Your cat can be trained to do tricks - you just need the right reward!

For most cat owners the old saying 'dogs come when they're called and cats take a message' certainly rings true. Sure, they'll greet us excitedly at the front door when we return home - if they're hungry enough, and they're not always above jumping into a lap for a good massage. But by and large, most cats are just happy to be a much-admired part of the furniture.

'Temperament is also vital. Most cats will be comfortable enough in their own homes to perform a few tricks, but unless they're fairly sociable, you'll never be able to share your accomplishment with friends.'

Vicki and her husband Steve are two of Australia's most respected animal trainers. The couple run Pet Resorts of Australia which offers private tuition, training, boarding and film and TV work for pets.

While you're visiting them, you might even be lucky enough to meet their talented cat, Batman. Although in retirement now at the ripe old age of 14, in his heyday, he was Australia's most famous trained cat.

In fact most cats can be easily taught is to come when called, to sit, stay and drop. They're also good at targeting (lifting a paw to touch something on command).

As a first step in the training process, you need to find a food the cat really likes. Vicki has found most cats prefer beef or kangaroo mince. Once you've found a treat they adore, it's important to keep the cat motivated to want the food. Most cats in training will receive a small but adequate meal, and the rest of their kilojoules are given as reward treats for training behaviour.

Vicki says that for cats, as opposed to dogs, it's essential to set them up for success. With dogs, if they get something wrong, they don't get the treat. The emphasis is then to keep working until the desired behaviour is reached, and then the reward is given.

Cats don't respond to this method. If they don't get their reward, they're not interested. Because of this, it's vital to take baby steps with them. This way your cat will get their treat, won't fail and will learn the trick.

Sit, puss, sit!
Do you think your cat is up to doing a few tricks? By following these three simple steps, you can teach your cat how to sit.

Step two
As soon as your cat sits down, acknowledge this - in the training business this is called bridging - by either using a clicker, or saying 'yes'. Once the task is completed, give your cat their reward.

Step three
Once you're confident your cat will sit for this action, you can say 'sit' beforehand. With practise, your cat will master this trick. 

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