Teaching your cat to go on a mat is a simple behavior that promotes exercise, enrichment and engagement for you and your cat. The goal of this exercise is to teach your cat to run to its mat when given a verbal message. signal like “go to”. Using “go to” gives your cat a correct choice that can be rewarded rather than sitting on books and laptops, running through open doors, or counter-surfing. This behavior is invaluable for health and husbandry and provides a basis for teaching your cat to enter and exit the cage voluntarily.
Training supplies:
- Clicker or verbal marker like “yes” (Kittens should become familiar with a clicker or verbal marker before beginning the exercise.)
- Small, high-value treats
- Small fleece blanket, rug, or flat rug, approximately 12 to 18 inches square
Pro Tips:
- Deliver the treat where the behavior should occur.
- Create short, exciting sessions of 10 to 15 repetitions.
- Alternate the difficulty of the repetitions within each session to keep it interesting.
First step: put the cat on the mat
Standing or sitting facing your cat, place the mat between your feet and your cat. Place a treat in the center of the mat and brand use the clicker or “yes” to reinforce when your cat walks on the mat. To keep the exercise quick and exciting, toss a treat a foot or two from the mat, then place another treat on the mat, marking when your cat returns to the mat. Throwing treats off the mat is used to quickly move the cat off the mat for quick and exciting repetitions. Practice this exercise until your cat is running toward the mat with all four feet on the mat for at least eight out of 10 repetitions, then move on to the second step.
Step Two: Mix It
As your cat becomes more skilled, throw treats away from the mat in different directions and at different distances. Continue marking and treating when all four feet are on the mat. This shows that the behavior of the mat is understood, and that it is not enough to walk towards the owner to get to the treats. When the cat understands moving back and forth on the mat in all directions and successfully performs four out of five repetitions reliably, move on to step three.
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Step Three: Let Him Know
When your cat crosses the edge of the mat, add a cue like “place” or “mat” in a happy tone. This associates the tail with standing on the mat and a food treat. Several sessions of tail matching will allow your cat to understand that tailing equates to “going to the mat” and “treating itself.” Always use a happy voice; happy signals mean happy cats.
Step Four: Use the cue to solicit the behavior
Start by placing the mat on the floor when the cat is very close and give the signal. Tag and deal to go to the mat. Practice at easy distances, gradually progressing to greater distances or additional distractions, but not both at the same time. If your cat ignores the signal, make it easier, and if that doesn’t help within five repetitions, repeat step three.
Fifth step: generalize the behavior of the carpet
Practice placing the mat on the floor, and when your cat runs to the mat, mark and treat it. Practice in many places around the house, including places of different heights. Always choose a safe landing spot.
“Go to” can be taught for any place you want to send your cat. Following the steps above, identify each location with a unique name such as “go to” mat, carrier, or cat tree.