Contrary to popular belief, cats can actually be taught to perform tricks if you understand how to motivate them. Even many cats enjoy and look forward to the attention only given to them in training sessions. The easiest way to train a cat is to use a clicker. That way, once your cat understands the connection between the unique clicking sound that the clicker makes and getting a reward, you can teach her lots of other tricks. One simple trick a cat can learn is to shake hands.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Teach Your Cat to Respond to Clickers
Step 1. Take the clicker
A clicker is a small plastic box that contains a piece of rigid metal. When pressed, the metal produces a unique "click-click" sound. Clickers can be found at many pet stores.
- The theory behind clicker training is that cats will learn the relationship between clicking sounds and (delicious) rewards. The advantage of the clicker is the unique sound that can only be associated with the prize. That way the cat will be more likely to respond.
- You can train your cat using words alone, but it's much more difficult. Since you're using words in everyday conversation that aren't directed at the cat, he may not even notice the words. Furthermore, when you use a command word like "shake," chances are the cat has heard the word in other contexts and doesn't know when to expect it to respond.
Step 2. Find a treat your cat likes
Cats are sometimes picky eaters, and a gift that one cat likes may not appeal to another. Training will be quicker and easier when you determine in advance what treats your cat likes best.
You might be able to give him a few cat treats to try and see which your cat likes best
Step 3. Choose a practice time
The ideal time to do the clicker exercise is when the cat is relaxed but not sleeping, and is sitting close to you. You can start any time the cat notices.
If your cat has just woken up, she may be dizzy. If that's the case, give yourself five minutes before you start training
Step 4. Train with clicker
Once the cat looks alert, press the clicker and give it a treat. Repeat several times in a period of about five minutes.
Cats have short attention spans, so don't try to continue clicker training for more than five minutes
Step 5. Repeat the training session
Another time on the same day, or the next day, do the clicker exercise again. Keep repeating the session regularly until the cat associates the clicker sound with the treat.
- Each cat learns at a different pace, but most cats will discover a link between clickers and rewards after two or three five-minute training sessions.
- Practice consistently, repeating the clicker exercise once or twice a day, every day, until the cat picks up on the association.
- You'll be able to recognize when your cat has found a connection, as she will look at you expectantly and may lick her mouth after you press the clicker.
Part 2 of 2: Training Your Cat to Shake A Hand
Step 1. Choose a time and place to train your cat
Once the cat has connected the clicker and the reward, choose a time when she is attentive but relaxed. Before feeding time is a good time, because the hope of getting a snack when hungry will sharpen the response.
Exercise in a quiet place without distractions so that the cat concentrates solely on you
Step 2. Click and give a gift
Press the clicker and reward the treat to remind the cat of the connection between the clicker and the treat.
Step 3. Lift your cat's paw
Slowly lift one of your cat's front paws. It's a good idea to lift the same leg each time. Cats will learn tricks more easily if you are consistent.
Step 4. Click, give instructions, give gifts
While lifting his leg with your hand, press the clicker with your other hand, and select an instruction word for the trick, such as "shake". Then give the cat a treat.
Step 5. Remove the paw and pet the cat
Release the cat's paw and give it a love caress. This will emphasize that you are happy with the cat's behavior and make the practice experience more enjoyable for the cat.
Step 6. Repeat the process
Repeat this cycle as often as possible as long as the cat is willing to train for a period of about five minutes.
- If the cat spontaneously raises the correct leg during exercise, immediately press the clicker, state the instructions and give a treat. This will send a strong message that the action you want is to put your feet up.
- You want your cat to enjoy the exercise. If the cat seems uncooperative or disinterested, don't force it. Let him go and try again another time.
Step 7. Wait, then repeat
Another time on the same day, or the next day, repeat the whole process. Lift the cat's paw when he's not doing it himself, and also press the clicker right away and reward him when he does it spontaneously.
It may take several sessions before the cat begins to lift its paw without you lifting it first, and several more practice before it will finally do so when given instructions
Step 8. Give instructions before pressing the clicker
When your cat starts to lift her paw more often, try giving "shake hands" instructions without pressing the clicker. When he puts his foot in your hand, press the clicker and reward him.
Clicking sounds promise rewards, and instructional words tell the cat the actions required to earn the reward. Your goal is to get the cat to respond to the word "shake" without a click because it connects the instructions with the treat
Step 9. Cut back on snacks over time
Later, you will no longer need to reward each time a trick is performed.
- However, give your cat a treat at least every three or four times so she doesn't get discouraged.
- Always close each session with a prize. Ending the session with a reward will provide consistent and positive support for the cat to act the way you want it to.
Tips
- If your cat doesn't like her feet being touched, this may not be the trick for her. You can train him to "lift his legs" and he will lift his legs. You can use the same technique.
- Reward your cat as soon as he lifts his paw on your hand. Procrastination makes it difficult to form associations between action and reward.
- Cats are independent creatures, you may need to train them more diligently. The younger your cat is when his training begins, the more responsive he will be to you and the greater the likelihood of successful training.
Warning
- Don't force the cat's paw to stay in your hand. The cat may scratch you to get away.
- Cats who have their nails cut may have very sensitive feet, especially those that have recently had their nails cut. Deal with a cat that has had its nails cut more gently.
- Avoid forcing the cat to learn a trick. If he's not interested, try again another day.
