7 Essential Cat Training Tricks: Kitty Can Learn

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Gentle

Encourage hand reward for cats. Dab treat paste on hand, say "gentle" while cat licks. Pull hand calmly if biting occurs. No biting, positive association.

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Find It

Teach cat "Find It" by tossing treats. Play shell game with hands or Tupperware. Say "gentle" for biting, use paste for licking. Reveal treat when paw taps gently.

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Target

You can use a DIY or store-bought target wand or even the point of your finger. Teach your cat to be alert to the target by presenting it two inches in front of your cat's nose.

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Sit

Click and reward when cat sits naturally. Use "sit" cue. Lure with wand/point, click and reward. Phase off clicking, use intermittent rewards for stronger learning.

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On Your Mat & Stay

Create cat mat, click when stepping on. Toss treat away, repeat. Cue "on your mat" and "stay." Use mat to encourage staying. Portable for travel/vet visits.

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Come

Train cats to come when called: Pair "come" with treat cup shake. Reward arrival. Increase delay, maintain response. Fade clicker, intermittent rewards.

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In the Box

Train cats to associate cat carriers positively: Use boxes/bags as training tools. Hide treats, feed meals in carrier. Click and reward for entering. Add cue "in the box.

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