an introduction to cat agility

Cat Agility

You Can Teach an Old Cat New Tricks

Karen Nichols

What We’ll Cover

• Benefits of Agility Training

• Agility Obstacles

• Training Tips

• Demonstrations of Cat Agility

• How to Build Your Own Agility Course for Cheap!

Benefits of Agility Training• Enhances the Human-Animal Bond

• Exercise that Mimics Wild Cat Behavior

• Prevents Boredom-Caused Behavior Problems

• Provides Engaging New Content for Social Media

Agility Obstacles

Jump

PHOTO Courtesy of Linda Jameson

Hoop/Tire Jump

PHOTO Courtesy of Linda Jameson

Weave Poles

PHOTO Courtesy of DogAgility.com

Tunnel

PHOTO Courtesy of Shandra Lloyd

Chute

PHOTO Courtesy of DogAgility.com

Pause Box

PHOTO Courtesy of Bob Parker

Ramp

PHOTO Courtesy of DogAgility.com

A-Frame

PHOTO Courtesy of DogAgility.com

Teeter Totter

World’s Largest Agility Cat in Action

Training Tips• Train during active part of the day, before meals.

• Use positive reinforcement.

• Employ verbal and gestural cues.

• Reward and exploit natural behaviors.

• Keep it fun.

• Do short daily sessions.

• Work on one trick at a time.

• Be consistent and persistent.

Agility Kitten in Training

Build Your Own Agility Course

FIRST OPTION: Use What You Have(and Your Imagination):

•Cat Tower•Plastic Crates•Play Tunnel•Chairs •Bathroom Tissue (TP) Towers

Photo courtesy of Daniel King

Toilet PaperRolls

Build Your Own Agility Course

SECOND OPTION: DIY

Materials:•PVC Pipe – ¾” or 1” – can buy in 10’ lengths

•PVC Pipe Cutter•PVC Fittings “Joints”•Don’t Use PVC Cement!

PVC Fittings

Demo

How to Build an Agility Obstacle

Jump

6 “T” Joints2 18-inch Pipes4 6-inch Pipes4 4-inch Pipes

More Agility Cats in Action

Plans for Agility Obstacles

mousebreath.com/plans (by SEP 1)

karen.nichols@yahoo.com

Mousebreath.com