How to teach a cat to fetch slippers

Teaching a cat to fetch objects seems like an unrealistic task. However, if we recall Kuklachev’s experience, it turns out that everything is possible.

Cats are very smart and wayward creatures. And they are no stupider than dogs, who happily play ball with their owner and bring slippers and other items. The main reasons for failures in cat training are incorrectly selected details, incentives that are not interesting enough for the pet, and an initially incorrect approach to the issue of training .

So how to teach a cat to fetch objects, what methods to use? Let's try to figure it out.

Teaching a cat voice commands

You can come up with a voice command for training your pet yourself or use the option of names for dogs.

Command "Sit"

It is necessary to lift a small piece of his favorite treat above the pet’s muzzle, and with the other hand, stroking, gently press on the cat’s back in the lumbar region. The treat needs to be brought slightly behind the pet’s head, then the cat will take a sitting position.

The treat needs to be brought slightly behind the pet’s head, then the cat will take a sitting position.

Command "Give me a paw"

You should clasp your pet’s favorite treat in your fist and then let him smell it.
The cat will try by all possible means to get the treat out of its owner’s fist.
When the pet puts its paw on the fist with the incentive prize, you need to hold its paw on the fist with the other hand and say the command in a convincing tone.

Team "Serve"

You need to let the cat smell the treat, and then gradually move your hand with the treat upward.
When the cat reaches your hand, you should say the command loudly and convincingly, and then give the treat to the pet.

Command “Fetch” (bring a toy, ball, slippers)

Not every cat will agree to bring a toy, item, or even a slipper abandoned by its owner. Only playful pets with the character of a predator are capable of this. If a pet carries some small objects in its teeth, this is a signal to action.

You need to throw a small object to the side, shout a command and wait for the cat to pick up the object.
When the action has occurred, you should call your pet to you.
If the cat ignores any attempts by the owner to teach him this command, it is better to repeat these actions later.

The command “Sit!”

Your cat can be trained to sit on command. Preferably before feeding, place the cat on the floor and kneel next to him. If he gets bored and sits down, give the command “Sit!”, which coincides with the action. Use one word “Sit!” for command and reward the cat with a treat when he responds correctly. If the cat remains standing, gently press on the back quarter of his body to give the command. Reward sitting. Work with your cat only for short periods - 5 minutes at most - so that you and he don't get bored during the training process.

Training without a clicker

Such tricks should be taught to a cat only if touching the paw does not cause her discomfort. If your pet has recently been declawed, this trick may be painful.

You can teach the “High Five” command without using a clicker.

Sequencing:

Hold the culinary bait in your fist.
Allow your pet to sniff your hand.
Wait until the cat tries to get the food with its paw.
When the paw is on top of the fist, say the command “High five!”
Give the delicacy and pet the animal.

After a few weeks, the cat will learn to lift the limb. Since there will be no support, it will appear that she is waving her paw.

Command "Stop!"

I knew people who taught cats to stop on command. This valuable command comes in very handy when the cat is approaching danger or is about to commit mischief. Learn “Stop!” you must use your hands: bend your hand at a right angle, making a barrier for the cat to advance. Choose the right moment when the cat is moving towards you and make a barrier with your hand, while commanding “Stop!” When the cat obeys by stopping on command, reward him. Later, when the cat learns the command, you don't have to make any gestures.

Infusion technique

When administered orally, Vaseline oil should be administered to the pet very carefully. During the procedure, the cat must stand or sit. It is forbidden to infuse the drug into an animal in a lying position.

As a result of oil entering the respiratory tract, gas exchange will stop and the cat will suffocate

It is forbidden to infuse the drug into an animal in a lying position. As a result of oil entering the respiratory tract, gas exchange will stop and the cat will suffocate.

