๐ธ Expert Tips: How to Train Your Cat with Hilarious
Tricks?
๐คนโ Training your cat not only strengthens
your bond, but also stimulates their mind and body. So let's dive right in!
Why Train Your Cat?
I know what you may be thinking - cats are
independent pets and aren't meant to perform tricks like dogs. ๐ถ While it's true that cats are more selective about what behaviors
they'll perform, training can benefit them in many ways:
Strengthens Your Bond ๐
Spending positive time together during training
creates a stronger connection between you and your cat. As you reward desired
behaviors with treats and praise, your cat will come to associate you with
something very pleasant. This can increase bonding and affection.
Provides Mental Stimulation ๐ง
Training gives cats an outlet to use their
natural intelligence and problem-solving skills. It keeps them mentally sharp
by presenting new challenges to figure out. A mentally stimulated cat is less
likely to get bored and engage in unwanted behaviors like inappropriate
scratching of furniture.
Creates Physical Activity ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ
Training sessions provide much needed physical
activity to keep your cat agile and fit. Obesity is a major health concern for
today's relatively inactive indoor cats. Creating fun ways to incorporate
exercise into their daily routine is so important. Training that uses toys and
encourages running and jumping gets their bodies moving.
Builds Confidence ๐ช
As cats master new skills during training, it
can greatly boost their self-assurance. Shy, timid cats may start to come out
of their shell. A confident cat who feels in control of their environment is
generally much happier and well-adjusted.
Prevents Behavior Problems ๐ซ
Providing appropriate mental and physical
stimulation through training can prevent your cat from developing problematic
behaviors like aggression or inappropriate elimination. It gives them a healthy
outlet for their energy.
Step-by-Step Training Tips
Cats can absolutely be trained using positive
reinforcement techniques! ๐ก But it
requires realistic expectations, loads of patience, and being armed with the
right training toolkit. Here are my top step-by-step tips:
Use High-Value Treats
The most crucial part of training a cat is
finding treats your cat loves! This can be commercial treats, tiny pieces of
boiled chicken, thinly sliced deli turkey, or any human food that makes your
cat go crazy. Reserve these ultra-yummy treats only for training sessions -
this will make them extra special.
Keep Sessions Short
Cats generally have very short attention spans,
especially when first starting training. ๐น Keep your
initial training sessions to just 5 minutes or less to set your cat up for
success. Gradually increase session length over multiple days and weeks as your
cat remains engaged and eager to participate.
Make It a Game
Cats love to play and have fun! Incorporate
playtime into training sessions by using toys like feather wands and laser pointers
to reward desired behaviors. Move toys around for your cat to chase after and
"catch." This takes advantage of their natural hunting instincts.
Use a Clicker
Clicker training is a very effective, precise
method for cats. The distinct click sound acts as a marker that tells your cat
the exact moment they performed the behavior you want. Immediately reward after
you click, so they connect the click with a treat. Clickers are inexpensive and
widely available online or in pet stores.
Capture the Behavior
An easy way to teach a new behavior is to
"capture" it when it happens naturally. For example, if you want to
teach your cat to spin in a circle, wait until they spin on their own during
play. Click and reward the moment it happens. Repeat this to associate the
behavior with a reward, then add your verbal cue.
Shape the Behavior
For behaviors that don't happen naturally, use a
technique called shaping. Reward every small step that progresses toward the
end goal. For example, to teach a cat to give a high five, reward just looking
at their paw, then stepping toward you, then raising their paw slightly. Keep
rewarding incremental progress until you shape the entire high five behavior.
Lure as Needed
Some behaviors are hard to capture or shape. In
these cases, use your target treat to lure your cat into following the treat
into the desired position. Reward and repeat. For example, hold the treat over
their head so they tip backwards into a sit pretty. Fade out the lure as the
behavior strengthens.
Be Patient
Cats often won't understand what you want them
to do right away. Be very patient with your cat throughout the training
process. Consistently reward even the smallest steps toward the goal behavior
you want. Don't punish - stay positive and encouraging! It can take many
repetitions over multiple sessions before they understand.
End on a Positive
Always make sure to end each training session on
a positive note, after your cat has successfully performed known behaviors.
This ensures your cat has fun during training and prevents frustration. It
keeps them eager to participate in the next session.
Fun Tricks to Teach Your Cat
Now let's get into the details of how to teach
some fun tricks to your cat! Here are 5 hilarious tricks to try:
1. High Five ๐๏ธ
This cute trick really impresses people when
your cat will give you a little high five on command! Here's a step-by-step
guide:
1.
