Talking About Pet Care Supplies

If you're a cat owner, you probably would love to be able to play with your furry friend more often. However, you have probably noticed that your cat doesn't naturally play games like other pets do. This guide gives you simple steps to teach your cat how to play fetch with catnip and a toy from the pet supply store.

Step 1: Grab the Treats, Catnip and Their Favorite Toy

Start training your cat to play fetch by gathering their favorite toy and a stash of small treats. The treats don't need to be big, because you'll be offering them to your pet multiple times through the lesson. Any tasty treat your cat likes will work.

Have some catnip on hand as well. However, keep the container away from the area you're training your pet in. Otherwise, he or she will focus their attention on the container instead of the toy.

Step 2: Rub the Toy in Catnip

Rub the toy in some catnip so that your cat can smell it and want to chase it. This added appeal helps your cat stay interested and focused during the lesson.

Step 3: Toss the Toy

When your cat catches the scent of the toy and sees it in your hands, they'll want to take it, so toss it a few feet away from you. Make sure the toy lands far enough away that your cat has to take a few steps to get to it.

Once the cat picks up the toy, call for it to come back to you. Show them the treats to sweeten the deal!

Step 4: Fix the Rolling Temptation

If the cat is simply rolling around with the toy and won't bring it back to you, go to them and offer a treat. When the cat drops the toy to take the treat, take the toy back to where you started and try another toss. Eventually your cat will start to realize that bringing the toy to you earns them a treat!

Step 5: Throw it Farther

Increase the distance you're tossing the toy, once your cat has mastered the skill of retrieving from the shorter distance. Using all the same methods that you used for the short toss, throw the toy farther this time.

If you've been doing short tosses for a few minutes, your cat will be familiar with what you're trying to teach it. Since your cat is traveling farther from you, keep calling out to it and offering those treats, so that it has a good reason to travel back to you.

Step 6: Repeat Daily

Be consistent when teaching your cat to play fetch. Set aside a few minutes each day to work on this exciting new game with your pet. You'll enjoy watching your cat learn what you're trying to teach it and probably end up laughing a lot through the process too.

Expect to spend more than just a few minutes at first teaching your cat to play fetch, so try not to get frustrated in the process. Pick up more treats, catnip and even a couple new toys at the pet supply store (such as Petland Albuquerque) as needed, and to reward your cat for a job well done.