Browse ›
A smiling older man in a cardigan holds out his palm while a calico cat places her paw in his hand on a patterned rug. 37 / 39

Otis Held Out His Hand. Clementine Knew Exactly What to Do.

AI imagecalico catcat tricksliving room

On a patterned rug in the living room, Otis is leaning forward with his hand open, palm up, a big smile behind his glasses. Clementine sits in front of him, one white paw resting in his hand and her amber eyes locked on his face. The sofa behind them holds a folded blue blanket, and warm light streams through thin curtains. This trick has clearly been practiced before, and she holds her paw out with the calm dignity of a cat who knows a treat is coming. Otis looks as proud as if she had graduated from a very difficult school.

Many cats can learn simple tricks, and sessions like this are a good way to bond. Training works best when it is short, calm, and rewarded with a favorite treat or praise. Start by offering your hand near her paw and reward any small movement toward it, then slowly build up to a full shake. Cats learn at their own pace, so patience and a few minutes a day are better than long lessons. Stop if she seems bored or stressed. For older adults, trick training offers gentle mental activity for both partners, and it gives the cat a good outlet for her curiosity. Check with your vet about treat portions so the snacks do not add up.

Otis gives a little nod, and Clementine takes her prize. The next lesson will probably be ready by dinner, whether or not she agrees.

More from this collection

All 39 →
An older man in a cream cardigan leans on an old wooden dock holding a fishing pole beside a calico cat.Otis Cast a Line From the Old Dock. Clementine Sat Right Beside Him.An older man in an olive cardigan sits in a green folding chair beside a calico cat in a backyard at dusk.Otis Pulled Up a Chair for the Last Light. Clementine Squeezed In Too.
A calico cat with snow-dusted paws plays in a snowbank while an older man in a cardigan and knit cap shovels behind her.Grandpa Otis Was Shoveling the Walk. Clementine Found a Better Job.An older man in a cardigan and glasses plants a tomato seedling while a calico cat digs a hole in the soil beside him.Otis Was Planting Tomatoes. Clementine Started a Project of Her Own.An older man in glasses and a cardigan sorts black-and-white photos on a table while a calico cat sniffs at them.Otis Opened the Old Photo Box. Clementine Moved In for a Closer Look.A smiling older man in glasses and a mustard cardigan holds a calico cat on his lap beside a turntable.Otis Put on a Record and Sat Down. Clementine Had Been Waiting for That.