#Middlebury #Cats
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Can a cat learn how to do tricks, the way a dog does? – Will N., via email
DEAR WILL: Cats can be trained to do quite a few things! They respond differently than dogs to training methods though, so you might be a little frustrated if you try to teach a cat to sit down in the same way that you would a dog.
Cats respond best to positive-reinforcement methods of training. Giving a cat a treat when they obey a command is one example of this type of positive reinforcement.
Start by teaching your cat a simple command, like “sit.” Work with him in 5- to 10-minute sessions a couple of times each day. Place your cat on a perch, like a table, and give him a friendly scratch. When he stands up, call his name while holding a favorite treat at eye level. Raise the treat directly over his head, where he can still see it. Your cat will need to sit down to maintain balance while looking at the treat – when he sits, you say, “Sit! Good, sit!” Give him the treat. Repeat this training session until your cat sits when you simply hold your empty hand over his head and say “Sit.”
Trainers have routinely taught cats to do more complex things – even using a regular toilet bowl instead of a litter box! You can find books on effective cat training online or at your local bookstore, so grab one and see what you can teach your cat.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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