Feline Behavior
The Positive Reinforcement Program is a method of communication using natural feline instincts and behaviors. To understand and communicate with our domestic cats, we must first understand the feline species. Although we have domesticated the cat for thousands of years, instinctively they are very similar to lion prides when housed in a group. They do not understand a family unit with a mom, dad and the kids. Cats understand a pack unit. When joining your family, your cat will look at you and your family as part of his/her pride, you are another cat. In a pride one animal is considered the leader or the alpha. This animal is responsible for the needs of the entire unit, food, security, leadership and protection. Being an alpha is not a negative thing unless you have very little control over your environment. In the wild an alpha is responsible for marking territory when they feel challenged. This behavior in not well tolerated in a home. We need to assume the alpha position to reassure our cats that we are in control. We must communicate with our cats, in a manner in which they understand to establish leadership within our pride.The first alpha in the life of a kitten is the birth mother. She provided the food, protection, leadership and security needed by the kittens. Therefore, we are going to mimic your cat's first alpha. To become the food provider we must first take control of the cat's food supply; we must become a physical food provider. Hand feeding allows us to assume this role.
If you have an adult cat we will ask you to withhold food for 24 hours or until the cat is hungry. If you have a kitten we ask that you just skip one of the scheduled feedings to ensure a hungry kitten. We do not encourage free choice feeding. If they are not hungry they do not understand, or see a need to respond to you.
Alpha is the food provider. When your cat is not paying attention place a few (1-2) kernels of food in your hand, crouch down holding your open hand close to your body, and call the cat to you. When they begin to eat out of your hand gently stroke them over the head, then turn and walk away. Cats cannot speak so they read body language, both in other cats and in humans. The manner in which you do your hand-feeding communicates vital information to them about their environment and who is in control. We ask that you hand-feed your cat for a period of three weeks. This will help to ensure they understand who is in the alpha position. You can modify this program but the more food they receive from a family member, the quicker response you will see.
The second component of this program is the control of affection. We are not saying that you give your cat any less affection or attention, only that you do it when you want, and not when they demand it from you. For example, if your cat jumps in your lap without being called you gently push them off, repeat if necessary. When they start to walk away, then call them back to you and give them attention.
Cats are wonderful companions and friends and we feel that this program maximizes that relationship by establishing a firm leadership and respect between you and your pet.
