Unlike what you might think, cats can be trained to respond to commands if you know how to motivate them. In fact, many cats love the individual attention they can get during a training session and therefore they engage easily. The simplest way to train a cat is to use a clicker. That way, when he understands the link between the device's characteristic “click-clack” sound, its action and the reward, you can teach it many commands. One of the simplest is to get your paw to give you.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Teaching the Cat to Respond to the Clicker
Step 1. Get a clicker
It is a small plastic box containing a rigid metal tab. When pressed, the metal makes the characteristic "click-clack" sound. You can find this device in most pet stores.
- It is believed that, thanks to training with this instrument, the cat learns to link this specific sound (click-clack) with a reward (tasty). The great thing about the clicker is that it is a typical and unique sound that is only associated with a premium. Thus, the cat has much more incentive to respond positively.
- While you can train your kitty using just words, it can be more difficult. Since the words are said daily for everything, even when you are not addressing the cat directly, the animal does not necessarily pay attention to them. Also, if you use a command word such as "paw", the cat may hear the word on other occasions as well and probably would not be able to respond positively to the command.
Step 2. Find a treat your feline really likes
Cats can have difficult tastes, and something one cat likes may be of little interest to another. Training can give you faster and easier results if you decide right away which type of treat your furry friend prefers.
You should try to buy a small amount of different treats and see which one they like best
Step 3. Choose a specific circumstance for training
The ideal time for a clicker session is when the cat is relaxed but not asleep and is crouching next to you. You can start whenever you notice that he is paying attention to you.
If he has just woken up, perhaps he is still a little dazed. In this case, wait at least five minutes before starting the exercises
Step 4. Train him with the clicker
When you see him paying attention and alert, press the device and give him a treat. Repeat this step several times over about five minutes.
Cats have a very short attention span, so do not extend the training time for more than 5 minutes
Step 5. Repeat the session
During the day, or the next day, use this clicker method again. Keep repeating this procedure regularly until you notice that the cat associates the clicker sound with a treat.
- Each cat learns at different rhythms, but most of them associate the sound of the device with the treat after 2-3 five-minute sessions.
- Stay consistent with the training method, repeating the sessions once or twice a day, every day, until the cat understands the connection.
- You will be able to recognize the moment when he has learned the association because he will look at you with an attitude of expectation and will probably lick his mustache when you press the clicker.
Part 2 of 2: Training the Cat to Give a Paw
Step 1. Choose a specific time and place to train your cat
When the animal has learned to connect the clicker to a treat, choose a circumstance in which it is attentive but relaxed. Typically, the ideal situation is just before feeding him, because the promise of a tasty treat when he is hungry will stimulate him to be responsive.
Find a quiet place with few distractions so your cat focuses exclusively on you
Step 2. Press the device and give it the prize
That way you remind him of the link between the clicker and the delicacy.
Step 3. Take the cat's paw
Gently lift one of its front legs. The best thing would be to always raise the same paw at each session: the cat will learn the command more easily if you are consistent in training.
Step 4. Press the clicker, give the command and then the reward
Holding the paw in your hand, press the device with your other hand, then give it the command, choosing a word like "paw". Finally, offer him the treat.
Step 5. Release the paw and caress the animal
Let go of his paw and give him a couple of nice strokes. This further reinforces the thought that you are satisfied with his behavior and makes the training experience more enjoyable.
Step 6. Repeat the whole procedure
Repeat these steps as often as your cat responds positively within about five minutes.
- If he spontaneously lifts the right paw at any time during training, immediately press the clicker, say the command, and give him the reward. This sends him a strong message that the behavior you are asking is just to raise the paw.
- Make sure your cat has fun during these moments. If he doesn't seem very cooperative or you see him disinterested, don't force him to do this. Leave it free to roam and try again on another occasion.
Step 7. Wait, then repeat
Over the course of the day, or the next day, repeat the entire process. You lift his paw if he can't do it himself, and immediately press the device giving him the treat when he does it spontaneously.
It may take several sessions for your cat to start lifting her paw without needing you to lift it first, and many more before she is able to do so on command
Step 8. Give it the command before clicking
When the cat starts to lift its paw often on its own, try giving it the "paw" command without pressing the device. When he then puts his paw on your hand, then press the clicker and give him the reward.
The click tells him that a reward will come, and the command tells him what action is required to get it. Your goal is for the cat to respond to "paw" without the click, because it associates the command with a treat
Step 9. Reduce rewards over time
Eventually, it will no longer be necessary to give him a treat every time he executes the command.
- However, reward him at least every 3-4 times so he doesn't get discouraged.
- Make sure you always end each session with a delicacy. So you offer your cat positive and consistent reinforcement about the behavior you want them to engage in.
Advice
- If your cat doesn't like being touched on his paws, this command probably isn't for him. Or you can try to train him to "paw" and have him hold it up in the air. In this case you can follow the same technique.
- Reward him as soon as he puts his paw on your hand. If you delay it will become more difficult for him to associate the action with the reward.
- Cats are independent animals, so be aware that with some cats it will take a long time to train them. The earlier you start (maybe when it's still a puppy), the more responsive your cat will be and the more success you will be able to achieve.
Warnings
- Avoid forcing his paw to hold it in your hand. The cat may scratch you and run away.
- Don't force him to learn command at all costs. If not interested, try again another day.
- Clawless cats can have very sensitive paws, especially if they have recently undergone the procedure. Be especially gentle in this case.
