Mary Allen
If you want to teach your cat give your cat a little patience because even if velvet paws are clever and skillful, it takes a bit of persuasion to practice tricks with them.
Learning small tricks is easiest if you have a willing four-legged friend at home with whom it is easy to combine play, fun, and a few tricks. Of course, your pet must also have something to jump out of. So stock up on some cat treats before you start training.
Command “Give Paw”
To practice, sit in front of your pet and hold some treats hidden in one hand. Hold your other hand out to your cat at eye level, a little away from you.
Your cat will now be waiting for the snacks in the empty hand and will most likely lift his paw to look for them. Just as she puts her paw in your hand, say “Give Paw,” then reward with a snack and your voice praise. The aim of this exercise is that after a while the cat associates giving the paw with a command and positive confirmation.
Repetition & Clicker Support
It will certainly take a while for your cat to associate giving paws with giving commands. Repeat this exercise every day for a few weeks at a good moment, i.e. when your pet feels like playing, and never forget the command “give your paw” and the reward.
If you do clicker training with your cat, you can of course use the clicker for the reward, because that makes it easier for you.