is it possible to teach a cat to fetch?

Answer 1

Hi there...absolutely! There are multiple ways to encourage a cat to play fetch. They key important fact to remember is to reward the cat with a treat each time it brings back what is fetched.

Here are some websites that provide steps on how to train a cat to play fetch:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A625592
http://ny.essortment.com/catsplayingfet_rkte.htm
http://www.pandecats.com/x/teach_fetch.htm

Videos of cats who play fetch:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fetch+cat&search=Search

Answer 2

Yes it is. My sister has a catch that fetches.

The key to teaching your cat to fetch is to be patient with your pet. A cat does not seek your approval as much as a dog does; so don’t expect to see results quite as quickly.

The first step to training your cat is to discover what his or her favorite toy is. Some cats like plastic balls, while others like paper or tinfoil balls. Experiment with as many different types of round objects that are safe for your cat. Make sure that the ball isn’t small enough to slip down your cat’s throat.

Throw the balls onto a slippery floor, the kitchen usually works best. See what your cat pays the most attention to. Once you have found his favorite toy, you’re set for its first lesson.

Dip and rub the toy in catnip, which you can purchase at your local pet store or you can grow your own at home. Now let your cat smell the toy. Toss the toy a few feet in front of you, not too far. Your cat will most likely run after the toy and rub her body all over the smelly ball.

Go to your cat as she or he rolls around with the toy and praise her/him , just as you would a dog. Take the toy carefully from her/him and say “Thank you.” Pet her on the head, scratch her behind the ears, or whatever is your cat’s favorite petting pastime.

Focus your cat’s attention on the ball again and throw it a little further this time. Go to her and retrieve the ball and return to your original place again. Throw it again and repeat the procedure.

You can usually keep your cat interested for about ten minutes, then give him or her a final petting and put the toy away where they can’t reach it or smell it. Every day you should follow the same routine around the same time of day if possible. Your cat will begin to anticipate your playtime.

Within two weeks you should see your cat picking up the toy and carrying it towards you. Most likely the ball will be dropped before your cat reaches you, but praise your cat anyway. Get the ball and throw it again. Everyday your cat will bring the ball closer and closer until it realizes how the game of fetch is played.

Answer 3

I can not believe you asked this question since I indeed have a cat to fetch. He is only 6 months old and at first he would bat his ball over to me and I'd throw it. Every time he would bring the ball around to me I'd praise him and throw it.

Now, every day, we play fetch for about 15 minutes or so with mostly bottle caps (his favorite toy). I'm not sure really how he learned other than he's pretty clever!

Answer 4

How loosly are you using the word "teach"? I know a cat who loves to fetch, but it's sort of something they will decide to do or not on their own. I recommend using a wire tie - something about the way they skitter across the floor facinates my friend's cat, and he'll fetch for quite awhile if you keep throwing it.

Answer 5

I had a cat who used to love playing "fetch" with roled up paper. He'd chase after it, grab it with his mouth and bring it back to me. Sorry to say, I did not "train" him to do this - he just did it the first time I rolled up a piece of paper and threw it accross the room. I've tried to get my present cats to fetch but the both of them will chase and even catch whatever but will not bring the toys or balled paper back. They just flip them up in the air over and over again. So... I guess there's a way to train them if you have the patience.

Answer 6

Yes of course. Cats may be trained with patience.

Cats are in many films - and they are trained.

Our kitties used to fetch a soft, sponge ball and bring it back.

Answer 7

Yes, I would not believe it if I had not seen it. My brothers cat will fetch his mouse return and drop it to fetch again...it's a riot.

Answer 8

yes, i've seen several cats fetch aluminum foil, cigarett packs that were waded up and tossed, and other items...i had a friend in texas whose cat would fetch one of their puppies and drag it in to him when told to go get the puppy...the moma dog was o.k. with it, atleast she never reacted to the cat in a bad sort of way...they all took naps together in the dog's box, the cat, the pups and the momma, that was kind of cute...

Answer 9

yes...though sometimes it depends on the breed. 2 of my 7 cats enjoy fetching...when they want to.
I reccomend positive reinforcement...when she fetches for you, give her a treat; eventually--she'll get the picture.

Answer 10

My exroommate had a cat that would fetch hair scrunchies. I have one who drags scruncies, rbber spiders (we call it a "pider" because he ate one of the legs) and other various things, but we've never tried "fetch" with him.