How to give your pet Vaseline oil correctly and without bad consequences for your pet’s health:

Before administration, you must first measure the required amount of the product and draw it into a syringe without a needle.
The pet should be placed on a chair or lap (you can wrap it in a blanket or towel).
While holding the cat's head firmly, you need to open its mouth. This will be easier if you insert your thumb and index finger behind her fangs and spread her jaws.
The syringe with oil should be placed in the corner of the mouth, behind the fang.
When administering the medicine, the cat's head must be raised up, but in no case thrown back.
The drug should be poured in 1 ml at a time so that the pet has time to swallow it and not choke.
After the oil has been completely introduced, the cat needs to cover its mouth. Otherwise, she will simply spit out the product.
Finally, it is recommended to pat the pet’s throat to make it easier for him to swallow the remaining medication.

Enema

Some cats categorically refuse to swallow Vaseline oil: for some it causes vomiting, for others they simply do not like the taste. In such a situation, it is recommended to administer the drug rectally, using an enema.

This procedure is allowed for purrs of any age. True, to administer Vaseline oil to a kitten, it is better to use a pipette rather than a syringe.

Usually, with minor constipation, the effect of an enema occurs almost immediately. Complete cleansing of the intestines will occur approximately 30 minutes after the end of the procedure.

The maximum duration of treatment for rectal administration of the drug should not exceed 5 days.

Quantity of product

Vaseline oil for performing an enema can be used either pure or diluted with water. To do this, pour warm water and medicine (in a ratio of 1:3) into the smallest syringe, and then shake thoroughly.

The amount administered depends on the age of the cat. Thus, for adults, the dosage of the drug in its pure form should not exceed 5-10 ml, in the form of a water-oil solution - 25 ml. For kittens to get rid of constipation, it will be enough to inject 1 ml of the substance in its pure form or 2 pipettes with a water-oil solution.

It is forbidden to give a cat more than two enemas per day. The break between procedures should be at least 5-6 hours.

Popular commands and tricks

If you managed to teach the cat the first command, it’s time to start more difficult training. The animal remembers various tricks; the owners are especially interested in how to teach a cat to stand on its hind legs. You need to choose teams in accordance with the character of your pet, as they have individual preferences. Some cats respond better to active commands; phlegmatic individuals prefer calm ones. So, let's see what you can accustom your cat to during the training process:

Stand on your hind legs

This trick looks graceful and seems difficult. In fact, to understand how to teach a cat to stand on its hind legs, it is enough to take a closer look at its natural behavior.

It doesn't always work out right away. At first, unsuccessful attempts are rewarded, gradually raising the tasty piece higher.

Almost every pet can learn this, and with great effort, you can teach it not only to stand up, but also to walk on its hind legs. Such circus tricks always surprise guests and are remembered for a long time.

Bring a toy

Not every cat can learn this trick. Here you need a tendency to carry toys in your teeth. Individual representatives, without training, bring back the thrown ball to continue the fun game.

You need to throw the toy to the side and say “Fetch” or “Fetch.” If the cat runs after the toy and grabs it, you need to lure him back by giving him a treat.

If the command remains unattended, it is necessary to entice the cat with delicious food and make it clear what they want from it. With a well-fed “fluffy” such a trick is practically impossible. Only hard training will help, because Kuklachev was able to do it.

Voice

You can teach a cat to vocalize; to do this, you will have to wait until the pet gets hungry and lets you know about it by meowing loudly.

The food is given directly to the animal; do not put it in a bowl. It is advisable to conduct training in different rooms so that the cat does not develop associations with a bowl and feeding.

Lying down or sitting

These two commands are similar to each other - the pet is given a treat at the moment when he is lying down or about to sit down

It is important to take into account his mood: he should be calm and not be in a too playful mood

The main thing is to teach these commands at different times so that your pet does not get confused.

To teach a cat to sit on command, it is not necessary to watch when he wants to sit. You can put pressure on his back, thereby forcing the student to land on his fifth point.

At the same time, the owner commands the kitten the command “Sit” and gives a tasty treat. For many cats, this method is more understandable, but especially stubborn individuals will resist this method of training; for them it is better to use the first option.

Jumping through a hoop

Circus cats jumping through a ring looks spectacular, but they can be taught this at home. To do this, you will need additional props - a hoop or hoop that is used for knitting.

