Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Tips & Warnings:
- Be patient.
- It may look like they didn't "Get It", but over time you'll see that they did. They just wanted to make you think they didn't so you won't make them do silly tricks.
- Do not over feed treats. Treats are not a meal and are not a replacement for a meal.
Step1
Work with your cat over a period of seven or more days. Do not feed more than 4-5 high calorie treats per day during this 7 day training period. If you feed more use a low calorie treat designed for training. These may be hard to find for cats. You can also use your cat's other favorite foods like chicken or tuna. It just needs to be in a form you can hand them.
Step2
Place your cat in front of you, facing you, and do not pet them. They may try to rub against you or walk away. Use the palms of your hands to gently nudge the cat back in front of you.
Step3
Present the treat, but do not give it to them. Just let them smell it, then take it away. Use your hands to keep your cat sitting in front of you and upright as much as possible. They will attempt to lay down.
Step4
Present a hand directly in front of your cat near it's right front leg. Snap your fingers a couple of times, then reach out gently and take your cat's paw and shake it. They will attempt to pull it away, but keep a firm but not tight grip and keep the shake very short. Do not hold on for more than 2 seconds.
Step5
Reward your cat with a treat. Pet your cat without picking him/her up. Tell your cat "Good Job!"
Step6
Repeat steps 1-5 three consecutively times before noon and two consecutive times in the evening for seven days. You will begin to see that your cat presents their paw to you in anticipation for the treat. Make sure you don't give the treat unless you ask for their paw by snapping your fingers. They will also learn to let you shake their paw for longer and longer periods of time. Cat's have a natural response to pull their feet away from being grabbed.
Step7
After your cat learns this trick, practice with them at least once per day. Wait no less than one to two months before teaching another trick.
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Comments
stlscientist said
on 5/2/2008 Thanks, but he's mean! You don't think I made him that way do you? :o)
onederland said
on 5/2/2008 Cute kitty!