by Becky Williams

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

A cat playing fetch? Most would think that is is a game only a dog or small child can enjoy, however cats find it enjoyable as well. During their time as kittens, many cats often use play to imitate their instinctual skills of hunting and stalking. Playing fetch is one such skill and if nurtured can be quiet a fulfilling game between kitten and owner.

When I brought Hershey and her two litter mates home, she began exhibiting a different personality than the others. She would come to me when I called her name. She would get in the shower with me. Strangest of all though, was that she would bring me a toy which I would throw across the room and then she would go get it and bring it back to me. I would keep throwing it until she lost interest. Now that she is almost three she stills does it.

Playing fetch is a way that kittens learn to go and get an object to bring back to the head of their "pride". Just as a lioness goes on the hunt for prey to bring back to her cubs, a kitten will do the same with toys or other objects. This can grow into a game for the cat over time. It is best to start when they are very young. Hershey began doing this with bottle caps from sodas. I had thought originally that she was bringing me a "gift". Since it was just a piece of trash, I threw it and she leapt into the air and ran to get it. When she brought it back I could not believe it.

These are the steps I found useful in getting her trained to fetch:

Step 1 Use a small toy or object that they like to play with on a regular basis. Begin by playing with them using the toy. This way they can see that you are involed with both them and the toy.

Step 2 Pretend to throw the item a few times or trow it up and catch it.

Step 3 Talk to them as you do this. Tell them what you are doing and then what you expect them to do.

Step 4 Now throw the item a small distance away and when they run to go get it tell them to bring it back to you.

Step 5 If they don't bring it to youget the item from them and try again. when they do bring it back to you love on them and tell them what a good job they did and if you have any give them a treat. Positive reinforcement works very well with them.

Keep in mind though that this animal is a cat and cats by nature tend to do as they wish. Not every one will find this fun or will even attempt it. it is better to try this on younger kittens around 4 to 8 months old. Like human children, kittens will absorb new information like a sponge so try to open their horizons to many different things and you might be surprised at the results

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