When your pet understands the principle, he will go through the hoop with pleasure. Then the hoop rises higher and higher above the floor each time so that the cat jumps over it.

To me

This team will train the laziest pet

To train, you need to capture the pet's attention and force it to go to the owner. You can hold a treat and call the animal by name

When the animal comes to the call, the owner commands “Come to me”, then feeds it with a treat. If you repeat “Come to me” every day, the kitten will soon learn to come when called.

Fas

During play, cats often attack the owner's hands or a toy - at this moment you can teach the pet to do the “Fast”. Of course, it is better to use toys for training so as not to teach the animal to attack the owner.

This command needs to be approached with caution; not everyone should learn it, so as not to develop excessive aggressiveness. The training is carried out in a playful way; you must not attack the cat or provoke serious aggression.

Give the game a name

Cats communicate with fluffy fur, eyes, tails, and meows, but they certainly understand a lot of human words. Associate the action with the word to help your cat understand it.

Say something like: “Bring it, kitty-kitty-kitty!” in a high, happy tone after you've thrown a toy across the room to encourage your cat to return the toy.

Reward action

Follow your cat's lead and offer whatever reward she likes best to reward good behavior.

How to train an adult cat

Adults are smart, just like kittens, so the process of accustoming to a scratching post will not take longer. You need to act as in the case of a kitten:

Bring your pet to the counter; in this case, you can move its paws along the upholstery of the scratching post.
If necessary, use additional motivation - play a toy with her, moving the mouse or feather along the surface.
You can, as in the case of a kitten, rub the upholstery with catnip leaves, the main thing is not to overdo it, cats have a keen sense of smell and a pungent smell can scare off the pet.

Important! If the previous tips turned out to be ineffective, you can rub the surface of the counter with a rag that you previously stroked a strange cat. An animal, sensing someone else's scent, will begin to mark its territory using its claws

However, it should be remembered that cats can mark in a slightly different way. If urine gets on the scratching post, a clean cat will most likely refuse to sharpen its claws on it in the future.

Cat is obsessed with a toy

According to Animals magazine, most indoor cats love to play with toys. However, unlike dogs or birds, a cat's play drive is associated with a hunting drive. Cats often view their toys as prey that they want to catch and kill.

While some cats enjoy chasing or rolling a ball, most prefer to play with toys that resemble prey. These could be mice, birds or snakes. If your cat regularly brings them to you and meows, it may seem like an obsession.

The good news is that you don't have to worry about this behavior. Some cats like a certain toy. They may find it more stimulating or challenging to play than others. Or the toy may remind them of an animal they hunted in the past.

The obsession with toys doesn't last long. After all, cats are curious creatures that shift their attention to other activities once their interest is satisfied. Unfortunately, this also means that you will have to buy your cat new toys once she gets tired of her current ones.

What can you teach a cat

The commands that are taught to dogs can also be taught to cats, especially curious ones. She can learn to sit, lie down, give a paw, fetch a toy and do various tricks. You can teach your pet elements of a circus program: jumping through a hoop, walking on its hind legs, fetching a ball.

Special training systems have been developed for cats and are used by people at home. With regular exercise, even a 2-month-old kitten will achieve positive results.

Special conditions must be created for training, then the result will be as effective as possible:

Your four-legged friend must be in good health. It’s better if the cat ate a long time ago, then rewarding it with a treat works better. A good, playful mood between the owner and the cat - it is important that the pet enjoys the process. The lesson should not last long, no more than five minutes: cats quickly lose interest in training. Age also matters - you should not train small kittens, less than two months old or old kittens, most likely this will not bring the desired results.

Problems and behavior correction

Once the cat is used to playing, you can move it to a larger room or area with more distractions. You can also involve another person by sitting on opposite sides of the room and taking turns throwing the toy to each other. This can help the cat learn that it is fun to play with other people.

You may be better off keeping the toy you are playing with out of your cat's reach when you are not playing. This can add value to the toy and help make your time with the game something your cat looks forward to.

