Can Cats Be Trained?
We read an article that blew us away with how improbable (impossible) what it described seemed to be. "Here, Kitty, Kitty, Jump Through the Hoop" by Sharon L. Peters, special for USA Today, January 29, 2008 tells about the newest rage in agility contests for cats.
According to Peters there is now an International Cat Agility Tournament that held twenty-five shows at The International Cat Association clubs in the United States and one hundred shows around the world. The cats, just as with dogs, are trained with clicker training which couples a clicking sound followed by a reward when the cat does what a mere human requests.
Even with all the training and treats, some cats who make it into these shows decide to display their independent streaks. Carol Osborne, a certified ringmaster for the shows, recalls a feline who got the nickname Perimeter Cat. When he walked into the ring at the shows, he'd avoid every obstacle. The cat lovers cheered. Here was an independent kitty just like all the ones they know and love.
In these agility events, there have been purebreds, house cats, shelter cats, a blind cat, and a three-legged cat competing.
Have you ever tried to train a cat? How do you coax cats into doing what you want them to do?
If you want to learn the language of animals, I strongly recommend two books by Amelia Kinkade, "Straight from the Horse's Mouth" and "The Language of Miracles." This world-renowned animal psychic talks to the animals - all animals, birds, insects, etc. - and travels the world teaching others how to as well.
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Cats are VERY trainable. The first thing you need is discipline. This is a mistake many cat owners make. They say, "Oh, cats are supposed to be independent and do what they want." Yeah, and babies are supposed to explore the world with their mouths, but you don't let them put everything into their mouths that they want.
A spray bottle with water in it will deter most cats and teach them their boundaries. I say most cats because contrary to popular beliefs, some cats love water. Mine does, but the bottle works because he hates the sound it makes. The spray should be accompanied with a firm "no." Soon they will learn what they can and can't do, and that as the parent you are the boss. For those that the bottle won't work on, smacking a rolled up newspaper against a wall or table will have the same effect. It should also be used with a "no." Never hit the cat with the paper. The noise is enough to let them know their behavior is unacceptable.
Dogs see us as a member of their pack. Cats see us as an inferior species. That is why it is important to discipline them. Once they understand that they really do have to listen to you, training is easy.
The first step is to find a reward that works. Not all cats will go for treats, and many cats won't accept food or treats from your hand. Once you have found their weakness, decide what you want to teach them to do. Start off small, like sitting up on command. Hold a treat or toy that he will go for above his head, and as he reaches for it raise it higher until he is as far up as you want him while saying "Up" then give him the treat or toy. When he will raise up on command every time, you can move to harder tricks.
Teaching them to go through a hoop is easy if you have the patience. Start with a big hoop, big enough that they won't bump their tail or ears. Hold their treat or reward on the other side and say "in" or "through." You can make a game of it teasing them with a toy, letting them come through the hoop to attack the toy, then throwing the toy through the hoop so that the cat will pass through again. Remember to say your command word every time, and they will catch on to what you want.
As they get used to passing through the hoop, you can make the hoop smaller and smaller. You can switch to tunnels once your cat has mastered hoops, using the same method and command.
What you can train you cats to do is only limited by your imagination and patience. It will take a little more time than it usually does with dogs. You must also end the session as soon as the cat is tired or bored, or you will not get far and they will once again think you are the inferior race in need of being ignored.
I don't do agility training, but it is amazing what you can teach your cat to do. I quite often get comments that my cat is better behaved than the best human children. Training and discipline leads to a healthy, happy cat as well as a harmonious household.
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