Training my 4 1/2 year old kitty! can u help?

[sassykat2567]

hey every1! I want to train my 4 1/2 male, black domestic shorthair, Pigeon (he has6 toes on his front paws). I just want to train him how to sit and to know his name. (yes i know that sounds weird he doesn't know it, but he's definitely not very bright). Can anyone help me? I have tried giving him treats and catnip, but he never pays attention! please help, i have tried a lot!

------------------

[Garfield]

Cats are very bright animals. They are so bright that they don't wish to listen to human's commands because they have their own set of mind. So, please don't think that your cat isn't bright. http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif

You need to be very patient when training cats. They have much shorter attention span and are easily distracted if the object isn't interesting enough.

You can try to change your treats to something more delicious like cat's can food, or some boiled chicken meat.

http://petshub.com/ubb/cool.gif

[sassykat2567]

hey garfield! thanx for the reply. i know all cats can learn tricks, but they often choose not to. i also know that pigeon is not very bright, despite what u say about all cats being very bright. he may be a smart animal instictively, but believe me, he's not VERY bright otherwise!

------------------

[Garfield]

sassykat2567, i seen the show "America's Greatest Animal" on the television. And by chance, they featured about training cats!

The show mentioned that cats take lots of time and patient to train and teach them. But they surely are trainable, so no worries about that. http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif I was so impressed with the show, as the cats featured knew how to shake hands, walk on leash, beg, and pose for the camera. They are truly amazing. But the trainer mentioned that lots of patient are needed, as cats tend to be more stubborn. They know what their human friends want, but just don't wish to perform it. http://petshub.com/ubb/eek.gif

If it were to be me, i think i would just fall flat in my face and on the floor, after umpteen times of teaching cats if they don't listen. LOL. http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif

[sassykat2567]

wow! thanx for sharing that u saw that tv show! my kitties are pretty happy so i may reconsider training them, but i'm not sure. i do know that i am definitely training Pigeon to walk on a leash this coming summer. i've gotten some tips on that. just another note: Pigeon just so happens to be polydactyl (he has 6 toes on his front paws). a man on the net says all the cats he's known who were polydactyl, were extra curious and playful. (definitely my cat) so maybe he will take some time to train! :0

------------------

[Nightmare]

SassyCat;

I noticed that you keep saying Pigeon isn't to bright. You said he doesn't know his name. Any chance he is a white cat with blue eyes.

Does he react to things like loud sounds or even the vaccumm cleaner.

You see, white cats with blue eyes are more than likely deaf, and don't know how to respond to normal spoken commands. If this is your case, try using visual aids and As Garfeild { a wise a knowing person } said, try something that the cat really likes to stimulate his interest.

My cat T.C. has learned to give kisses, but only when she wants to, beleive me, she doesn't do anything on command.

Nightmare

http://carsue.homestead.com/files/carsue.jpg

[sassykat2567]

hey thanx for your reply, but no.... pigeon is very far from white with blue eyes. he's the exact opposite: all black with gold eyes. he's such a sweetheart. he is 4 1/2 but his meow sounds like he is a tiny kitten, he can hardly get it out, and you can never hear him purr, except on rare occasions. actually, i just think pidgie really isn't all that bright.

------------------

[Nightmare]

I know you are going to think I am joking, but I said I had a white cat with blue eyes that was totally deaf. We also had her brother who was completely black with gold eyes, like your pidge, and now that I think about it, he wasn't too bright either.

I'll have to ask my vet if there is any connection to the blue eye gene there.

Nightmare

------------------
http://carsue.homestead.com/carsue.JPG



[This message has been edited by Nightmare (edited 05-24-2001).]

[Garfield]

Nightmare, thanks a lot for your compliments, but i ain't a wise knowing person. I am just like anyone of you here - a pet lover and owner. http://petshub.com/ubb/wink.gif


sassykat2567, I am not sure about the genes connection thing, but if pigeon is really proven not to be that bright, i hope that you will still treasure and love pigeon. In fact, such cats are the ones which should have extra attention, as they are too tame.
As long as pigeon is healthy, happy and enjoys your family's company, i think that would mean the World to him.

Also, not forgetting, pigeon is already 4 1/2 years of age, perhaps during the 4 1/2 years, he has set his own life-style, and wouldn't wish to change.

If pigeoan is slow, it isn't his fault, neither is it yours.
Just treasure him, love him, just like what you are doing now. And perhaps, slowly and with patience, taking your time to teach him new tricks.

I am sure Nightmare love her cats too, despite all the so-called "slowness".

Cheers! http://petshub.com/ubb/cool.gif

[sassykat2567]

hey nightmare and garfield, thanx for the help, and yea, if you are going to the vet's soon, can you ask him about the black and gold thing? thanx,
sassykat