Once your cat is consistently fetching one item, try tossing another toy and using the same verbal cue to encourage her to fetch. Teaching your cat to fetch objects is a good way to encourage exercise.

Source

It all starts with fetch

Before teaching a pet to fetch slippers, he is first taught fetch. If the dog is motivated to fetch, it will be much easier with slippers.

How do we teach a dog the “fetch” command? To do this you will need a rubber ball and knowledge of the “come to me” command.

Now someone will be outraged reading the article. They promised to talk about how to train a dog to bring slippers to its owner, but they themselves talk about “come to me” and “fetch.” Don’t rush to be indignant, everything is interconnected. And now it will be clear why.

So, let’s go with the dog to the field, to the wasteland, to the forest. In general, anywhere, as long as there is an opportunity to let her off the leash. Let your pet off the leash and start playing with him with a ball. Ideally, the ball should be on a rope. These are now sold in pet stores, especially for dog training. Having played the dog properly, we throw the ball forward. The dog ran after him, grabbed him, we called him with the command “come to me.” The animal returns to the owner, the latter takes the ball, saying the command “give”. If the dog does not yet know it, then the ball is exchanged for a treat. Is it clear how we act? We give the command “give” and immediately offer a treat. The dog releases the ball from its mouth into its owner's hand.

After making friends with the “give” command, we move on to the “fetch” command. Everything is the same: we throw the ball, but with the command “fetch”. We throw and at the same time say the command. The dog runs after the ball, returns to the owner and gives a return on the command “give”. Only after the pet learns to give the ball back immediately, you can practice one “fetch” command, without adding the “give” command.

Doorbell

Does your cat scratch at the door to go outside? Teach him to ring the bell to call you to open the door. Place the bell as close to the door as possible where the cat is scratching. Do not open the door in the presence of the cat until the bell has rung. When the cat scratches at the door, take his paw and ring the bell. Open the door immediately after the bell sounds and let the cat outside. Ignore your cat when he scratches at the door and doesn't call. Once your cat has learned to ring when he wants to go out, gradually move the bell to a more appropriate location.

Stages of learning to fetch slippers

During the initial training phase, you should use your puppy's favorite toy, perhaps a ball or a bone. Let the dog play with it, awaken interest in the game, kick the toy. It is necessary for the dog to take it in its teeth. You can tease your child by holding out and taking away a toy. When your pet holds the toy tightly, you should approach him with a treat and say “give”, exchanging it for a previously prepared treat. Praise the dog and pet it. Take a toy and throw it with the words “apport.” The dog will run after her and start playing. Repeat the “give” command again and take the item in exchange for a treat. Your task is to teach the dog to give up an object or toy on command. Before this, without a command, the dog must hold the thing in its teeth. This is an initial stage that needs to be improved outside by changing the toy to a stick. Thus, with the “fetch” command, you develop the dog’s ability to fetch any objects and give them to you with the “give” command.

It is more effective to teach retrieval with short training sessions daily, an hour or two after eating.

When the dog has mastered the fetching skills thoroughly, move on to the next stage - practicing the skill of fetching the items you need. And in this process, the basis should be the dog’s knowledge of the name of the object. Therefore, it is better to start with a leash - something closer to the dog. This is what experienced dog breeders advise. You must let him sniff the attribute, repeating the word “leash” several times. Then you need to pick it up and start playing, involving the dog in the process. When excitement awakens in her, throw the leash to the side with the words “bring the leash.” The dog will be guided by the already familiar skill of retrieving. She must bring you the thing and hold it in her mouth until the command “give” is heard. The dog gives you the leash, unclenching his teeth, you give him a treat and praise him. After consolidating and improving the skill of bringing this accessory (and this needs to be done on the street), you can begin to learn the ability to bring you slippers.

Proceed in the same way. First introduce your dog to the slippers. Since their smell is familiar to the dog, let him remember the name. Repeat it for several days in a row. Next, try to play with them, throw them nearby and command “bring the slippers.” The dog already knows how to give them back. Strengthen the ability to bring them during the game. The next step is to teach how to do this outside the game. Ask the dog, who is in a good mood, to bring slippers.

