At first glance, the idea of teaching a cat to fetch might seem unusual. But as many devoted owners know, the Ragdoll breed is often called the “dogs of the cat world” for good reason! Their playful, people-oriented nature makes them the perfect candidates for this engaging game. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to teach your Ragdoll to play fetch, strengthening your bond and providing fun for both of you.
How to teach your Ragdoll to fetch: a step-by-step guide
Getting started is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a fun and rewarding training experience.
See Wiseacres Ragdoll's amazing fetch skills in the video below.
Our charming seal point mitted Ragdoll, Wiseacres Livvie, is thriving with the Buntin family in Rogers, Arkansas. We recently learned that while Livvie’s mom was on vacation, her son taught Livvie to play fetch, forming a special bond. This showcases the Ragdoll’s clever and playful personality. P.S. Ragdolls can also be trained to walk on a leash!
1. Choose the right fetch toy.
Your cat’s interest starts with the right object. The best toys are lightweight and easy for a cat to carry in its mouth.
Popular options: Lightweight balls, soft mice, or crumpled-up paper.
Pro tip: For extra motivation, try a toy with a little catnip.
Capture your cat’s interest. Get their attention and make the toy seem like the most exciting thing in the world.
2. Dangle the object in their field of vision.
Wave it or roll it on the ground.
3. Encourage the chase.
Toss the toy a short distance. When your Ragdoll chases and picks it up, reinforce the behavior with praise, a gentle pet, or a small treat.
4. Reward the retrieval.
Once your cat has the hang of chasing the toy, it’s time to encourage them to bring it back to you. Use a consistent verbal cue like “fetch!”. Offer a high-value treat as they approach with the toy.
5. Be patient and consistent.
Cats have shorter attention spans than dogs, so keep training sessions short and fun. Consistency is key.
6. Increase the challenge slowly.
Once they get the hang of it, you can increase the distance or hide the toy slightly. However, make sure to move at your cat’s pace to prevent frustration.
Common Ragdoll fetch training questions
While many Ragdolls are predisposed to playing fetch, not all will. It’s important to respect your cat’s individual personality.
If your cat brings the toy back but won’t drop it, hold a small treat out to trade. They will likely drop the toy to take the treat, allowing you to say “good drop” and take the toy.
Ready to start your fetch training journey?
Ready to bring home a Ragdoll kitten to play fetch with? At Wiseacres Ragdolls, we can make that dream come true! As a small boutique breeder and a TICA Outstanding Cattery, we have been raising outstandingly beautiful, friendly, and healthy Ragdolls for over 20 years. Located outside Booneville, Arkansas, we have a limited number of Ragdoll kittens for sale each year.
Image source: The image at the top of this page is from stock.adobe.com
