How to Train Your British Shorthair at Home

Have you ever visited your friend’s house and seen how obedient their pet are? I know that there can be instant regret about why your pet is different and only cute. Don’t worry! Your British Shorthair is easy to train at home because of its intelligence and mindful personality!

You would love to train your British Shorthair to show off some tricks to your visitors like target catch. It is always a proud moment for pet owners to do so. Moreover, you can build a better connection with your pets by training them at your house!

From simple tricks like giving your visitor a hand to complicated tricks like sitting up in a chair on request or playing dead, all of these tricks can be taught by you!

It is even fantastic to know that training sessions are more effective with owners than outsiders! Let us take some time and focus on our British Shorthair to give us some sense of achievement!

Why Should You Train Your British Shorthair at Home?

First of all, let us focus on why you need to train a British Shorthair at home. The basic idea here is that a British Shorthair is naturally intelligent. It suits its owner, doesn’t it?

British Shorthairs are known to be royal cats. These attractive felines were participating in the European cat shows firstly in the 1800s. Amazing, right?

So why should I train my British Shorthair at home? You may ask. Here are some reasons why you should do so.

Obedience And Behaviour

Many pet owners complain about obedience problems. If you can train your shorthair at home, then you will spend less time regretting your decision to get it in the first place.

If you have a busy schedule, you might find training your shorthair effective. Training British Shorthairs promise you to have a smiling cat at your door when you come home from a tiring workday.

Moreover, the British Shorthair becomes more sociable when given socialization training.

Utilizing Intelligence

British Shorthairs, as mentioned above, are the most intelligent of all the breeds of cats. So naturally, these feline creatures require to learn tricks and techniques they can show off. Even better is the fact that British Shorthairs learn fast.

You can boast about your shorthair for more than just good looks! Along with its adorable, charming looks, you can admire it for its intelligence.

Saving Time

Training your shorthair might take most of your time. Then, how does it save you time? Moreover, the trick is that when you train your shorthair, you are investing in the future.

In the future, you can admire the fluffy animals without having to think about what wrong they can do next!

Maintaining Hygiene

If you have had pets before, you know the worst scenario of having a pet is worrying about the litter disposal and cleaning.

If you have a household like mine, you would probably fight at least once a week about who is going to clean the litter! A proper litter training can help you in having a household clean and hygienic without squabbling daily.

Sense Of Achievement

Having a pet that obeys you is a blessing! I still find it very satisfying when my friends get amazed by how much my cat is ‘well-behaved.’ It feels like my goal was successful. To be honest, this is a proud moment for pet owners!

It is even made better by the shocking faces when your shorthair pulls some tricks off. You can steal glances at your pet, thinking, “Yes, we did that!”

Bonding With British Shorthair

You might know by now that a British Shorthair is friendly with all but bonds with one of the members deeply. Here is your chance to be in the good books of the British Shorthair.

Moreover, spending some time with the heart of your lively house provides the perfect bonding between you and your pet. As well as teaching it some tricks, add up to it.

Is A British Shorthair Easy To Train At Home?

The answer to this is YES. A British Shorthair doesn’t give you a hard time in learning something new. These cats are very attentive and observant, which is the reason why they are said to be intelligent.

The gorgeous cat will shock you by how it stares at you with its green eyes and then does what you teach.

Tips To Make The Training Task Easy At Home For A British Shorthair

Although a British Shorthair is intelligent and easy to train, there are some tips that make the training task at home easy for you! Check out the following points and tips to save your time.

Train As Soon As Bringing British Shorthair Home

Training is more effective when you start as soon as possible. Although it sounds easy, many people tend to forget to train a British Shorthair at home because the beauty of the cat is irresistible!

If you start fast, the cunning creatures start taking commands with ease.

Show Care And Consideration

Every cat is different, and so is its condition. It is exactly why you should show care and consideration while you train your shorthair.

