Training Your Cat - LEAVE IT

Unlike dogs, cats don't generally pounce on and swallow items they come across before you can stop them. That's fortunate, because unlike dogs, it's not so easy to teach your cat the "Leave it" command. But that doesn't mean it can't be done. 

With cats, though, you're more likely to want them to leave household items or pets alone rather than resisting the urge to inhale dropped items. You want your cat to learn to leave your pet birds, fish and rodents alone. This will be much easier if you're starting with a kitten, especially a kitten that has been raised indoors rather than one from a mother who may have hunted for him. 

Of course, your first line of defense is a secure cage for your smaller pet. No matter how well trained your cat appears to be, don't take chances. Never leave your bird or other small pet loose when you're not there to supervise. For birds, keep them in a strong cage that cannot be tipped over by your cat. Ideally, the cage should hang from the ceiling. The bars or wires in the cage should be too small (no larger than 1/2 inch) to allow your cat's paws through, and the cage should be large enough that the bird can feel safe by retreating to the other side. For both birds and rodents, a barrier or box should be available so that the bird or rodent can take refuge if the cat is upsetting them. Fish tanks should have a secure hood, and be seated on a sturdy stand. Goldfish in outdoor ponds should have things to hide under, such as lily pads, and a large enough pond so they can take refuge away from the edges. Netting may be the only way to save them from cats with a knack for fishing. 

If you want your cat to get along with your bird, don't entice him to play with feather toys. Introduce the kitten to a calm bird---preferably one already familiar with cats. Have a helper hold the cat while you hold the bird, allowing the cat to sniff the bird. Cat saliva is extremely dangerous to birds, so don't let your cat lick or mouth the bird. Nor should you let your bird preen your cat's fur, which could have saliva in it. 

Reward your cat for calm behavior by giving him a special treat. Each time he attends to you instead of the bird, give him another morsel. Introduce a cue word: "Leave it" just before you give the treat. Now when the cat looks at the bird, say, "Leave it" and as soon as he looks at you, give him the treat. 

If the cat instead tries to paw at the bird or bite him, tell the cat "No!" and firmly hold him. Tell him to leave it, wait until he glances at you, then give him the treat. 

Besides ignoring your other pets, you may want your cat to learn to leave your food alone. The best way to dissuade your cat from grabbing your food off your plate is to teach him not to jump up on counters or tables in the first place. But if he does jump up, you can teach him to leave your food alone by never allowing him to get away with stealing or begging for food. Say "No!" and place him on the floor if he tries. You can also teach him the "Leave it" command, as follows:

1. Put a treat in your hand and show it to your cat before closing your fist over it.
2. Ignore him as he tries to get the treat from your hand. As soon as he looks away give him a treat from your other hand.
3. Continue until he starts to look away immediately. Then introduce the cue “Leave it” just before presenting your hand with the hidden treat.
4. Next place the treat on the floor or table top with your hand over it. Do the same as you did before. He must look away before he can have a treat in its place.
5. Once he can leave that, place the treat on the floor or table top with a piece of screen over it.
6. Next place some food on the table top and walk a short distance away. Say "Leave it" as soon as he looks at the food, and give him a better treat when he turns from the forbidden object to you.