How to Use a Play to Promote Good Behaviors in Your Cats

Tickler wands are one of the best ways to promote bonding with your cat, and by bonding you promote the good behaviors you want to see.

HOW TO USE THE TICKLER WAND
It is not just jiggling the wand, but the way you jiggle it. A flick of your wrist, twisting it, letting the wand bounce with the weight of the toy at the other end - all these work together to make the toy very attractive to your cat. However, once your cat catches it, STOP! Let your cat gloat over it's "kill" for a moment. Your cat will come back again and again to kill the offending critter at the end of the wand. As soon as your cat releases it's grip on the toy, you can start up again. But please, let your cat feel success.

You will offer the wand at least twice a day and let your cat know by calling it by name. Your cat will look over, see the jiggly end of the wand and pay attention. You will see your cat watch it but maybe not attack it right away. Your cat doesn't know for sure what it is, but will be interested enough to find out.

Play with your cat until it tires. Your tiredness doesn't count, here - only the cat's tiredness. The play might be 2 hours or 15 minutes. Doesn't matter. Let your cat tire of the play. Give a treat and a cuddle, and then put the toy up - out of reach of your cat. Tucking it in the chair won't work. Your cat will come by and snag it, trying to play with it. Allow your cat to come to you to ask for the wand, instead.

BONDING PLAY
The bonding happens as you play with your cat. Your cat loves the new toy, but can only have at it when you offer it. That's the bond, right there. Your cat needs to find ways to let you know he wants to play with the toy. You need to pay attention so that you understand your cat's request.

After you've been playing with your cat using the tickler wand for about 10 days, and your cat is playing well, asking for the toy, treats are no longer needed, but always give a cuddle after they play session.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE CAT'S BEHAVIOR?
Your cat will want to please you so that maybe, just maybe, you will offer the wand more than twice a day and won't say "no" when he asks because you are upset. Also, the awareness of communication that you both came to during the play sessions is helping you to train your cat without thinking about it. What a miracle! Your lonely, disaffected cat is now interested in the household! Your cat understands you when you talk - comes to tell you he's hungry, wants to play, wants cuddles! What an amazing turn around...

You will now see it's personality come out. Your cat will be less aggressive, more loving and better balanced. The exercise you give him will help his digestion and weight. Your cat will be more interested in the household, your guests and you. You may find your cat jumping up to be near you, to be in your lap. What a change from the cat you started with! Your cat will be more responsive to the "no" you give it when it's getting into something it shouldn't. When you tell your cat "down" when it gets on the table or counter, it will listen instead of looking at you defiantly. What a joy! It's like having a brand new cat in the house. One who loves you, is affectionate, healthy and smart. Enjoy your new relationship with your cat!

About the author: Morgen Marshall
Morgen Marshall has 2 cats and fosters 3 more. "I've had cats all my life, know them and love every cat I see." She is an online Cat Whisperer who can be reached through her website: http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com


This article selected by Romi Matsushita. Find more great selected easy cat related tips at: CatAdvisorsOnline.com




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