Ever considered cat training? Yes, cats are notoriously independent, but your kitty’s curious and intelligent nature also means that it can learn to respond to basic commands.
That’s right, it is totally possible to train your domestic cat, and while it may not be as easy as training a dog, you can teach your furry feline to modify his or her behavior in ways that are both useful and entertaining. All it takes is a little knowledge and patience.
Here are three easy-to-teach commands to help you get started…
Simple Cat Training Commands You Can Teach Your Cat
1. How to Train a Cat to Sit
Sitting is one of the easiest commands to teach a cat, since this is something they already do naturally. It’s just a matter of teaching them to sit when you need them to.
Start by removing disturbances like children, toys, or other pets – anything that could be a distraction. Next, grab a few treats. It should be food they love and do not get often.
Now, with the treats in your hand and your cat in the standing position, hold the food in front of your pet’s nose and slowly and steadily move it over its head. When you do this during the cat training, the cat’s nose should point upward as its rear-end touches the ground.
As she falls into the sitting position, say “sit” in a clear and firm voice, and then give your kitty the treats. Praise her as she takes the food, saying something like, “good kitty.”
After some time, your cat should sit whenever you move your hand in an upward motion. The treats should be phased out gradually, but continue to praise your cat when she sits.
2. How to Train a Cat to Come
One of the most useful commands you can teach your cat is to come when called. It’s great in emergency situations, where your pet may go missing or need to evacuate your home.
To begin to teaching this basic command, stand about three feet away from your cat and call its name. Your pet should turn and look at you, making eye contact.
Then, with some treats ready to dispense (the good stuff), reach toward your cat with your hand, and perform a ‘come here’ movement. Tell her to “come” clearly and firmly. Your cat should be on its way to you as you say the command. Give her the treat and offer words of praise.
Now back up and show your cat another treat. Call again and release the food. Repeat this cat training process over time, increasing the distance between you and your pet.
Once your cat becomes accustomed to coming when you call, you can start calling from where she cannot see you. Phase out the treats slowly and incorporate the sitting command.
3. How to Train a Cat to Fetch
Playing fetch with your cat can be loads of fun. As a bonus, fetching stimulates your pet’s mind and body. It’s an excellent way to work in a little exercise each day. Here’s how you do it.
Find a small area where there aren’t any interruptions or obstacles and then choose a plaything for your cat to fetch. It can be a ball of paper, a toy, or anything else she loves.
Throw the desired object a short distance, saying “fetch” as you toss it. If your cat chases after the toy and picks it up, call her back to you, enticing her with a tasty treat. After offering the treat, release the food when she drops the item. Say “good fetch” and grab the toy.
Repeat this cat training each day. As your cat gets used to fetching on command, throw the object farther and farther. Before long, she should be doing this with no food incentives.
Training sessions shouldn’t last longer than five minutes. If the cat doesn’t want to play anymore after a few fetches, end the session. Do not force it to continue.
Tips for Training Your Cat
* Begin training sessions when your cat is awake and alert. Experts also recommend training before mealtimes, when the cat is likely to have an appetite.
* Punishments and reprimands are not effective with cats. They tend to react with stress and put up a fight. Positive reinforcement is the way to go.
* Clicker training has shown to be effective. This involves using a device that makes a sound to let the cat know that he or she has performed the desired behavior.
* With fetch training, do not leave the fetch object laying around. Make it more appealing to your cat by storing it in a cabinet or drawer when not in use.
* Cats can be trained to do all kinds of cool tricks.
Happy cat training!
Photo
By Kdsphotos from Pixabay