By doing this, you will have a better bond with your shorthair and also make it comfortable. Additionally, you should consider its problems and understand their behavior.

Grooming And Hygiene

A British Shorthair is pretty hygienic itself. If you do not take care of your shorthair, it is sure to be irritable and disobedient.

Because cats are sensitive and mindful, they believe in a ‘give and take’ relationship. Unlike dogs, cats reciprocate love rather than showing it unconditionally.

For this reason, a British Shorthair is even largely expected to train its owners.

With a British Shorthair, you will find yourself in the position of a trainer and a trainee. Doesn’t it make it more interesting? Learning is always fun!

Convincing Power In Commanding Voice

To be able to lead, you must attract your followers! This is exactly why you require convincing power in your voice. Be sure to use a firm voice so that your British Shorthair is proud to follow what you tell it to do.

Useful Home Training Techniques For A British Shorthair

After having known all the necessary tips and reasons to train your British Shorthair at home, you are sure to be ready to invest some time in doing so.

If you are looking for training a cat of other breeds, these techniques may take some time. In contrast, a British Shorthair is quick to learn.

Here are effective home training techniques that you will find beneficial!

Clicker Training

The clicker training is generally a simple technique where you use a click sound that soothes the cat. This particular sound is useful when the cat shows desirable behavior.

Not only does this soothes the cat, but it also shows your shorthair what you want from it. This process helps your shorthair to understand you better and take a liking to your commands.

However, you have to make sure that the sound is not high pitched but soothing. You wouldn’t want your shorthair to understand the exact opposite of what you are trying to train it for.

Reward Training

Reward training is the most common type of training in most of the pets apart from cats. Many sites will tell you to reward your pet with cat treats, but I suggest you find something that the cat is attached to.

In such a case, you will find it easier to train and faster as well. Though, a British Shorthair is exceptionally fond of food. So, treats are your go-to.

Remember how classes are stressful for us? The same goes for our pets too. Hence, you should provide treats whenever your shorthair shows desirable behavior in training.

Target Training

After having learned easier things normally, you can try target training with your British Shorthair. Unlike other cats, they are fast learners and also like playing with you.

For this reason, you might find it interesting to gain a certain targeted action with your apple of the eye. The trick here is that you can use your shorthair’s favorite toy as its target.

Suppose you would like your shorthair to sit on a chair. Firstly decide its target. It can be a simple object like a fish toy. Put the fish toy on the chair and repeat the command “sit on the chair” in a firm voice.

Then when it comes to getting the target, give the toy to it and use a motivating voice command like “good job.”

Similar to this, you can teach your shorthair to jump on command or even get it to give you a high five.

Moreover, you can use all these techniques at once. It will ensure you a faster way of getting things done!

Different Home Training Required For A British Shorthair

Some problems require instant solutions. When your shorthair is causing you trouble at home, it can seem small, but with time, it can cause irritability of your own. Here are the pieces of training that are essential for a British Shorthair. Along with it, I have mentioned techniques that are most effective regarding the common problems.

Litter Training

Litter training is most important in any household that consists of pets. Not only does this help you save time, but it also keeps the household clean and healthy.

First, you need to make sure that your shorthair is comfortable with the litter box.

Litter Training British Shorthair Kittens at Home

The most important thing here is that you should try to train your shorthair at a very young age.

When you bring your British Shorthair to the home first time, make sure you introduce it to the litter box. Do not touch the litter box to avoid confusion.

After this step, put your shorthair in the litter box after meals or when it gets up from a nap. Whenever you notice you are trying to sniff or looking like it wants to go, immediately place the cat in the litter box.

Likewise, you can give it treats whenever it poops on the litter box. However, you should avoid any punishments when it does not do so because cats are pretty different than dogs. British Shorthairs do not associate punishments to change the behavior. So be careful and enjoy a clean environment!

This process might take time to work. Hence, be attentive and persistent.

Litter Training Adult British Shorthair at Home

Litter training might be a little difficult for adult cats. However, it is not completely impossible. And, you know pretty well by now that British Shorthairs are quite intelligent.

