i have heard about MC's playing fetch, but mine is very possesive and will never return with anything i throw. trenton

-- Anonymous, July 07, 1999

Answers

Dear Trenton,

Not all MCs play fetch - and it is not unusual for cats to play "get" instead of "fetch" (i.e. not let go of the toy). If you have your heart set on fetch, you can try this: Toss a toy for the cat to get, and when s/he does, offer a treat from a few feet away. This is the best way I know to get the cat to abandon the toy. The idea is to get the cat to associate giving up the toy with the reward. Do not give a treat every time, but sometimes give praise instead, and only do a few "reps" each time out. Cats are just a trainable as any animal - they are intelligent and bribable - you have to convince them that what you want them to do is in their own best interests. Also, if you want a cat to learn a new game or behavior, you have to be consistent and patient.

Jenn Myers

-- Anonymous, July 07, 1999