Hold a treat in your hand and present your hand
in front of your cat's shoulder level, just out of their reach.
2.
As your cat sniffs at it and reaches their paw
out to touch your hand, click the clicker the moment their paw makes contact
with your hand. Then reward with the treat.
3.
Repeat this several times until you notice your
cat is purposefully lifting their paw to touch your hand as soon as you present
it because they know they'll get a reward.
4.
Once they reliably offer the paw lift when shown
the hand signal, start saying your verbal cue "High five!" right
before their paw goes up to touch.
5.
After many repetitions over multiple brief
training sessions, your cat should eventually give you a high five just on the
verbal cue without needing the hand prompt!
6.
Practice sporadically throughout the day to
strengthen this trick. Then show off your talented kitty!
2. Ring a Bell ๐
This clever trick allows your cat to notify you
when they want a treat or playtime by ringing a bell. Here are the training
steps:
1.
Get a small bell with a string and hang it from
a doorknob or wall hook, positioned at your cat's eye level.
2.
Gently take your cat's paw and lightly tap the
bell so it rings. The instant it rings, click and reward your cat with a treat.
3.
Repeat this several times until your cat seems
to intentionally tap the bell, knowing it will produce a reward.
4.
Now wait for your cat to attempt ringing the
bell totally on their own. The moment they do, click and reward!
5.
With repetition over multiple brief sessions,
eventually your cat will come ring the bell on their own when they want your
attention!
3. Jump Through a Hoop ๐ก
Cats can become little circus stars by learning
to jump through a hoop on cue! Follow these steps:
1.
Get a sizeable hula hoop and secure it in a
standing upright position.
2.
Show your cat a treat on the opposite side of
the hoop, close at first. Guide them through the hoop with your hand if needed.
Click and reward immediately once they go through.
3.
Slowly begin holding the lure treat farther away
so your cat has to fully jump through the hoop to get to it. Reward every time.
4.
As your cat gets the hang of it, start raising
the hoop height a few inches. Keep rewarding successful jumps through at
increasing heights.
5.
Add your verbal cue "Jump!" right
before they jump through.
6.
Eventually your cat should leap through the hoop
quite high just on hearing your voice command!
4. Crawl ๐
Teaching your cat to crawl on their belly is
such a hilarious trick. Here's a step-by-step method:
1.
Choose a low-clearance space for your cat to
crawl under, like under a coffee table, chair, or cat tunnel.
2.
Show your cat a treat under the object so they
can see it. If needed, gently guide their shoulders down into a lying down
position.
3.
Click and reward if your cat makes any motion
toward lying down and crawling under the object. Keep rewarding incremental
progress.
4.
Work up to them crawling their whole body length
under the object to reach the treat. Use your hand to lure farther under if
needed.
5.
Say your verbal cue "Crawl!" as they
are about to go under the object. Reward immediately once under.
6.
After enough repetitions, your cat should
happily crawl under low spaces just on your command!
5. Sit Pretty ๐
This trick where your cat sits up begging is
precious. Use these tips:
1.
Hold a treat slightly above your cat's head so
they look upwards. Click and reward any upward motion.
2.
Gradually raise the treat higher so your cat
lifts up onto hind legs to reach for it. Mark the precise moment they sit up
with the clicker.
3.
Repeat until your cat holds the sit pretty
position for several seconds before getting the treat.
4.
Add your verbal cue "Sit pretty!" as
they begin to lift themselves up.
5.
Practice until they will hold the beg position
as long as you like upon hearing the voice command!
Final Tips for Training Success
With positive reinforcement training techniques,
you can teach your cat so many entertaining and impressive tricks! Here are my
final tips:
ยท
Keep training sessions very brief to maintain
your cat's interest and motivation.
ยท
Always end on a positive note with easy tricks
mastered - this ensures continuing eagerness to train.
ยท
Mix up teaching different tricks during a
session to keep your cat challenged and engaged.
ยท
Be extremely patient, this is a slow process.
Cats can take days or weeks to master new behaviors.
ยท
Consider enrolling in clicker training classes.
Certified trainers can guide you through the process.
ยท
Not all cats enjoy training. Respect your
individual cat's personality and don't force them if they seem unwilling.
I hope these detailed tips help you successfully
train your cat in hilarious tricks that will wow your friends and family! Let
me know if you need any other advice. Now get out there and have some fun
bonding with your clever kitties! ๐ป
