Cats: Training your cat

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It's time to explode one of the many myths about cats: that you can't train them. In fact, with the right motivation--namely food--cats are highly trainable.

They can learn commands like sit, come, and wave. With advanced training, they'll jump through hoops, play the piano (not very well, admittedly), roll over, spin in a circle, walk on a leash, and play fetch. There are even cats who've learned to run an agility course in competition.

Why bother training your cat? As with dogs, training helps you communicate more effectively with your furry friend, exercises his brain and body, and strengthens the bond between you. There are some real practical benefits, too. A cat who comes when called won't get left behind during a natural disaster because you can't find him. (Not to mention, you'll never miss a vet appointment because you're scouring the neighborhood looking for him.) A cat who sits for petting or treats is more enjoyable than a kitty who demands attention by swiping at your legs with his claws.

Like dogs, some kitties take to training more than others. An active Siamese or Abyssinian is going to be more amenable than a fat, laidback Persian, but in general, if your cat is playful, you can teach him. When training, keep these pointers in mind:

• Reward your cat for behaviors you like and give them exactly when he's doing what you want, so he'll associate the reward with the behavior. Use a training clicker or your voice to praise him ("Good!") right as he's performing the action, then quickly deliver a food reward.
• Be consistent. Always use the same verbal cues to give a command and let your cat know he got it right.
• Keep kitty training sessions short and sweet. Your cat's attention span is probably somewhere between two to 10 minutes. Always end training when your cat's done something right. Remember the adage "Quit when you're ahead."
• Most importantly, never get mad or hit your cat. It won't help him learn--unless you count learning to fear and dislike you.

Below, you'll find the basics  [Continued]