But that might be because we didn’t notice they were asking.
more cat pictures
There’s two mutually dependent keys to the Way of Cats cat training system.
Mr. Bond and I have this kind of mutually beneficial relationship. Mr. Bond seeks me out, gets me to follow him, twirls around in front of the object, and then stares up at me for guidance. Whether it’s an empty food bowl or a blinking Litter Robot, Mr. Bond has learned I will listen and respond to him.
So Mr. Bond also checks with me regarding new toys, new people, and new furniture. Is this okay? Do you really want me to play with this? This won’t hurt me?
Mr. Bond leaves me space to indicate This is great! I got it for you! Or, gives me the opportunity to tell him, This is a human thing. Better leave it alone.
When our cats learn we are a willing resource to guidance about a thing’s safety, stability, or potential, they will ask more often. When we introduce a new thing, and watch for their look of inquiry, we will have our chance to give our cat input about its planned use and availability.
None of this magic will work… if we don’t look for it.
If our Law of Reciprocity is working as it should, cats will learn to trust us and do favors for us. This develops their ability to consider our feelings before they take a planned action.
Then they will ask our permission to do things when they are uncertain about the outcome of their actions. This is exactly what we have been working towards.
This is exactly what we should be looking for.
Soe more about mutual assistance training in my post, Helping Cats Anticipate.
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When our old breakfast table became my desk, Leo would put her paw on the edge and ask if it was ok to jump up, sounding her voice in what we call “the Wheedle”. She knows that places where humans eat aren’t places for cats (at least while the people are in sight). Desks in our house, however, come with a space reserved for a cat. Leo still asks if jumping up is ok; gives me a chance to tell her what a great cat she is. She loves it, so do I.
Off topic comment I have to say: I missed so many good posts while we were away – gives me mixed emotions to read them all.
My cat never asks for permission before she starts batting things around. I wish she would. :\ I can’t leave open bottles around or I know she’ll be looking for their center of gravity so she can send them toppling over.