We’ve all seen dogs learn cues like how to sit, or put their feet up, but did you know cats can also be trained to learn cues?
Today we want to share tips with you to teach your cat to sit. It’s one of many behavioral resources on the Ontario SPCA and the Humane Society ShelterHealthPro.com website.
Appliances
First things first – what equipment do you need to teach your cat to sit? For this suggestion, the equipment is minimal, but effective – a clicker and high value junk food (ice cream sticks with wet food can work well to lure).
Steps
Now that you have the device ready to use, here are the steps you need to take to teach your cat to sit:
- Stand or sit next to or in front of the cat, hold your clicker and enjoy.
- If you have a present it wants, the cat will wait for you to give it one.
- In the meantime, he can either sit or you can coax him to sit by holding the food over his head, coaxing him back into a sitting position.
- When his back end hits the ground, click and handle, placing the dish where he will have to get up to eat.
- Again, stand or sit next to or in front of him, he will sit again and again you click and handle.
More hints: You’re ready to add cues when your cat starts offering to “sit” all the time.
- Say “sit” when the cat’s back end touches the ground.
- After a few practice sessions, you can start saying “sit” before the cat sits.
- Remember that cats must say “sit” before you start using verbal cues.
Short-term sessions, rewards, persistence and patience are key to success!
NOTE: If your cat is too distracted, have her work in an area (eg, a quiet room) that is less distracting. This behavior can happen very quickly, so make sure you’re paying attention to your cat’s body position. Maintain cat training sessions for no more than two minutes or 10 times. Take breaks – brush your cat or give attention at appropriate times – between each behavior.
Now you are ready to train your cat to sit! For more tips on training and nourishing your cat, visit shelterhealthpro.com
