Cat Learns Touch and High Five
Keeping cats mentally and physically active is healthy. Training your cat to come when called is helpful when they are in the hiding mood or lounging. This skill can help when its time to give medications or treatments.
The basic click training techniques work in cats as it does in other animals. If using a clicker is not your style, make certain you have a marker word such as “yes” or “okay.”
Learning recall can be started at feeding time. Say their name, click or say “yes”, then a small portion of food is given. Repeat in short sessions. Don’t over train. This takes numerous short sessions with repetitions.
Carry cat treats on you during the day. Call their name, reinforce with the marker word, then treat. After the response is predictable, use petting and attention to replace the food treat. Occasionally use a favored treat as reinforcement for the recall.
Cutting up high value treats such as freeze dried chicken or beef hearts, minnows, salmon cubes, make treats economical to use in training.
Using a training stick is helpful when teaching “touch”. This touch behavior can converts into high five to your hand.
Don’t over train, use short simple sessions, repeat often. Revise your technique if after days of attempts, there is no improvement. Keep it happy and positive.
