Humans are always delighted — and impressed — when I do a High Five, or a handshake, or even sit up for a treat. They think I’m very clever, but the truth is that I’m not really any smarter than the average kitty! My human just knew how to take my natural inclinations and turn them into something fun. And you know what? You should do the same thing with your cat!
I know a lot of you humans out there are thinking that your cats would never do tricks, or that they are too lazy or independent. Well, you may have to rethink that because every cat my human has had since the cat before Sparkle — and there have been six of us — has learned a trick or two. Binga, in fact, learned to High Five just by watching me, and envying the treat rewards I was getting. Anyhow, it’s important that you put in the time and effort to get your cat to do a trick or two, and I have five reasons for you to consider it.
- It’s great bonding time with your cat. Although we cats want our space and don’t like intrusions, we are not really loners. We actually enjoy time with our humans, especially when it involves an activity we can share. Whenever my human sits down with me to practice my tricks, it’s our special time together.
- It keeps your cat mentally engaged. Yes, kitties sleep a lot, but sometimes we sleep because we are bored. And sometimes when we get in trouble, knocking things over or trying to get into drawers or rooms where we are not wanted, it’s also because we are bored. You would be bored too if you were never offered a fun challenge, and that’s exactly what learning tricks is! The more you humans do to keep our minds active and busy, the less busy-ness (i.e., trouble) we create on our own.
- Trick practice needs to be regular for it to stick, and cats love routine. It’s true that practice makes perfect, and that’s a good thing for kitties! We love routines — they make us feel secure, and sense that all is right in the world. So if you make a regular routine out of trick practice, it’s a win-win. We get to learn new things, and we get to have another routine in which to learn it.
- We enjoy the positive reinforcement, and the rewards. While we don’t need your approval the way dogs do, we sure appreciate it! I know when I do a trick correctly, it makes me happy. Plus I get a treat! Usually, when I do tricks, I get the best treats in the house. And remember, you don’t have to reward your cat with treats for doing tricks if she doesn’t care that much about them. Some cats prefer playtime rewards. Whatever our favorite things are, we love getting them, and they are even better when we’ve earned them.
- Your cat may surprise you! Binga surprises my human all the time by doing something that I’ve been learning. She is the original copycat. So even if your cat is older, or you think she is obstinate or not that bright, she still may learn things that will amaze you. My human says that Boodie is not very smart, but even she can sit up, and often will do it the moment a treat bag comes out. So be willing to let your cat excel… she just might!
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Great advice!
My Jeremy learned a bunch of tricks when I switched to all wet/raw food. He loved his crunchy kibble and would do anything for it. Plush and Betsy for sure know they get their special treats after rings in the show hall. Maybe I should hold out on Betsy til she learns not to hiss at the judge!
Hooman is teaching Django tricks. He will sit up and sometimes high five. He does mot like to do high fives. She is hoping for him to be therapy cat but my bet is no, He does not like to be touched.
Bodacious
Binga is a smart kitty. All of our kitties have easily learned to shake paws. We are inspired to try something else – maybe high five. Thanks, Summer.
xxoo
Sorry, Summer, I’m not stupid or lazy but tricks are for dogs. All I have to do is go poos and I get positive reinforcement and the peeps even sing a song to me.
Good tips and great reasons, Summer ! Purrs
I definitely think Mudpie would enjoy learning tricks. It’s her Mommy that’s lazy!
Although we were never taught tricks as such, people often seemed surprised that Eric and I would go on walks around the fields with my mum without running off. If she did let us go ahead, we would come back to her when she called us. We had done it since we were small and so were used to coming back when told. Eric wasn’t always as good as me, so sometimes my mum would say “wait” to me while she caught up with Eric. I never moved until she came back or called me. One trick that Eric taught my dad was to throw rolled up paper which he would bring back for our dad to throw again. He would go on like that for ages.
Tricks are a great way to bond with your human. I’m not food oriented so I use playing & snuggling for quality time.
Good tips, Summer! Unfortunately for us, it’s MOM who’s lazy!!
Those reasons sure are compelling, Summer. The lady taught me to follow her around the house when she has a treat and then she’ll hide it for me to find. She’s going to think about the high five or a similar trick.
It would be hard to find a reward for my cats – they don’t seem to care for treats. Over the years I have spent a small fortune on treats (and toys) and they sniff and say “eww – get it away from me”
M always makes me sit up and beg for my treat. Then I’ve also been taught to take the treat right out of her hand when she holds it up and says “sit up nice and tall.” It’s fun.
Those are some mighty good reasons, Summer. We really should give it a try. Maybe we could get three or four to do them at the same time like Binga learned to do it.
Yup!! We were taught some simple tricks…but alas petcretary stopped regular practice times…
She also taught our other now angel cats to do ‘tricks’. Us meezers are quick learners! Pipo comes by each night when petcretary is at the confuser and demands play time…he’s gotta make sure she doesn’t forget, MOL!
Those are good reasons pretty Summer! Maybe we need to see who has a trick up their fur here!
Well mom says I don’t know any tricks…but I have certainly taught she and dad a few tricks
Hugs madi your bfff
wise words….mom would like to see if Daiquiri could learn something other than fetch (which she taught herself)
But what is your opinion on us cats teachin’ the humans tricks? Inquirin’ minds wanna know. purrs
That was actually Sparkle’s specialty… I should look into her notes.
Poor Boodie…we bet she’s just as smart but just doesn’t get the opportunity to show it. Thanks for all the good tips. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy.
You look so super cute in these pictures!
That alone makes me want to give you Treats!
Hmm, I’m going to mention this to The Hubby…we’d need to find a treat that isn’t kibble or dry, but I’ll bet we can get all four kitties to give high-fives!
Excellent advice. Maybe we can nudge our hoomin into this trick thing.
since theo is obsessed with food, i bet i could teach him to stand on his head for a treat.
I have to be honest… our human is lazy. She almost got Lexy to do a higj five once, but once was it. I’m going to make her read this post!
We totally agree with you Summer. Olivia has just learned that if she takes the toy wand to mom while watching tv she will play with her. Now she does this routinely and meows too. She’s pretty demanding on play time. MOL, Purrs
Great post, Summer! I want to try teaching my Paisley some tricks. I think she and I would both enjoy it.
Thanks for the tips Summer………….Teddy seems inclined to do some tricks and Mom is working with him a bit on them. Mostly she’s trying to keep him from screaming to be let outside at the front door though. HAHA
Hugs, Angel Sam
Marty would be my trick learner. Ralphie not so much but I do agree 🙂 Have a beautiful Day!
Good advice, Summer, to keep us active!
We suspect that Sei-Chan would learn tricks if she would stop being so nervous and timid. She already sits up when she wants ham! #1 wishes she wasn’t so busy with all of us and work and could spend more time actually playing with us.
This trip wont be a long time, but the next one… Oh, the next one…….
Purrs,
The Chans