teach your cat to follow a target
In this video, KPA Associate Director Gretchen Carey is teaching her cat Frankie to follow a target stick around an object. Gretchen is using a Clik Stik, an all-in-one clicker and retractable target stick with an extendable wand. However, you could also use any stick-like household object, such as a pencil, ruler, or even your hand!
Begin by holding the target an inch or two in front of the cat. The cat is highly likely to look at the end of the target stick or even to sniff it. Click as the cat's nose touches the stick and deliver a treat. The instant the cat finishes chewing, hold the target stick out again. Wait for a touch. Click and treat. Once the cat is touching the target reliably, begin moving the target a few more inches away so that the cat needs to advance a few steps to touch it. Click and treat. Repeat this process, moving the stick a few more inches each time, until the cat is following the target freely. Try changing directions so that your cat is turning left, right, or even in the opposite direction. Soon you’ll be able to use the target stick to lead wherever you want the cat to go. Above all, you will have a new way of communicating with your feline friend!
What behaviors can you teach your cat with target training? For more inspiration and tips on training your cat, check out Karen Pryor Academy’s Train Your Cat course!
Happy Training!
YOUR CAT IS ENORMOUSLY SMART!
Unlock their potential with our online course, Train Your Cat.