Russian Blue Cat

　　Training the “come” action is best started after weaning (45 days postpartum). Before formal training, let the cat become familiar with its name. When the owner calls the cat’s name, the cat should lift its head or jump into the owner’s arms. At this time, stroke the cat’s head and smooth its fur from head to rump with your hand. This makes the cat feel affectionate and establishes a bond with it, which is conducive to beginning training. When training the “come” action, the owner or trainer first places food in a fixed location, calls the cat’s name, and repeatedly issues the “come” command, combined with hand gestures; if the cat shows no interest and does not respond, show the food to the cat and then put it back in the fixed place to attract the cat’s attention. Then 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 form a conditioned reflex to the “come” command.

　　However, this training method can easily lead the cat to misunderstand “come” as just a way to get food. Therefore, other methods should be combined for training. For example, use toys that the cat likes instead of food during training. While calling “come,” play with the cat’s favorite toy in your hand. When the cat comes over, stroke the cat. After repeated training, the cat will form a stronger conditioned reflex to the “come” command. However, every time the cat follows the command, timely food rewards, toy rewards, or stroking rewards should be given.

　　Once the cat has formed a strong conditioned reflex to the “come” command, training for the gesture’s conditioned reflex can begin. Initially, call the “come” command verbally while stretching out your right hand forward and waving. Gradually transition to only waving your hand without calling the command. When the cat comes according to the gesture, give stroking, cheek rubbing, or pick it up as a reward. In later training, gradually deepen the conditioned reflex to the hand wave. If the cat occasionally fails to come according to the gesture during training, do not worry; train with the “come” command again. By continuously alternating training, the cat will form a firm conditioned reflex to the gesture.