging the cat-owner relationship.
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