American Shorthair Cat

　　1. Training the “Come” Command

　　It is best to start training the "come" action from weaning (45 days after birth). Before formal training, let the cat become familiar with its name. When the owner calls the cat's name, the cat raises its head or jumps into the owner’s arms. At this time, stroke the cat’s head and smoothly run your hand from the head to the rump to groom its fur. This makes the cat feel affectionate and builds a bond with it, which is beneficial for starting training. When training the "come" action, the owner or trainer first places food in a fixed spot, calls the cat’s name, and repeatedly gives the "come" command, accompanied by a hand gesture. If the cat is not interested and has no response, show the food to the cat and then place it back in the fixed spot to attract the cat’s attention. Next, issue the "come" command again. If the cat obediently walks over, let it eat the food and gently stroke the cat’s head and back as a reward. After several training sessions, the cat will develop a conditioned reflex to the "come" command.

　　However, this training method easily causes the cat to misunderstand "come" as simply being fed. Therefore, other methods should be combined. For example, toys the cat likes can replace food for training. While calling "come," play with a toy that interests the cat. When the cat walks over, stroke it by hand. After repeated training, the cat will develop a stronger conditioned reflex to the "come" command. But every time the cat obeys, timely food rewards, toy rewards, or stroking rewards should be given.

　　【Editor’s Comment】

　　Once the cat has a strong conditioned reflex to the "come" command, training can begin to condition a reflex to hand signals. Initially, call the "come" command verbally while extending the right hand forward and waving. Gradually transition to only using the hand wave without the verbal command. When the cat completes the "come" action according to the hand signal, reward it by stroking, face rubbing, or picking it up. Subsequently, deepen the conditioned reflex to the hand wave in training. If occasionally the cat does not respond to the hand signal during training, do not worry; use the verbal "come" command to assist training. With continuous interspersed training, the cat will form a solid conditioned reflex to the signals.