Each cat is very unique because it has a different temperament, behavior and personality. Some cats like to play catch and throw and just need a little practice to pick up their favorite toy or ball. Other cats may take longer to understand the rules and how to play catch and throw. Throw-and-catch is a great way to stimulate your cat's physical and mental health and to have fun with her master.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Play Catch and Throw
Step 1. Choose a small and closed area
A room with minimal distractions and obstructions will keep the cat focused on playing. Start with a small, empty room. If your cat is getting used to playing throw and catch, you can move to a larger room.
Step 2. Use your cat's favorite toy or object
If your cat already has a toy that is small, easy to throw and likes, use it for a game of throw and catch. There are also cats who like to play catch and catch with crumpled paper balls or toys that make sounds.
Always use the same object or toy when playing throw and catch. This way your cat will get used to picking up the same toy and you can signal catch and throw time by removing the toy
Step 3. Play before it's time to eat
Set your playtime so that the cat is awake and alert. Playing catch and catch before eating will ensure the cat is ready to run and increase his appetite.
Part 2 of 2: Training a Cat to Play Catch
Step 1. Get your cat to focus on the object to be picked up
Use cat treats to get the cat to pay attention to the toy or object to be thrown. You can also use the practice clicker to get your cat to play catch and throw. Clickers can be purchased at pet stores for a low price.
Show the toy to the cat and hold it 15 cm from its face. Let the cat sniff or touch the toy with its nose. Then, hit the clicker and give it a treat. Repeat this step until the cat looks at the toy after eating the treat and touches it without prompting
Step 2. Let the cat get used to carrying the toy in its mouth
When the cat is used to touching the toy every time it is shown to him, the cat needs to be taught to carry the toy with his mouth.
- Let the cat touch the toy, but don't click or treat it yet.
- The cat will see you and realize it has to do something else to earn clicks and rewards. Cats will likely open and pick up toys with their mouths.
- When the cat takes the toy in its mouth, press the clicker and give it a treat. Continue this process over and over again, giving clicks and treats each time the cat takes a toy in its mouth.
- Some people stop training sessions here to rest the cat and let it do other things for a while. The practice of throwing catch can be continued the next day.
Step 3. Teach the cat to pick up objects from the floor
Now that your cat is used to picking up toys from your hands, it's important that your cat is now trained to pick up objects from the floor after they have been thrown.
- Place the toy on the floor in front of you. The cat will approach the toy and try to pick it up with its mouth. Give clicks and treats after the cat has brought the toy.
- While the cat is eating its treats, move the toy to another place on the floor. Let the cat approach the toy again and give a click or treat if the cat touches or takes the toy with its mouth.
- Continue this process. Keep moving toys around on the floor for the cat to touch or carry with their mouths. If the cat begins to lose interest or refuses to approach the toy being moved, stop the exercise. Play as usual and continue training the next day. Repeat the exercise from the previous step (getting used to the cat carrying the toy with its mouth, then continue with the practice of bringing the toy off the floor).
Step 4. Train the cat to pick up the toy and bring it back to you
Start by placing the toy on the floor in front of your cat. Let the cat pick up and carry the toy with its mouth for 5-10 seconds. Then, give the cat clicks and treats.
Place toys behind your cat. The cat will turn around, pick up the toy and return to face you with the toy in its mouth. After that, give clicks and treats. Repeat this process over and over again, gradually placing the toys further and further away from you and your cat
Step 5. Reward a treat if the toy is successfully brought and given to you
Once your cat understands its job of picking up a toy and bringing it back to you, try a simple throw-and-take practice: throw the toy in front of the cat and wait for the toy to be brought back to you. If successful, reward the cat with clicks and treats. Play only for 3-5 minutes so that the cat does not get bored quickly.
- If the cat picks up the toy but doesn't drop it in front of you, show the cat a treat. Chances are the cat will drop the toy to receive the treat.
- Or, teach the cat to put the toy down by spreading the treats on the floor and clicking when the cat drops the toy for a treat after you say the "put it down" command.
Step 6. Save things for a good game of throw and catch
Do not store toys or objects to play catch and catch with other toys. Keep it in your drawer or cupboard. The cat will understand that the toy is specifically for throwing and catching, so when the toy is removed, it means it's time to play catch.
