Training Cat to Fetch

Don't believe that a cat can learn to fetch? Think again, cats are actually able to learn fetch and they actually love playing this game. Cat's mouths were actually designed to carry things (like their kittens); therefore carrying something in their mouth is not something unusual for them. If you are interested in training your cat to fetch something, first thing you must have is patience. Some breeds are quick learners (like the Oriental breeds), while there are others that require more time. One of the benefits of teaching your cat fetch is that it will get its daily exercise and avoid it from getting bored. A lot of cats learn to run after a small object and bring it to their owners…. yes, the same way dogs do. Make sure to practice lots of different games, as this is important especially for those lazy cats that don't like leaving the house much.

Fetch Training step by step

1. Make sure first of all, to teach the cat to come when you call.
2. Pick out a toy that your cat really likes. This toy should be small and light weight. A sisal piece of cloth will do or a small stuffed animal. Start out by playing with this toy by dragging it on the ground so that your cat chases and grabs it. The more it looks like a real animal the better. Move the fake prey at different speeds and in different directions, and hide it behind one of the couches etc.
3. When you see that your cat is starting to really enjoy this game, let go of the toy and let your cat "catch" it.
4. Once your cat has "caught" its fake prey, call it. When the cat is near you, exchange toys or use a snack.
5. Make sure to not try to force the toy away from the cat. If your cat runs away with the toy in its mouth, lure it so that it comes back to you to start a new game. Don't try to take the toy out of the cat's mouth by force.
6. Practice makes perfect, so continue practicing every day. You will probably have to practice this training a lot of times before your cat learns to fetch things and bring them to you. If the cat is not interested in playing, try to play a different game, or try again later; remember that your cat might be tired, is hungry, or just prefers to be left alone.

Use your imagination: There are many different things that you can teach a cat, and you can even invent them. The best way to train them is by finding out how they give in. Here are some things that cats are able to learn:

• Giving you its paw
• Standing on its feet
• Jumping over a chair and sitting on it
• Jump from one chair to the next or from one shelf to the other
• run through home made tunnels (you can create a tunnel with cardboard boxes).