Of course, this skill is more difficult to consolidate than the command “sit” or “no”, but patience and mutual understanding allow you to achieve the goal. After slippers, you can teach your dog to fetch a newspaper. It is necessary to work according to a similar scheme.

Operating rules and errors

Any training is based on the development of conditioned reflexes to unconditioned stimuli, for example, a voice or food. You can start training only in a good mood, and both the cat and the owner must be active. It is better to start when the animal is cheerful, cheerful and slightly hungry, and wants to play.

There is no need to create special conditions; all training takes place in a familiar environment, at home. The training itself comes down to a simple condition: the cat did some action and was rewarded for it.

stroking, scratching, affectionate words;
favorite treat;
both.

You cannot force a cat to do something, it will end in failure, the animal will simply run away and then stop obeying. You cannot exhaust your cat with endless repetition of the same order. He will quickly get tired, and then any lesson will be disgusting. The lesson should take no more than 5 minutes, and even better, repeat what you have completed 3-4 times.

The best results are achieved after several small training sessions per day with a long rest.

Useful video

Video instructions on how to accustom a kitten and an adult cat to a scratching post:

Patience, persistence and regular repetition will help train even the most stubborn pets. There is such a procedure in the world as removal of nail phalanges. However, in many countries it is equated with mutilation and is opposed to these actions, and we are of the same opinion.

If you can’t get your cat accustomed to a scratching post, then you can think about using silicone anti-scratch pads or trim your pet’s claws more often, and our article on proper claw trimming will help you with this.

Everyone is responsible for those they have tamed, therefore, when taking a new animal into your home, it is important to understand all the responsibility and natural needs of pets. Accustoming to a scratching post is a complex process that requires a lot of time, but this is the only option when, as they say, both the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe

Leave comments on the article about what methods you know of training a cat to use a scratching post.

Find a quiet place

To keep your cat's attention and teach her something new, it is best to do this in an environment free of distractions. Find a quiet place in the house, preferably a room with few obstacles.

Choose the right toy

Cats usually have favorite things. It will be easiest for you to follow your cat's natural preferences when introducing him to play.

For example, a cat may be most interested in a catnip mouse, a paper packet, a soft shiny ball, or even a treat.

Some cats even enjoy chasing food on hard floors. While they may not get it back, they may come back to "ask" for another roll.

Choose the right time

Time is the key. It is necessary to choose the best time when the cat is ready to play. Even if this is convenient for you, the game may not take place if the cat goes to sleep. Some cat owners find that their cat is most receptive to learning and willing to pay attention immediately before eating.

While dogs tend to go crazy with marathon breakaways, remember that cats are master sprinters. Ten minutes is a long time in the cat world. Stop the play before the cat quits - five minutes is good for most cats.

How to train a cat to follow commands

Even without training skills, any owner of a furry pet in the process of communication teaches him to respond to his name, use a litter tray and ask for food. If you set a goal, this list can be expanded.

The process of training cats is more complex than dogs. Four-legged friends enjoy following their owner’s commands and seeing his approval. Fluffy pets are more selfish. They prefer rewards and treats to any praise.

Compared to dogs, cats take much longer to learn to follow commands.

Trainer's Toolkit

Since animals do not speak human language, alternative means of communication must be used.

Table 1. Communication methods available to cats

Instrument Description Voice The animal has sensitive hearing. When a person gives a loud command to a cat, it perceives it as a cry. Stress that arises as a response blocks the ability to fulfill a request. Therefore, you should speak to your pet kindly and avoid an authoritative tone. Pronunciation A cat can remember about 50 words and associate them with certain actions

Therefore, it is important to be consistent in using voice commands. For example, if the phrase “fetch-fetch” was repeatedly used in a game with a ball, then a single “fetch” will not serve as a signal for the cat to act. Intonation The pet is well versed in the nuances of the human voice.

It is necessary to pronounce each address to him with the same intonation. Encouragement is the most important component of any training of representatives of the cat family. The method of stimulation depends on the individual preferences of the pet. If food is planned as a reward, you should make sure that this dish is not part of the animal’s usual diet.

