P E T S Cat tricks

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by Blue Buffalo

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cat tricks

Yes, you can teach your cat how to sit and stay. She’ll like learning basic directions and cues if you pair the lessons with food and fun.

Every cat owner knows how smart cats are. Harness that brainpower by teaching your cat skills and tricks. You’ll both benefit. “Training provides mental and physical stimulation and positive social contact,” says behaviorist Katenna Jones, director and owner of Jones Animal Behavior in Rhode Island.

Keep it positive: Swatting, spraying, or startling techniques shut down communication and may stop your cat from behaving a certain way around you but won’t stop the behavior overall. A few of the following techniques involve clicker training, which uses the sound of a clicker to let kitty know she is doing what you want and a treat to reward that behavior.

G E N T L E

To encourage licking rather than biting, dab your knuckles or the back of your hand with some wet food or a smidgen of cat paste (a flavored nutritional supplement). Say “gentle” as your cat licks your hand, calmly pulling your hand away if she begins to nip or bite.

F I N D I T Toss a treat in front of your cat’s paws; once she follows the toss, add the phrase “find it.” Advance to tossing toys. Eventually you can play this game with treats hidden under cups or in your hand.

S I T Whenever your cat sits naturally, press the clicker and give her a treat. Soon you’ll notice her sitting when you bring treats out. Add the word “sit” once you can predict her behavior. Click and reward this action. Gradually phase out the clicker and use treats only intermittently.

STAY Lay a flat mat, towel, or cloth napkin on the sofa, floor, or wherever you want her to stay. When she steps on the cat mat, click. Then toss a treat slightly away from the mat so she has to come back for the next round. Once your cat goes to her mat and remains there, introduce the “stay” cue. Use the mat to encourage her to stay in a location while you eat or cook.

Cats work on a pay-toplay basis. Training treats have to be worthwhile.

I N T H E B OX

Most cats will happily jump in a box or explore a bag. Having a cue word for this behavior is useful when it comes time for her to get into a carrier for traveling or a vet visit. Introduce the carrier by hiding treats and feeding your cat portions of her meal in there. When your cat jumps in, click and reward her. While she is in there, say “in the box.” Work up to carrying her around in the box a few times a week, rewarding her after each ride. ■

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