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Kittens can be trained! The cat’s part
of the game is not to learn tricks but to find ways to get
rewards. Training gives the cat something to do besides eat
and sleep.
Training is most successful
when kittens are between the ages of 8 and 14 weeks, but
older cats can also be taught new tricks.
Most kittens learn quickly, and
teaching periods of 3 to 4 minutes a few times a day are all
that is needed. The tricks taught and learned will vary
depending on the kitten’s interests and skills. Generally
speaking, watch your kitten and reward anything cute, such
as rolling over, sitting up, fetching, or jumping over an
object.
Tasty rewards are an essential part of
training. They should be very small, soft, tasty treats.
Different items are preferred
by different cats. Some popular treats include diced ham,
chicken, cheese, or tuna. Training sessions should occur
before meals. Leaving food out all the time is not helpful
for training or for the kitten’s waistline.
Below are a few simple tricks.
Watch your kitten and you will
see many other opportunities.
Sit
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Hold small treat directly in front of the
kitten’s nose
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Let the kitten smell the food or even taste
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Slowly guide your hand up and over the back
of the kitten’s head
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As the head goes up the bottom goes down,
and the kitten will automatically sit
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Initially do not use the word “sit”
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Once the kitten responds to the hand motion
then add the word “sit”
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Always reward the kitten immediately (within
˝ second!) when the kitten sits
Come
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Every time a kitten comes—give the kitten a
treat
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Use the kitten’s name and the word “come”
when the kitten approaches
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Give the kitten the treat and then back up a
few steps and repeat
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Never punish and never shout
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Practice this exercise at home before every
meal
Give me
five (or ten)
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