dog day care for a difficult dogdog day care for a difficult dog

Can you train a cat to do tricks? Yes! Cats can be trained, and sticky notes are the perfect tool because cats tend to like the feeling of paper beneath their paws. Introduce your cat to this training method by leaving sticky notes around the house and giving your cat a treat each time it touches a sticky note. Soon your cat will be running to touch the paper each time you put one down. When your cat begins to associate treats with sticky notes, you are ready to begin teaching some tricks.

High Five

Teach your cat to give you a high five by placing a sticky note on your palm. Say "high five" and give the cat a treat when it touches the note on your hand. Repeat this many times. Then take the sticky note away and say "high five". If your cat puts a paw on your hand, offer a treat. If your cat doesn't seem to understand, go back to using the sticky note and try removing it again after some more practice. 

Play the Piano

Teach your cat to put on a piano performance for your guests. Start by placing the sticky note on the piano bench and giving the cat a treat when it jumps up onto the bench after you have said "play piano." When the cat has mastered jumping onto the bench, place the sticky note on one of the piano keys. Give the cat a treat for touching the sticky note. Then begin to help the cat make a sound with the key by pressing another key at the same time or by gently pressing your cat's paw. Each time the cat makes a sound by touching the sticky note, give the cat a treat. 

Soon you will be able to remove the sticky note and say "play piano", and the cat will respond. Over time, you should be able to teach your cat to play a short song. 

Through the Hoop

Jumping through a hoop is an impressive trick when performed by a cat. Begin by teaching the cat to walk through the hoop. Choose a phrase like "through the hoop" and then hold the hoop on the ground when you say it. Place a sticky note on the other side of the hoop and reward your cat with a treat each time that it walks through the hoop to touch the sticky note. 

Gradually move the hoop a little bit higher until the cat begins jumping. At that point, you can teach the cat to jump from one chair to another. 

Training cats takes a lot of patience. It might take weeks for a cat to get a trick, and there may be days that your cat just isn't interested in training. As long as you stay positive and consistent, you will be able to teach your cat some fun tricks.

For more information on pet training, contact a professional like those at Canine Companion.