Training Your Cat May Be the Best Thing In the World!
It’s reasonable to assume that training your cat to do tricks could result in the ultimate feline takeover, but that’s not an excuse, is it?
Of course not!
Cats are smart, clever, and resourceful problem solvers. Teaching them how to do certain things that aren’t exactly “cattish” is not only fun but giving them new skills expands their mental capacity.
Delightfully Feline Skills
Who wouldn’t want a high five from a fluffy, adorable cat? Being on the receiving end of a delightfully feline “trick” is guaranteed to make you swoon. Even better than a cat that does tricks is the one that blinks innocently at you as if whatever they did was just invented by them.
Based in Reality
Aside from the sheer awesomeness of a cat that answers commands or performs tricks, training them can be useful during unsafe or uncertain situations. Crate training is essential for cats that feel threatened by noise, such as fireworks or storms. It can also be helpful during an emergency or when it’s simply time to visit the vet.
Clickin’ the Clicker
Training your cat to walk on a leash, use the toilet, brush their teeth (with help, of course), play fetch, high five, jump through hoops, or speed through an agility course can be done with a simple tool. A clicker.
Clicker training your cat is an excellent, straightforward method to teach new skills. Similar to what happens as soon as you sink the can opener into a can of tuna, your cat will begin to associate the sound of the clicker to a positive reward.
Positive Response
A fast, effective, and safe method, clicker training helps your cat identify which behaviors you like and want to see more of. When they do something special, like arriving when you call them or enter their crate willingly, you hit the clicker and give them a reward. Most cats respond very well to small high value treats, but you could experiment with physical touch or special toys to reward them.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Training your cat to do highly specific tasks probably won’t happen overnight, but if you think about it, they did pick up litter box training fairly quickly, right? The key is to remain consistent, patient, positive, and easy going about the entire endeavor.
Setting the Tone
Even if they demonstrate quick mastery of one task doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll pick up something else as fast. However, if you manage to keep the rewards going strong and they continue to feel some control in the process (you know how cats only do something if it’s their idea?), you’ll likely see some pretty awesome results.
Positively Training Your Cat
Whether intended to keep them safe, maintain a happy coexistence at home, or entertain guests, expect this valuable time together to strengthen the bond between you. Training your cat should be fun. When it is, your frisky feline will ask you for more cool stuff to do.
If you have further questions about the process, please give us a call. We’re always here for you at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital.