Buzz
Each cat has its own unique personality, behavior, and characteristics. Some cats naturally excel at playing the object toss game without much training to fetch toys or balls. Other cats, however, may require additional time to learn the steps and practice the game properly. Tossing objects is a game that provides both physical and mental stimulation for cats and offers a fun bonding experience with their owners.
Steps
Preparing to Play the Object Toss Game
Select a small, enclosed space. To help the cat stay focused on the game, minimize distractions or obstacles. Begin the game in a small, empty room so the cat can get used to the playstyle, and later move to larger areas as they grow more accustomed to it.
Use your cat's favorite toy or object. You can use a small toy or object that your cat enjoys, which is easy for them to handle. Some cats like to throw crumpled paper or toys that make noise.
- Only use one type of toy or object each time you play the throw-and-fetch game. This helps the cat associate the game with a particular toy, signaling that playtime begins as soon as you bring out that toy.
Play the throw-and-fetch game right before mealtime. It's best to start the game when your cat is alert. Playing before lunch or dinner encourages your cat to be more active and helps them enjoy their meal even more.
Training your cat to fetch objects
Maintain your cat's focus on the object. Use treats to encourage your cat to concentrate on the toy or item used in the fetch game. You can also use a training clicker to guide them during the game. Clickers are available in pet stores for about 200,000 VND.
- Present the item to your cat, holding it about 15 cm away. Let your cat sniff or touch the object with their nose. Then, click the training clicker and reward them with a treat. Repeat this step until the cat looks at the item after getting the treat and touches it without further guidance.
Allow your cat to get used to holding the object in its mouth. After your cat has mastered touching the toy when you present it, you can move on to encouraging them to hold the object in their mouth.
- Let your cat touch the item without using the clicker or offering a treat immediately after.
- Your cat will observe you and realize they need to do something to earn the click and treat. They will open their mouth and pick up the toy.
- Once your cat holds the toy with their mouth, click the training clicker and reward them with a treat. Continue this process, clicking and rewarding whenever your cat picks up the toy from your hand.
- Some people take breaks from training here to allow their cat to rest and engage in other activities. You can resume training the next day.
Teaching your cat to retrieve items from the floor. Once your cat has mastered the skill of retrieving toys from your hand, you can continue the training by teaching them to pick up items from the ground after you throw them.
- Place the item on the floor in front of you. Your cat needs to approach the toy and attempt to grab it with its mouth. Once the task is complete, you can activate the switch and reward them with a treat.
- As your cat enjoys the treat, move the toy to another spot on the floor. Let your cat try again, and when they grab it, press the switch and give another reward.
- Repeat these steps, moving the toy around the room so that your cat has to touch or grab it each time they approach. If your cat seems bored or disinterested in moving the toy to different positions, you can take a break from training. Play with your cat and try again the next day. Once they are proficient at holding the toy in their mouth, continue to the next step of retrieving the toy from the floor.
Teaching your cat to fetch and bring items to you. Start by placing the item on the floor in front of your cat. Allow them to grab the toy and hold it for five to ten seconds. Then, press the switch and reward them.
- Place the item behind your cat. At this point, your cat will need to turn around, pick up the toy, and return it to you with the toy in its mouth. Press the switch and offer a treat. Repeat the process, moving the toy further away from you and your cat.
Rewarding your cat after successfully retrieving the toy. Once your cat understands the task of fetching the toy and bringing it back to you, you can practice a simple game of tossing the toy within their sight and waiting for them to bring it back. Press the switch and reward them when they complete the task. Limit the game to three to five minutes to keep your cat engaged.
- If your cat picks up the toy but doesn't drop it in front of you, show them the treat. Your cat will drop the toy to take the reward.
- Additionally, teach your cat the "drop" command by offering a more valuable treat and pressing the switch when they release the toy, while saying the cue "drop".
Storing toys in a special place. Instead of keeping the toy for the fetch game with other toys, you should store it separately in a drawer or cupboard so your cat understands that it is a valuable item. This way, your cat will associate the appearance of the toy with the start of the game.
