Teach Your Cat New Tricks

By Darcy Lockman

Certified animal trainer Debbie Silverman, who has trained cats for top TV shows including Desperate Housewives and CSI, says that almost any cat can learn tricks. Any cat, that is, if you factor in two very important variables: your cat's personality and energy level. "When you see a cat on film, what might appear to be one cat, is actually a team of cats," Silverman explains. "We use three identical cats with different personalities: one who's full of energy and likes to run, one in the middle who can do 'Sits,' and one who can really focus and do detailed work like tapping on a keyboard."

According to Silverman, once you've identified your cat's energy level and proclivities, it's time to begin clicker training. For this, you'll need a metal spoon, a stirring stick (like the one used to stir paint in a can), tape and a training clicker (available at most pet stores). Attach the spoon and the clicker to opposite ends of the stick. Feed your cat from the spoon, clicking as it eats (this works best if done before regular mealtimes, when your cat is likely to be hungry). In time, your cat will associate the clicking sound with a reward (food). You'll know when the association has been successfully made when your cat comes running at the sound of the clicker. Now you're ready to follow Silverman's instructions for teaching your curious cat to sit, shake and roll over.

Tabby Trick 1: Sit Down
Raise the spoon (still attached to the stick and the clicker) over your cat's head. Place the back of your hand on its head to gently guide it down. When the cat is where you want it (all four paws and bottom on the floor), press the clicker. Next, reward with food. Say "Sit" each time so your cat learns to associate the command with the action. And it's important to click at the right moment: exactly when the cat is executing the behavior. This will take practice, so be patient when repeating the steps.

Tabby Trick 2: Shake Hands
Before you can train your cat to shake, it must first learn the sitting command. So, once your cat is comfortable sitting, it can learn to shake. First, take one of its favorite foods and hide it under an object, something you want the cat to touch with its paw. The cat might put its head down or try nudging the object. Eventually it will paw at the object, at which point you'll click and reward. After your cat can reliably paw an object, next teach it to paw at your hand. First, hide food under your hand. Each time the cat touches your hand, say "Shake," click and reward. One caveat:  Some cats are particular about their paws being touched and will do more of a "Gimme five."

Tabby Trick 3: Roll Over
If you're ready for a real challenge, try the "Roll over" trick. It is difficult to learn, but not impossible. The first step is to teach your cat to lie down. Place your cat on a sturdy table (this is your best training surface for this trick), and hold its favorite food under the table. Gently guide the cat's body down. Say "Lie down," click and reward. Once the cat is able to lie down on command, put your hand gently on its back. Take the spoon and go up over its head, saying "Roll" each time as you go. Your cat may look up at the food, flipping on its own as it watches. If it doesn't do this, gently give a helping hand by lifting its back feet. If the cat seems disinclined to roll in one direction, try guiding it in the other direction.

Most importantly, Silverman says, the training process should be fun for you and your cat. "When either of you get frustrated, it's time to stop," she insists. "Go back to a trick your cat can do and be sure to serve the reward. You always want to end training sessions on a positive note." Then, with patience and practice, you and your cat can enjoy a lifetime of tricks and play together.