Holiday Baking

Hours Later……

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Cosmo is right, I have been rewarding them for staying out of the kitchen, when needed, on their ‘mats’ or beds for years. Easy technique, great results, and keeps felines out from under feet while cooking or eating meals with company. As soon as I plop down beds or towels anywhere, everyone fills the spots hoping for something tasty. I have faded the rewards though over time and only give treats on occasion or when I really want them to stay in place. The adult crew is good for about 30-45 minutes on any spot without a reward (unless they fall asleep….then who knows how long). If I want them to stay longer, I just treat before they lose interest, and they are locked in place again.

This technique I use mostly for Dexter though, he is the food monger of the house. So rather then tripping over a meowing cat all day while cooking, this is a great redirection of his energy. He gets to watch me right off the kitchen, and I keep my sanity!

Here is the crew when I first set up the beds right on the edge of the kitchen tile…they rushed over and assumed the position. Asia is still in training, she is less food motivated so it takes a little longer (hence why she is missing from the picture).

Tagged as: bengal, cats, training