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Elderly couple kneeling on a patterned rug with an orange cat placing his paw in Harold's hand, yarn nearby 33 / 33

Bev Held Out Her Hand. Toffee Considered His Options and Then Reached.

AI imageexotic shorthairtricksliving room

Class is in session on the living room rug. Harold and Bev kneel close to the floor in their cream sweaters, and Bev holds out a hand while Toffee, seated between them, gently sets one orange paw into her palm. His round face is turned up with a look of focused concentration. Behind them, a plump sofa heaped with blankets, a bookshelf and a warm lamp make a cozy classroom, and a ball of blue yarn sits patiently on the floor. A few small treats rest in Harold's pocket, and everyone is waiting to see how this lesson ends.

Cats can learn tricks, and many enjoy it. The key is short sessions, a tasty reward and plenty of patience. Gently lifting the paw, saying a cue word and rewarding the moment of contact helps your cat connect the dots. Keep training upbeat and stop while he is still interested, since cats lose interest quickly when they are bored. Training also provides mental exercise, which is especially useful for indoor cats, and it builds trust between pet and person. Use small treats so your cat does not gain extra weight, and talk to your vet if you are unsure how much to feed.

Toffee may not be ready for the talent show just yet, but the handshake is a promising start. Harold and Bev look proud either way.

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