Why should dogs get all the fun when it comes to agility course? Here’s how to make the perfect agility course for your cat.
Why should dogs have all the pleasure during agility training? Teaching your cat to navigate obstacle courses provides her with both physical and mental stimulation. You’ll also be spending valuable time together.
Here’s how to make your own cat agility course right in your living room.
Begin gradually.
Do not jump right into full-fledged agility training. Begin with a basic task, such as having her fetch a treat from a paper bag tunnel. Flip a bag over and cut off the bottom. Put a treat in one end of the paper bag and encourage your cat to walk through it to get it. Once she has mastered this, she can advance to a pop-up mesh tunnel (you can find these at most toy stores). If your cat isn’t interested in treats, try swinging a feather toy or a mouse around to stimulate her predatory instincts.
Jump Through a Hoop
Jumping through hoops isn’t just for huge cats in the circus. You may easily train your home con as well. First, get your cat to walk through the hoop when the base of the hoop is on the ground. Place a treat or toy on the opposite side and let your cat to pass through. Over time, you can gradually increase both the hoop and the prize. Your cat will have to jump through it eventually.
A stroll with an A-frame
You can also teach your cat to walk up and down a ramp known as an A-frame in the agility industry. Simply persuade her to climb up and over the barrier with the feather toy. This is a simple obstacle for cats. All you have to do is keep them from stepping off the ramp. To begin, build an A-frame out of two slanted cat scratchers placed back to back. When you decide your cat is ready, you can construct a larger A-frame out of plywood.
Dart between the weaving poles.
Teaching cats to weave around poles is another component of feline agility training. It may not appear to be a difficult task, but it is almost certainly one of the most challenging. You’ll have the framework for a course tailored especially to her talents once she’s overcome a few personal difficulties. Water bottles or PVC pipes fastened to a piece of plywood can be used. Encourage your cat to weave his or her way between the poles. Add a third pole after she has mastered the first two.
Don’t Force Her
While designing an at-home agility course, keep in mind not to force your kitty to do anything she doesn’t want to do. Agility training should be fun for both of you, but not stressful. If she seems tired or cranky, try something simpler or try again later.
It only takes a little creativity to design your own cat agility course. Begin by aligning two poles in a straight line. Continue to train, play, and have fun!
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