cat training?

Question
i have seen many websites on the computer about teaching your cat tricks such at sitting, staying, coming etc and i was just wondering if there's really any point to them and if cat are easy to train? i have started trying to teach my cat to sit and was just wondering if there are any real life problems that can be solved with my cat being able to sit (such as not jumping on things maybe?)

thank you for all your help

Answer
Paul,

Not really. Just brain stimulation for the cat if handled correctly and it doesn't stress the cat when you try to teach him.

To teach your cat to sit, start with a hungry cat, a table, and a quiet room. Get your cat to stand up by touching her in front of her tail, then hold the treat a little ways over her head saying her name and the command "sit.".

Slowly move the treat between your cat's ears, but not high enough for her to pick her front paws off the ground and grab the tidbit. Instead, she'll sit. After she does, praise her and give her the treat. Work in short sessions and be patient. Your cat eventually gets the idea!

Teach the cat an association between a word - such as "sit" - and an action by using treats and praise.

Here are some links on cat training for further information:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.catsplay.com/dailycat.php3?cat=mind&scat=mind_training

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-cat_training.htm

http://www.purina.com/cats/behavior/TeachingCatsTricks.aspx

I hope this helps answer your question.

Tabbi