So to train an adult British Shorthair, you should first fill up the litter box with soil. The step makes the cat think that the part is outdoors. Gradually when the cat gets familiar with the litter box, you can replace the soil with cat litter. Hence, training at home is complete.

To Stop A British Shorthair From Pooping in the Sink or Bathtub

First of all, check the litter box. A major part of why cats use any other place to litter is because there is something wrong with the litter box. So, make sure you check if your litter box is not foul-smelling, full, or tucked over.

Next, you can make changes to your litter box. Position the litter box somewhere where your shorthair finds it easy and attractive.

Moreover, you have to use the litter box of about one and a half size of your British Shorthair. Make sure you empty the box two to three times a day!

Obedience Training

Having a pet that is obedient as well as cute is the greatest gift. However, training at home is essential in this part as well. Moreover, you should be firm with your shorthair whenever it displays a behavior that is not acceptable.

Here are some frequently encountered problems with the British Shorthair, along with ways to solve them.

To Stop From Jumping on the Kitchen Counters?

Many people complain about the British Shorthair jumping on the kitchen counters. But basically, you can use it in any of the restricted territories you don’t want your shorthair to set foot on.

You might be thinking, why? You don’t want to get cat hair in your food! Don’t worry! It might be because your shorthair is getting old and just wants your company. Pretty lovable if you think that way!

Every training requires association. It is quite the opposite of the reward training that we have mentioned earlier.

Squirt Gun Method

This method needs single equipment that is a squirt gun. Whenever you see your British Shorthair jumping on any of the tributaries that are restricted, you can squirt it with some water. However, be careful that it doesn’t see you spraying.

Though this technique is very helpful, it requires you to be at home. If you have a busy schedule, then you can try some other methods mentioned below.

Double Taping Method

This is quite simpler than the squirt gun method. Although the squirt gun method is more fun, the double taping method makes the task easier because it requires less time and effort.

All you have to do is use double tapes in places where you do not want your furry friends to go. Once they set foot on double tapes, they will have an instant regret and get back down.

Empty Can Method

Another easy method is the empty can method. In the empty can method, you can reuse some cans by cleaning them out and filling it with pennies.

After that, you can tape this can in the entrance of restricted areas. It is enough to startle the cat away!

If you have your tricks that you find helpful, then you can undeniably share it with us. Additionally, you can use the squirt gun method if you are at home. At the same time, the empty can and double taping tricks are better when you are away. I suggest you do not mix up the tricks and cause confusion.

I know it can be frustrating when the techniques do not work on the first try. All these techniques are helpful, but they require patience. So, I hope you show persistent training with a single technique!

Some things are to be done from your part as well. Try not to leave food or meat on the counter. It will help to decrease the temptation in your shorthair.

However, if the problem persists, your shorthair might be sick. So, take it to the vet to be a responsible parent.

Do’s And Don’ts In Training A British Shorthair at Home

Certain things are done from your side to get the training sessions going. Though, to form a bond with your pet, you have to consider some points. Here are the major do’s and don’ts while training a British Shorthair at home. Check it out!

Do’s In The Home Training

Grooming

The British Shorthair is a royal cat with mystic green eyes and charming features. So, make sure you groom it well. As cats are more likely to love staying clean, you have to give them a clean environment and proper grooming to train better.

Patience

Training requires patience and perseverance. You should not expect British Shorthairs to learn in a day or one try. Make sure you do not lose your cool to get a wonderful result. You can always get better results once you pass the daily routines of training your shorthair at home.

Attention Seeking

Call your shorthair by its name and treat it as a family member. Making your British Shorthair comfortable is a good way to start your home training. If you do not grab its attention, then you will surely blabber on your own without having any results in hand.

Firm And Confident Voice

Make sure to use a voice command that is easy to follow. If you are unsure about what you are saying, your shorthair will be confused too. Moreover, use the same commands without a change in your wordings.

