Three Proven Methods to
Train Your Cat to Beg at the Table
By Kathryn Yen
Beg at the table? Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly what you want to be training your cat to do. But if you DON'T do what I tell you, then you won't have an issue with your cats...well, begging at the table!
There are Three Proven Methods:
Number One - The Too-Cute-To-Resist Method
Step 1: Prepare a meat dish for dinner that is tempting to your cat (Suggestions: steak, chicken, salmon, etc.). Make sure it can be cooked indoors so that the smell will waft through the house and reach your cat's nose.
Step 2: While eating your meal, clink your silverware conspicuously to bring your cat running from the far corners of the house - if the aroma of the meat hasn't already lured her.
Step 3: Once kitty is sitting by the side of the table, keep your eyes on her face while you slowly bring a bite of meat to your mouth. If her face does not become instantly cuter, you have a serious problem.
Step 4: With your food suspended a few inches from your mouth, look your cat full in the face and imagine saying "No." Can't do it, can you? Promptly cut a small piece of the meat and give to your cat.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 through 4 several times, every time you eat. Within two to five days, I guarantee that your cat will be fully trained. In fact, if you want to invite friends to see how cute your cat is, always have them over for dinner, when the cuteness will certainly be at its peak.
Number Two - The "Sit Up!" Method
Note: This method can be practiced & used either at the table or in the kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare a feline-tempting dish, as in Step 1 of "The Too-Cute-To-Resist" Method.
Step 2: As in "The Too-Cute-To-Resist" Method, clink your silverware rather loudly to bring your cat if the aroma of the meat has not brought her running already.
Step 3: Cut a small piece of meat for your cat. Hold it about 5 or 6 inches above her nose where she can see it and say, "Sit up!" Your cat should immediately obey your command, by sitting up on her back haunches. When she has done this, reward her with the piece of meat.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times, whenever you eat or have something in the kitchen that your cat likes (treats, etc.). Within 2 to 5 days, your cat will be trained, and at every meal she will sit by your side and sit up periodically throughout the entire meal!
Number Three: The Make 'Em Meow Method
Note: This method may take more patience and time than the above methods, excepting cases that involve very vocal cats.
Step 1: As in both of the above methods, prepare a tempting meat dish for dinner. Always be sure that the savory aroma is circulating through the house.
Step 2: As before, if your cat has not already come at the smell of the meat cooking, clink your silverware to lure her out.
Step 3: When your cat comes out, show her a piece of meat. Begin to talk to her, saying things like, "You have to ask for it if you want it!" "Talk to me!" and, "Meow for your chow!" Do not talk in a constant strain, be sure to allow ample time for your cat to respond. Once she meows, reward her and give her the meat.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 at every meal. Within 4 to 7 days, your cat should be trained and will keep up a fluent conversation during each meal.
Wishing you the best in all your training adventures!
Kathryn Yen is the eldest daughter of David and Annette Yen. She resides with her younger sister Tara, as well as three very cute cats. Kathryn is the author of the children's book, A Tale of Tails.