Guess What! Cats Can be Trained, Too!

How to Train Your Cat

            Everyone has lots of ideas on how to train dogs, but did you know that cats can be trained as well?  It may take a little more time and work, but you can teach your kitty, but cute tricks and even useful skills like coming when called are possible.

            So, where do you start?  Well, always do reward based training with both cats and dogs.  The old saying about honey and flies is true—you always get a better response to rewards and kindness than to punishment and negative training. 

            Food rewards work just as well for most cats as they do for dogs.  Some options include canned spray cheese (i.e. Cheez Whiz), canned cat food, cat treats, or small amounts of tuna or chicken.  Remember, don’t overdue the treats and be cautious if your kitty has a food allergy, a sensitive stomach or is overweight.  We do not want to create digestive problems or weight gain!

            Clicker training can also be used to train cats.  A small device that makes a distinct metallic “click” is used after a command to gain the pet’s attention and is usually coupled with a food reward or some form of praise. 

            If your cat likes to be brushed, has a favorite toy or just likes attention and petting, these can be used as rewards for training as well. 

            What should you train your cat to do?  One of the simplest things may be teaching your cat to touch a target such as your hand or a simple object like a pen or a wooden spoon.  If using a clicker click the clicker and toss your cat a tasty treat a few times to get her attention.  Once she has had a few treats, hold up your target object.  Most likely, your cat will sniff at the object.  When she does, say “touch” or whatever command you’d like to use, click the clicker and give her a treat.  Repeating this action will reinforce the behavior—every time your cat touches the object, click and administer a treat.  If you don’t have a clicker, you can try using verbal commands. 

            Another helpful thing to teach your cat to do is to sit.  “Right,” you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Cats don’t follow commands!”  Turns out that many cats can be taught simple commands such as “sit.” You can either use a lure, similar to the target training above or you can use the clicker.  Using a spoon or other item with some food on the end, bring it towards your cat then raise it above his head which should prompt him to sit.  Once sitting, offer a lick of the treat.  Repeat to reinforce and eventually remove the lure replacing it with a verbal command or hand signal.  If using a clicker, wait for your cat to sit naturally and use the clicker and treat method to “mark” the behavior.  Start pairing the click with a word or hand gesture.  Repeat the command or gesture and treat your cat when she follows the command.  Great detailed instructions can be found at http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-train-your-cat-to-sit

            So, while training your cat may not be an easy task, cats are intelligent creatures and can be taught some simple commands which are not only cute but which may make veterinary visits as well as things at home like nail trims or approaching strangers a little easier!

            This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Source: http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com