Training your cat may save its life

#Middlebury #Cat

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Is it possible to teach a cat to come when you call? I have a 2-year-old gray cat, Billy, who sometimes gets past my feet and runs out the door. I worry that he will get run over by a car or attacked by a coyote. He will look at me when I call, but that is it. – Kelly in Fort Myers, Florida

DEAR KELLY: You can teach cats to respond to certain commands and calling them is one of those commands. I know that Billy can learn to do it, because he clearly recognizes your voice. He just doesn’t see the value in returning to you right away.

So, it’s important to help Billy “see” the value in returning when you call! You do this through training that uses positive reinforcement – a favorite treat or food. Here’s how:

• Come up with a noise that you can make just before Billy gets a treat or dinner. A whistle, a clucking noise, even a little song.
• Just before you open his can of food or treat bag, make that noise. Do it at every feeding and treat time.
• Set aside five minutes, twice a day, for reinforcement training.
• During training, make the noise, wait for Billy to respond, then give him a treat. Back up a couple of feet and repeat.
• Gradually increase the distance during each session until Billy comes running when you call.

Once Billy associates that specific noise with a reward, he’ll come back every time you call. Make sure to always reward him when he comes, even if it’s just lots of praise. He’ll be far less likely to stay out if he escapes, and you’ll have much greater peace of mind.

You can learn this technique at www.rd.com/list/how-to-train-a-cat.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

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