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A smiling grandpa kneels on a patterned rug holding the raised front paw of a pink Sphynx cat sitting upright before him. 12 / 33

Grandpa Knelt on the Rug and Held Out His Hand. Peaches Knew Just What to Do.

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Sunlight pours across a bright patterned rug in shades of orange, cream, and blue, and Grandpa Earl is down on one knee for a very formal introduction. He holds out his hand, and Peaches places one slender pink paw right into his fingers, sitting upright with her tail wrapped neatly around her feet and her big ears perked. Earl looks thrilled, grinning down at her like a proud coach whose student just nailed the final exam. A teal couch, a stack of books, a mug, and a houseplant fill the cozy living room behind them.

Many people are surprised to learn that cats can be trained to do tricks, but plenty of them pick up behaviors like sit, high five, and shake. Sphynx cats are often described as intelligent, people-focused, and eager for interaction, which can make them especially fun training partners. The keys are short sessions, patience, and positive reinforcement. Reward the behavior immediately with a small treat or praise, and stop before the cat loses interest. Some owners use a clicker to mark the exact moment the cat does the right thing. Never scold or force a cat into a pose, since that can make training stressful. Training also provides mental stimulation, which is great for active, curious breeds.

Peaches has officially added a handshake to her list of talents. Next week it may be a high five, and Earl will no doubt be just as proud as he is today.

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A grandpa on a wooden bench holds a sandwich as a pink Sphynx cat leans in and bites the edge of it.Grandpa Made Himself a Nice Sandwich for Lunch on the Bench. He Never Got the First Bite.A grandpa in glasses holds a pink Sphynx cat upright against his chest at the foot of wooden porch steps at dusk.The Evening Walk Was Over. Peaches Decided She Was Done Walking Before Earl Was.A grandpa in a plaid shirt and suspenders stands on a dirt country road at sunset holding a pink Sphynx cat in his arms.Halfway Down the Old Country Road, Grandpa Stopped Walking. Then He Looked Down.A smiling grandpa in a green jacket holds a pink Sphynx cat in his arms while standing in a backyard pumpkin patch at dusk.Grandpa Went Out to Pick the Best Pumpkin in the Patch. He Was Already Holding It.