Intonation The pet is well versed in the nuances of the human voice. It is necessary to pronounce each address to him with the same intonation. Encouragement is the most important component of any training of representatives of the cat family. The method of stimulation depends on the individual preferences of the pet. If food is planned as a reward, you should make sure that this dish is not part of the animal’s usual diet.

During the training process, you need to show endurance and patience.

5 tips from experienced trainers

Teaching your cat to perform simple tricks is easy. It is necessary to adhere to the basic rules of training and take into account the individual characteristics of the pet.

Reward is one of the most effective methods of training cats.

General recommendations:

Create illusions of the game. A cat will never do anything he doesn't like. If you transfer training from an edifying plane to a playful one, your pet will learn the trick faster.
Synchronize the voice command with the required movement. Even if the cat accidentally made the desired “pa” outside of training time, the appropriate words should be spoken. For example, if a pet puts its paw in the owner’s hand, you need to say “High five!”
Encourage in a timely manner. One of the main mistakes in cat training is late stimulation. In order to consolidate in the animal’s mind the connection between the action and the subsequent reward, there is no need to postpone the completion of the last point.
Choose your verbal praise wisely. You should not encourage your pet with phrases that are familiar to him. For these purposes, you need to choose an expression that is not used in everyday life.
Do not punish or scold your pet. Cats are not naturally submissive. The animal does not draw a parallel between educational measures and failure to fulfill a request. Instead, it will begin to hate its owner and stop responding to any commands.

When training cats, you should not show authority. The pet must decide for himself what he wants to do during training.

Swearing and assault are contraindicated

Where to start training a cat?

The “catch and praise” technique requires a certain amount of attention from the owner, but it is very easy to accustom the cat to commands and tricks. Cats are able to remember about 50 words from what a person says to them.

The most memorable phrase that most cats easily learn is “Eat!” Pets remember words by creating a logical chain, since receiving food reinforces the effect of the learned word with positive emotions.
Using the same method, you can teach a cat the command “Sleep!” — the pet is placed comfortably, then petted and the necessary command is repeated. In the future, the pet will go to its own place to sleep according to the learned command. This will help reinforce the habit of not disturbing you when guests come to the house or you need to clean the apartment.

Step-by-step training steps

As the famous “cat lover” Kuklachev said: you need to play with animals after first studying the preferences and needs of the pet, paying attention to their peculiar habits and habits. Accompany your pets' actions with a verbal command - and very soon you will achieve excellent results in training.

You need to prepare Murchik’s or Sharik’s favorite treat.
Choose a command that the cat will teach today. It's best to start with the instruction "sit."
Now you need to achieve the cat’s favor and attention.
Show her the tasty treat and call the command in a calm and non-pressive voice.
To show the cat what you want from it, press on the back side and when you try to sit, say the command again out loud.
After completing these requirements, praise her and feed her a treat.

Attention: the cat must understand that after performing the movement correctly it will be rewarded. Classes should be held in the form of a game, and not upset the animal.

Teaching a cat functional commands

Experts say that a cat can learn about fifty human words. She responds perfectly to her own nickname, to calls - let's go eat, yum-yum, etc. When the owners go to bed, the cats go to bed with them, you can tell your pet “lights out” and she will humbly go to rest in her place.

So why not teach your cat to use the toilet, swim or give a paw. We will try! I hope everything works out for you and me!

Why does the kitten not want to sit in your arms?

Every cat, even once domestic, treats humans with caution. When meeting, he usually hides in a far corner and does not let you approach him. There is no need to try to fish him out of a secluded place, since it takes time for him to get used to the surrounding smells in a new home

There is no need to try to fish him out of a secluded place, since it takes time for him to get used to the surrounding smells in a new home.

In an unfamiliar place, due to stress, the cat first huddles in a corner

It is definitely impossible to answer the question why cats don’t want to sit in your arms. There are several reasons for this, and they can be combined.

Character

The reluctance to communicate closely with humans may be inherent in the character of the animal. Some individuals behave independently. Those with the harshest dispositions avoid contact with humans altogether.

