DEAR PET TALK: Is it possible to teach a cat tricks? How would I start? — CAT FAN
DEAR CAT FAN: Cats are the original tricksters! Think Lewis Carroll’s “Cheshire Cat,” who lives in Wonderland. He shows up to give Alice some tips, but invariably disappears before her eyes. In moments, nothing is left but a grin.
Carroll understood cats could learn tricks – as did my family, back when we had (minimum) a half dozen cats. These kitties were fed “Calo,” a bargain-rate wet food which came in a large can. To call the cats, we would hit the clean spoon against the can, and once they gathered, my mother would take over. She would sing “Three Blind –” and wait for the kitties to sing, or mew, “mice.” We had a champion vocalist who was always on pitch, on cue, and on time.
Patrick Cleary of Wakefield has taught his two cats “a few commands and phrases,” he reports. “’Are you hungry?’ has them running for their dishes. ‘Come on up,’ and they’ll join me on a couch or chair or wherever.” And when Patrick calls out “Treats!” they race to the kitchen. His tip: “I always say these things in the same intonation, and there’s always the same rewards (sitting on furniture and food).”
One of our therapy cats, Spencer, was a genius at the following trick. We’d put a treat in one hand, and he’d tap the hand with his paw. Another trick is to hold a treat above your cat’s nose and slowly raise it so they rise up (briefly) on their hind legs. Cats can be very treat-motivated, and an easy trick is to hold a treat above your cat’s nose and slowly raise it so they rise up (briefly) on their hind legs. Cat treats range from 2 to 4 calories each, so break in half to reduce calorie intake.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit us on Facebook and text questions to: 978-320-1335, or email sallycragin@gmail.com
