Training a Cat

indoor catOne of the reasons people love dogs is because they are so trainable, but not many know cats are trainable too. Younger cats are easier to train but older cats can perfect tricks just as well. It requires commitment and repetition, but you will get the results you want! Cats are motivated by positive reinforcement like treats and play so make sure to make the prize worth the effort for your kitty. Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t always do the trick. It will take patience on your part and most likely a lot of practice.

When you try to train your cat, make sure there isn’t anything else around that may be distracting like TV or radio. It also helps if you train before their meal time to ensure your kitty will want the treats. Leaving food out for them all day may make training harder because their motivation to get treats won’t be as strong. If you want to sweeten the deal for your cat feel free to use cooked chicken.

Just like with dogs, start out with simple things like sit or coming buy propecia us pharmacy when called. Treats should be at the ready to give to your cat immediately after they perform the trick. If you wait to give it to them they may get confused about what you want them to do. If they do something you aren’t trying to train them to do (pawing at treats, standing up, etc.), take the treat away to stop from rewarding that behavior and wait for them to resume doing what you’re training them to do. Train your cat for only a couple minutes at a time or your feline friend may become bored.

An Easy Trick

An easy trick to start with is “To sit.” Bring the treat close to your cat’s face. When he/she begins to sniff it, bring the treat above their head and backwards. This will most likely get them into a sitting position. Reward him/her immediately with a treat. Repeat a couple times in a row. Remember, stay patient and good luck!

Please be sure to check out our adoption page for some cats that need your love and possibly you could teach them a tick or two!