What’s New Pussy Cat.

Imagine if the cast of the musical "Cats" was made up of real animals, instead of humans dressed up and acting like cats. What a training nightmare that would be! Not to mention the difficulty in teaching them to sing!

But seriously, it is possible, and indeed sensible, to teach your cat to come, sit, stay, use the litter tray and walk on a lead, as well as not to scratch the furniture and climb up the curtains. Some cats can even be trained to perform "tricks" for movies, TV shows or commercials. You just have to start early, preferably from the day your kitten moves into your home and you must be patient and consistent. Animal trainer, Sue Thompson of the Queensland Company, Animal Stars, says that training cats is time consuming. They are creatures of habit and it is best not to let them settle into a routine of limited tasks or environments. If you are happy for "Tibby" to go to sleep on the couch after breakfast and stay there until you get home when he'll give your legs a rub and then demand dinner before curling up again, then you've probably left it a bit late to embark on his new training program. The cat would more than likely narrow its eyes in contempt to make you go away.

Sue explains that a cat in the entertainment industry, on the other hand, would be thoroughly used to traveling in the car, going to strange places and being surrounded by noisy equipment, bright lights, strange people and even other animals. These cats have been trained to accept a variety of environments and to feel comfortable performing tasks anywhere. Just think of the chaos if you asked lazy old Tibby to sit in front of a TV camera and share his bowl of food with a dog!
Your kitten can begin learning straight away but you cannot force him to do something. Sue says you must first work out what motivates him; a tasty treat (probably the most effective), a scratch under the chin or a back rub may be the best reward for him when he carries out the required exercise.

He then learns there is something in it for him. When training, it is important to reward him immediately when he does what you ask. Remember to be patient and to keep the sessions short. After all, the kitten is only young and will not be able to concentrate for long.

With training, he will soon learn that his world is large and he can build confidence. His perfect manners will make him a pleasure to have around your house and who knows, he may even make his name on the catwalk!

_{source Cat & Kitten Mag.}