Archive for February, 2009
Cat Care : How to Toilet Train Your Cat
Training a cat to use a human toilet is a process that can take months. Toilet train a cat with tips from a cat behaviorist in this free video on pets and cat care.
Cat Clicker Training for Shelter Animals.
Humane Society of Chittenden County http://www.chittendenhumane.org/
I started clicker training my own cats (three very cherished HSCC alumni) about five years ago, after I saw a presentation at a conference. I was amazed at how quickly they learned and retained instructions; they now have a sizable repertoire of “tricks”- sit, high five, low five, “sit pretty”, and “play piano”, among others.
In 2006, I began clicker training the cats at HSCC, using tips from other shelters that employed this method. The results were immediate and gratifying. Most cats were enthusiastic about the training, and responded in a positive manner. Clicker training in a shelter environment is a bit different than working with cats in a home; the focus is on having the cats come to the front of their cage, touching a “target” (I use a straw) with their nose or paws, or sitting up on their back legs for a tasty bit of tuna. The clicking sound effectively reinforces the desired behavior. The important thing is that the cats are having a good time interacting with a caring person.
It’s a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation for cats that are in cages. Even shy and anxious cats seem to benefit from this activity; we’ve seen a number of them “come out of their shells” after just a few training sessions. An outgoing, friendly, and curious cat is much more appealing to a potential adopter, and clicker training certainly brings out these qualities in the shelter residents!
I’ve been having a lot of fun with this program, and I would love to have more people of all ages involved with it. I am always willing to demonstrate the methods at the shelter; it doesn’t take long to learn. The only requirements are a little time and tuna, and a lot of love and appreciation for the wonderful felines at HSCC!
For more information about this and other programs; please visit us at:
Humane Society of Chittenden County http://www.chittendenhumane.org/
or email us at
bestfriends@chittendenhumane.org
Cat Health Care Tips : How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Cat or Small Dog
Learning to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a cat or small dog is a helpful skill for emergencies. Perform the Heimlich maneuver on a small pet with tips from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
Cat Care : How to Teach Your Cat to Come
Teaching a cat the “come” command is one of the most important things a cat can learn. Teach a cat to come with tips from a cat behaviorist in this free video on pets and cat care.