How to Teach Your Cat To Fetch

Dogs are not the only animals that learn how to fetch. If you have a cat around the house and want to teach him or her how to fetch, read on!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first step in teaching your cat how to fetch is by finding a toy that your cat likes. You do not need to spend money on this. It can something as simple as grocery bag. Play it with the cat and gain your cat's interest. Pet her a lot while you're playing with your cat.

2. Next, make the grocery bag into the shape of a ball. Make sure that your cat sees this as you make noise while shaping it. Then, tease your cat with it and play with him or her. You can even rub some of your cat's favorite food on it, and do whatever it takes to make your cat interested. Try playing "keep away" from your cat.

3. Then, teach your cat how to carry the ball in its mouth. This is the most important step. Sit on one corner of the room and after you tease your cat, toss it to the other side of the room. Crawl yourself to the other side and put the ball in your mouth and bring it back to where you started. Make sure that you cat sees what you are doing. Keep on doing it.

4. Keep your cat interested in getting the ball and bringing it back to you. From experience, I put the ball in my mouth and brought my cat and the ball back to the starting point. Repeat this step a lot of times. Repetition is key here. However, you shouldn't go too hard on your cat because your cat is not a dog.

5. If the steps do not work, do not get frustrated with your cat. Carrying something in their mouths is natural for cats. Try different methods to get your cat to see you carry the ball back to its starting point. Whenever you cat tries to bring it back, reward her with some treats.

[staysik]

on 2/27/2009 This is funny, I was trying to imagine our kitty fetching a ball and I just couldn't see it! But she does listen to us when we whistle and call her- she will usually come to the door- so maybe its possible.