How to teach your cat to do
   something good 202   





    Basic info
    There are several tricks to training a cat.  Here's some overall basics to start with.  
    Read this site so you can understand normal cat behavior.  It will help you to
    diagnose why your cat acts the way it does.  Discover the reason why your cat acts
    as it does.  Try to provide for its mental, emotional and physical needs.        
    Then try the same methods you use with little children---praise, patience, and more
    praise.  Praise is demonstrated when your voice is uplifting, "Good cat!!"  It's
    accompanied by lots of enthusiastic touching under the chin or around the ears,
    hugging, making little kissing sounds and other appreciative acts.  When the cat
    feels good about itself, you'll see a change in its behavior to good.
    Remember when you were a little child, there were times when you tested the
    limits of behavior to see what you could get away with?  In fact, I'll guess there are
    times when you still do it.  Cats will test the limits, too.  You'll need to be firm with
    them and do some retraining.      
    Patience will be needed.  Remember the last time you tried to change your own
    behavior---stop smoking, eating less sweets, responding in a more thoughtful way
    to your spouse?  It took time.  And regressing back to the negative behavior only
    meant another round of patience was needed.  
    Another thing you'll need is confidence that you really can teach your cat to do
    something good.  That's why I'm offering these ideas to help you find the way that
    will really work.  

    Walking on a leash
    This is about the best thing you can teach your cat.  It will take lots of patience,
    repetition and praise.  It'll be worth all the time it takes.    
    I'll tell you how I did it.  First I had my six cats wearing collars with evidence of their
    rabies shot and their ID hanging from them.  After they thought they were were
    beautiful cats with colorful collars and pretty sounding jingly bells, I bought an 8-
    shaped harness.  It's the most fail-proof harness and also very easy to put on and
    adjust for different size cats.  I left it on the floor for a few days.  Then I put it on
    the cat I had determined was the leader of the group, Pinky.  I let him wear it for
    ten or fifteen seconds.  I removed it and, lo and behold, I had the other cats lined
    up for their turn to wear it.  After each cat had one chance, I put it back on Pinky
    and let him wear it for a couple of minutes.  He strutted around and was very
    proud of himself.  When the other cats sensed this, they all wanted another
    chance.  So then each cat had it on for a longer period of time.
    The next time, I attached a lightweight leash to the harness and let it drag behind
    each cat as they took another turn.  The leash I use is a thin braided plastic
    lanyard with a strong but light clasp.  Despite its overall light weight, a couple of
    my cats didn't like having something follow them as they walked.  For those who
    looked anxious, I took the leash off until they got used to watching the other cats
    and learning from them.  With several cats, they certainly can learn from each
    other.  And, after some time, all my cats got used to the leash.  I kept an eye on
    them while they had the leash on because it sometimes got caught on a furniture
    leg.  I loosened it where it was caught, so the cat wouldn't feel any frustration.      
    The next time, I picked up the loose end of the leash and followed the cat
    wherever in the house it wanted to go.
    Finally the big day arrived.  I took my alpha cat outdoors on the harness and
    leash.  He moved slowly as he smelled nearly everything in his path.  After just a
    few minutes, I picked him up and brought him back inside.  After I removed the
    leash, the other cats gathered around him and what ensued was a lengthy silent
    discussion and sniff session between him and the others.  I knew some of the cats
    were ready for this outdoor adventure and took them out, one at a time.  I took
    out just the five cats that were ready.  
    The next step, several weeks later, was for me to try to have some control over
    where we walked.  All the previous time, I was the one who had "heeled."  Now,
    when the cat was headed in the wrong direction I spoke to him and said, "this
    way" and gave a tiny tug and release.  My tug was not a pull, but just a way to get
    the cat's attention, and no more than that.  I stood still and continued giving a
    verbal request and tiny tug and release until the cat paid attention and returned to
    my side. Then I gave praise and lots of it.  
    If you try to pull your cat on its leash, you'll notice the cat digs in with its claws and
    will not be moved.  Don't fight over this.  If the cat is in danger, instead of pulling,
    bend down and pick it up.  Otherwise, avoid pulling and remain patient.          
    It was over a year before I felt successful in having a fun walk with my cats.  So
    don't get discouraged and remain patient.  It's worth the time you put into it.  
    Now I can go out for a walk with one cat at a time in places where we won't meet
    other cats or dogs.  The cat walks on my left side on a short leash.  I let it roll in
    the dirt for a while.  I prompt it by saying "this way" and a tiny tug and release
    when it smells a spot for too long.  When we're ready to turn around and go home,
    I give it praise and I repeat that the praise at the door when we've reached home.  
    It's good exercise and a time for bonding for both of us.  And it gives me an excuse
    to sing to the cat.  I repeat my song, "Let's go walking, walking, walking, let's go
    walking all around," and try to time the words to each step we take.  We're a funny
    pair.  And we're healthier for the walk.      

    Coming when called
    You may face an emergency when you wish you could get your cat to come
    immediately.  But even if that time never comes, it's important to train your cat to
    come when you call.  
    Use his training only for positive reasons.  For example, if you want to give your cat
    medicine, don't call it to come.  Instead, go to your cat.  And don't call the cat when
    it's eating or using the litter box.     
    Get a small cat treat or toy.  Call your cat by name and add, "come here."  Pat your
    side.  The cat will hear the sound of the patting and see your moving hand.  It'll
    hear its name and, if you're lucky, it'll come.  Now's the time to praise and show
    your cat the reason why you called it.  Maybe it's a small treat or a toy for the two
    of you to play with.  The next time you call your cat, do the same thing.  Practice
    this a few times a day.  It won't take long before your cat learns to come whether
    you have a treat or not.  But praise your cat each time it responds to you, even if
    it's just a pat on its head and eye contact.

















    Sitting on demand
    This is useful when your cat is bugging you to death or bothering your company.  I
    call it "settling down. "
    First of all your cat needs to be wearing its collar or harness.  Now you need to do
    three things at the same time.  Put your fingers under the back of your cat's collar
    and gently lift it up a bit.  At the same time, use your arm to gently push down on
    the cat's back.  Speak to your cat softly, saying "settle down." Don't use your cat's
    name, as you want it to respond by coming to you whenever you call its name.  
    Keep your arm in place and give your cat praise.  Scratch behind her ears with your
    other hand.  Repeat this training during the next few days or weeks, however long
    it takes, and soon your cat will understand your words.  It will settle down without
    having you touch it.              

    Staying in place
    There are numerous times when you'll want and need your cat to remain in the
    same place.  I teach my cats to obey this because I don't want them to run outside
    when someone opens the door.  Or if one of my cats gets caught in something and
    needs a little help from me instead of getting caught worse.
    Here's how to get started.  Grab a hold of your cat's collar with one hand and say,
    "stay," or whatever word you choose.  Don't use its name.  At the same time,
    sharply move your other hand so the palm faces the cat and points down to the
    ground.  Have your hand about a foot away from the cat's face.  Repeat your
    command a few times while keeping your hands in the same place.  Use a firm
    voice but no louder than usual.  Repeat this training for several days, weeks or
    months, until you feel confident with it.  You never know when it may save your
    cat's life.
                           
How to Teach Your Cat 202