Page 235 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

TR AINING Y OUR C A T 233

Fun tricks
Once your cat has learned to come to you and to sit on
command, you can go on to teach him some tricks, such as
sitting up on his hindlegs, waving his paw, exchanging a
high-five, retrieving thrown cat toys, or even jumping
through a hoop. To get your cat to sit up, or beg, for
example, hold a treat above his head and when he rises give
the treat to him and say, “Good up.” To get your sitting cat to
high-five you, hold a teaser toy, such as feathers on the end
of a stick, in front of him. As he
raises his paw to the toy, say,
“Good high-five,” or “All right!”
and give him a reward. After
several lessons, use your hand
rather than the toy. Then
gradually phase out the treats
until you are just using clear hand
signals and verbal cues.
The same principles apply for teaching
tricks as they do for basic training: hold
LEARNING TO SIT one- to two-minute sessions before
When your cat has learned to come when you call his name, you can
then start to teach him to sit. If he can sit without fidgeting, it will be meals, when your cat is hungry and
much easier to groom him or have him examined by a vet. willing to earn his food. Always
remember to be patient and
The sit command to give plenty of gentle praise.
To teach a cat to sit, place him on a table so that he is standing Don’t try to persevere if your
on all fours. Gain his attention with a treat and hold it a couple cat is not in the right mood.
of inches above his head. If the treat is too far away he will be
inclined to rise up on his hindlegs and bat it from your hand. THE WAVE
Slowly move the treat over your cat’s head and between his Cats can also master fun
tricks, such as waving a paw,
ears, and as he watches it he will sit back. Say his name, then
if you make the experience
say, “Sit,” as he begins to sit. Once he is sitting, say, “Good sit,” an enjoyable and rewarding
and give the treat. After about ten sessions, simply holding one for them.
your hand over his head should be enough to make him sit.
Walking an indoor cat outside
You can give your indoor cat a taste of the outside world by
walking him on a lead. Cats need a harness rather than just a
collar, which they can easily slip their head out of. First, allow
your cat to get used to wearing the harness. Put it on him for
20 minutes each day for a few days. Give treats and praise,
and make sure it fits correctly. Next, clip on the lead and let
him stroll around indoors with it dangling, again for short
periods, and then with you holding the lead. Finally, venture
outside, ideally somewhere quiet. Your cat will initially spend
most of his time sniffing and looking around and leading you.
Never pull the lead in the direction you want to go; instead,
persuade him with gentle commands and treats. Within a few
weeks, he will be relaxed when walking with you outdoors.