spookat

I've been teaching my cat various tricks lately. yes i said "cat" and "tricks" in the same sentence.

Lil'Bit is, well, ditzy. She runs into the walls, falls over her own feet and gets stuck on things with her claws (i've had to detach her from my window screen more than once) so its quite a surprise how clever she can be.

She already knew "up" (as in standing on her back legs) and this week she learned "Up" (jumping up onto something), "Down", "Come" and "Sit".

It was a little difficult at first, since i had to find just the right hand motions and timing (she is SOOOO easily distracted) to get her to do whatever trick i had in mind. The main key is keeping it really simple. I use different hands for "up" (standing) and "Up" (jumping), and different gestures for "Sit", "up" and "Come". and lots of treats and praise. Also, i say the word with each gesture, usually following her name (though i usually just call her "Bit" since she seems to like it better) and showing her the treat.

She is happier, it's immensely entertaining, and we are bonding. I think we probably both look forward to it everyday and she loves showing off to my boyfriend.

If possible i want to try to get some pictures to show everyone that cats CAN do tricks.

you just have to bribe them.