Don’ts In The Home Training

Be Insensitive And Shout

A firm voice does not mean shouting at the pets. Likewise, you have to use a soothing voice and give them treats when the desired behavior is shown. Consider the health problems and let a day slide when they do not want to train!

Conduct Training For Long Duration

Pieces of training are pretty hectic for pets. So, do not extend training hours to let it learn fast because the situation will be turned into the exact opposite. Moreover, British Shorthairs might take it negatively and instead stop listening to your commands altogether.

Use Punishments

Cats are different than dogs as they do not associate punishments with good behavior. Moreover, it only adds up to the stress levels causing them to be scared instead of learning. Negativity does not give good results, after all.

Spend Time Only Training

You should never let your pet feel lonely. Take note to spend a lot of playtime with your furry friend and create a strong bond. Only when your shorthair is comfortable with you it will start listening to what you say!

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Teach A British Shorthair To Fetch At Home?

We have heard about dogs fetching objects but are cats that obedient? Other cats might not be so intelligent, but a British Shorthair is yours to showcase.

Firstly, to start training, choose a comfortable small area. For this, we will be using a reward system.

Gently toss your shorthair’s favorite toy. Then with a firm voice, say “fetch.” If your shorthair successfully brings and drops you the toy, reward it with a treat and a warm voice. “Good fetch” or “good boy/girl” is widely successful phrases. If possible, use the adorable names of your shorthair.

Similarly, if your fluffy pet brings you the toy but does not drop it, you can lure it with treats to let it leave the toy. In most cases, pets think you are trying to play. So, they might start playing with the toy instead of fetching them.

Hence, show them treats to divert focus on treats. When it drops the toy on your hand, reward it with the treat for its success. Also, use the same phrase you would use in the previous methods.

A small tip here is that use a ‘special’ toy as your shorthair would think it to be. Treat the toy special and do not leave it around the house, which will raise the value in your feline friend’s eye!

How To Teach A British Shorthair To Play Dead At Home?

Imagine the shocked expressions of your visitors and the amount of satisfaction you will gain when your shorthair plays dead on demand! It is one of the best tricks that I find amazing. Although it looks complicated, the training is simple. Moreover, it also creates a bond between you and your lovely cat.

First, voice out your cat’s name. Be ready with treats. When it comes to you after calling its name, reward it with a treat.

Next, you gently put your one hand on its back. You should then point the freehand on its head saying, “play dead.” While you say this, press gently with the hand which was on your shorthair’s back. Watch as it stretches its body on the floor.

Now, let your shorthair loose and give it a treat. You can say “good boy/ girl,” “good job,” or “good name.” (The name of your shorthair)

Likewise, repeat the whole process. Once the cat plays dead without your hand on the back, you are ready with a cat that understands your command, “play dead.”

Where Should I Put The Litter Box Of My British Shorthair?

The position of your little box also determines whether your British Shorthair uses it or not. Do not place the litter box near the cat’s eating place or food.

Then where should I place it? The perfect place for the litter box is next to your bathroom door. You can keep it inside the bathroom, but there may be emergencies when the door is closed. So, I suggest you use it right next to your bathroom.

The next best place is the guest’s room if you have one. Majorly, you can use any room that has privacy and is quiet. British Shorthairs are quiet and shy. It would undeniably help you in this case.

You might try to place the litter box inside a piece of furniture so that your shorthair feels safe in a quiet and calm place! Moreover, to make your shorthair feel at home, you can also check for its feedback and change the location for its comfortability.

Last Words

After learning all this, you are set for training your British Shorthair at home. The basic problems of having a pet at home are easily solved by the training methods we have mentioned earlier, like a reward, clicker, and target training.

More advanced tricks are shown in the frequently asked questions section. Make sure you check it out! Happy pet keeping!

Now you can show the tricks to your visitors and also create better bonding between you and your lovable British Shorthair without a doubt.