Training Cats
...beyond the Litter Box
Also
see Litter Box Training | Selecting a Pedigree
Cat
- Training
Cats to do Tricks
- Unlike
dogs, cats are not really interested in pleasing their owner.
The main reason some cats will do a trick is because it's
mentally stimulating and they take pleasure in learning
a trick. For best result practice patience and consistency,
cats are very responsive to reward and praises.
- Choose
a distinct sound when Training Cats. For example
a buzzer, whistle, clicker, snapping your fingers etc. Start
out by making the distinct sound while feeding your cat,
creating positive association with the food and distinct
sound. Try this for a couple of days, until your cat learns
to associate the distinct sound with the food.
- Reinforce
Training your Cat by consistently creating the distinct
sound and immediately giving your cat their favorite treat.
Create an association with distinct sound and vocal command
followed by the cat's trick or physical action. Give a vocal
command and create the distinct sound at the same time,
then make the distinct sound again the exact moment your
cat executes the trick.
- Tips
on Training Cats
- Make
sure you're consistent; cats have a good memory and never
forget.
- Choose
a cat toy or a treat that your cat is excited about to
reward the Cat Training.
- Always
start by using your cat's name first, after the command
or distinct sound always reward your cat with treats and
praises.
- Keep
the Cat Training session fun and short, no more than 15
minutes per day. Best time is right before their mealtimes
when cats are more motivated and hungry.
- Using
trust and positive reinforcements like praises and reward
is more effective than negative reinforcement. Never yell,
force, frighten or starve a cat as this leads to psychological
and behavior problems.
- Never
over-use the distinct sound or commands. Once or twice
is enough. Repeating too much will diminish its effects
because the cat will lose its association with the reward.
- Cats
decide when and to whom they'll perform for, so be respectful
and never force them to perform cat tricks in front of
visitors.
| Training
Cats takes a lot of patience. But once your kitty
gets the hang of it, you'll both enjoy hours of fun! |
|