Shy cats don't want to be handled for a long time

Breed

There are breeds whose representatives love to spend time in the arms of their owner more than others. The top 8 included:

Siberian;
menx;
Burmese;
ragdoll;
Burmese;
Russian blue;
sphinx;
exotic

But the peculiarity of the British and lop-eared breeds is that they refuse to sit on their hands. Therefore, if you find such a cat on the street (this also happens), there is no need to persist. It is enough to establish a trusting relationship.

Other

The cat refuses the hands of the owner in the following cases:

kittens are very active, and their attention is easily distracted by more interesting things; the owner smells of citrus fruits, alcohol, seasonings, hygiene and cosmetic products, and washing powder; grievances experienced in the past - beatings, bullying; fear of loss of balance and heights; non-recognition of other family members other than the one who tamed him; fear of sharp sounds, screaming; if children who do not know how to handle an animal pick it up, they squeeze it and offend it; sudden movements and pinching are made

Cats don't like the smell of laundry detergent lingering on freshly washed laundry.

The likelihood that a cat will be picked up increases in a calm atmosphere. When teaching a dog to hold hands, the environment in the house should be as calm as possible. A scandal, the sound of a TV on, loud shouts will cause fear and disrupt plans to pacify.

Unfortunately, not all small kittens are happy to sit quietly and spend time in the arms of their owner, especially in stressful situations or if the pet is very scared. In addition, not all furry cats require increased attention and avoid close contact with humans. This applies not only to wild street adult cats, cats of certain breeds, but also to kittens that you came out of a helpless little lump. But you really want to cuddle and caress your beloved pet.

Cats are arrogant

In most cases, cats allow themselves to be loved, accept our care, guardianship, and attention. Even a small kitten will not always sit quietly in your arms, allowing itself to be squeezed for hours. Remember that cats are very capricious and freedom-loving animals.

Remember that cats are very capricious and freedom-loving animals.

Why don't cats like to be held? The reasons for this behavior may be the following:

Breed characteristics, genetic predisposition.

Fear of heights, loss of balance. There are cats that are afraid of heights, weightlessness and do not like balance. Sitting in your arms, the kitten experiences fear and discomfort.

Incorrect socialization, adaptation.

Frequent stressful situations, mobile type of nervous system. If the cat is frightened or has suffered severe stress, even the calmest kitten, experiencing anxiety, will try to escape from the hands and run to a safe place.

Rough treatment of animals. Cats remember their abuser very well, and if you used physical violence, the pet will no longer fully trust you.

Strong unpleasant odors, according to the cat, emanating from the owner and his hands. Cats do not like the aroma of perfumes, especially citrus notes, or the smell of tobacco. Perhaps you have previously petted another cat or dog and the smell of the “stranger” scares the kitten away.

Street kittens and pets taken from shelters are reluctant to make contact. Since childhood, animals have not received much attention from humans and have been deprived of love and affection. It is possible that a street kitten was offended by a person, and the animal harbored a grudge against us for the rest of its life and no longer trusts the person.

Active, hyperactive, inquisitive kittens are reluctant to sit in your arms. It is difficult for them to sit in one place, much less on your lap or hands. After all, there are so many interesting things in the world.

Rules for working with animals

They train in a quiet room, staying alone with the pet. Lesson duration is 10 minutes with a rest break. Each action is practiced 4–5 times. A program to introduce your furry pet to new skills doesn't have to be stressful. You cannot engage in training after vaccination, as well as in case of any painful conditions. Do not learn two tricks at once, so as not to confuse the animal. Remember that training abilities vary.

Tip: train your pet during the day or evening, 3-4 hours after feeding. A hungry animal will not want to work, but a well-fed animal will prefer to wash itself and take a nap.

What you will need

Instead of a spacious circus arena, any flat area that is convenient for you and your cat will do: a floor with a rug or a grassy lawn near the house. For more complex tricks, you will have to prepare special furniture. Select toys: a tennis ball or a skein of woolen thread.