How to train your cat to fetch a toy mouse

By David Lessem

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Toy mouse
Cat treats

Step 1:
Hide some cat treats in your pocket or under you where the cat is not likely to notice them.
Step 2:
Sit right in front of your cat.
Step 3:
Hold the toy mouse over your cat's head and shake it around. The cat should start to paw it and, eventually bite it.
Step 4:
Once the cat has the mouse, take out a treat.
Step 5:
Take the mouse from the cat and give him the treat. He should willingly relinquish the toy for a tasty snack.
Step 6:
Repeat the above steps several times.
Step 7:
Move a bit further from the cat and sit down with the mouse. The cat should be at least arms length away.
Step 8:
Lean forward and dangle the mouse over the cat's head.
Step 9:
Lean back and put your hand out for the mouse. If necessary, move back. The cat should be far enough away so that it has to walk to you to hand you the mouse. If the cat gives you the mouse, give her a treat.
Step 10:
If the cat comes for a treat and does not give you the mouse, point to the mouse and tell the cat to fetch it. This can take a few tries, but your cat should eventually get it.
Step 11:
Repeat the trick from further and further away until the cat will fetch the mouse from across the room.

Tips & Warnings

Start when your cat is young. Younger cats love to play hunting games, and learn much more quickly than older ones.
Teach your cat this trick when she is in a playful mood. Otherwise, all you will succeed in doing is annoying her.
If the cat will not fetch the mouse, try rubbing it in catnip.
You can use the word "fetch" when you dangle or throw the mouse to give the cat an added verbal cue.

More Puppy Pages

How to Train One's Cat To Play Fetch

Fetch is a game commonly associated with dogs, so it might seem like an unusual feat for a cat. However, with a little practice and a lot of patience, many cats can be trained to play fetch. Even if your cat doesn't become a master fetcher, it's a...

Seeing a four-legged animal standing on his hind legs is one of the cutest tricks in the book. But getting one of your favorite furry cats to perform this trick on command is a feat in itself.

In terms of dog tricks, getting your pup to shake is one of the basics. All it takes is a few treats, some time and an attentive doggie.

Pets are just as much a part of a household as people. They should also get to join in the holiday celebrations and even have their own stocking. There are plenty of things cats love that you can use to fill their stockings. You can even lay the stocking...