Teach Your Cat Tricks
Provided by Purina
Although some cats will respond to positive reinforcement, most cats generally do
better if they’re working for food rewards. If you use soft, moist cat food or dry
food as a treat, you’ll lessen the chance of disturbing a properly balanced diet.
If your cat’s performed a certain task you’ve asked of her, make sure you not only
reward her with a food treat but with verbal praise as well.
You’ll have more success if you work with one command at a time. As with any kind
of training, you have to be consistent and let your cat work at her own speed. When
you see even the slightest glimmer that your cat understands the behavior you’re
trying to teach, reward her enthusiastically. Here are a few you may want to try.
Come
Try teaching this one at mealtime. Use your cat's name followed by the command "come."
If necessary, tap on her food bowl to get her attention. When she comes, praise
her lavishly and then give her the food. Eventually, your cat will associate the
food with the command — and then you’ll be on your way to owning a trained cat.
Shake Hands
With your cat sitting in front of you, touch her paw and say, "shake." As soon as
she reacts and lifts her paw, shake it and give her verbal approval along with a
treat. Remember to be consistent and repeat the command the same way each time.
Sit-Up
Place your cat into sitting position. Hold a treat over your cat's head and say
"sit-up." Do not give her the reward if she stands or grabs at the treat, just repeat
the command and wait for her to try. When she does accomplish the desired behavior,
give her the treat right away and repeat the command several times.
Wave
Swiping at a morsel of food is a natural behavior for a cat. Hold a treat in your
hand. Place it in front of the cat's nose but just out of reach of her front paws.
Then, move it back and forth with your hands in a waving motion while telling your
cat to "wave." As your cat reaches out for the food, it will appear as if she is
waving. Once her motion simulates the waving behavior, praise her and give her a
treat.
