Obedience training. Ah….that is something that tends to be associated more with dogs. From the moment you bring a puppy home, you want to initiate the training. The sooner the better, right? But what about cats? We just assume that, for the most part, they are independent, highly self-sufficient creatures that considering training YOU as part of their job. Let’s face it. I doubt your cat will ever take high honors in an obedience competition, but there is some hope you can train your feline friend to come to you when called. Easier said than done, right? Possibly, but all you have to do is determine what she finds irresistible and then attach that to a training plan. Work with me on this
First of all, much like with a puppy, it is usually wise to begin any training when the cat is still young and impressionable. However, you can train an older cat. It will just require a bit more persistence and patience on your part. So, let’s begin and see how we can accomplish this feat.
First of all, find out what motivates your cat. For most of them, it will involve food. (That motivates me!!!) However, the food you decide to use in this training should be tastier and more appealing than the usual piece of dry cat food or parcel of canned cat food. Splurge! Get the good stuff! Consider mouth-watering bits of tuna, chicken or other treats your cat loves. Be sure to reserve these treats, too, for this particular training regimen.
Next, determine your call or signal to your cat and use this only when you want her to come to you. You may also use her name when you call her, but it might be best not to do so, as you probably use her name at other times. Defer to the call or signal when you want her to come to you. You might want to use phrases such as “Come here” or “Treat time” when calling her. You could also use a clicker or a whistle in conjunction with the call.
It is best to train your cat when she is hungry. Try to do this activity in the five minutes before you feed her breakfast in the morning. With your cat just a short distance from you, ask her to “come here” and then use your chosen signal while offering her that tasty treat. She may not want to eat directly from your hand. If that is the case, then place the treat on the ground and let her eat it from there.
Next, take a step back from her; repeat your call to come; and then offer another treat. Do this a few times to condition her to the idea that your call to come includes a reward. Repeat this step over and over, each time taking another step back until you are about four steps away from her. After this training session, offer her the rest of her meal.
From this point on, go for greater distances. Once your cat comes to you from close range, expand the distance. Call her from about four or five steps away and then work in an extra step each time. Make your initial goal to be at the other side of the room when you call her to come to you. After that, go to another room and call her to come to you. Be sure to reward her for each successful response!
Your ultimate goal is to be able to call her from anywhere in your home. Yes, this may take time, practice and above all, patience, but in the end, it will be worth it.
Source: cats.lovetoknow.com
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
