Stay Command:


This is more of a response than a command. As I stated in the "Come, Kitty" section, it can save their life. It can also be very useful in everyday activities, such as grooming, when you need them to stay still while you clip their claws or brushing their fur. I will warn you that this command does NOT work in the bathtub...tee hee! It's also a useful command when you take your furbaby to the vet or when guests are arriving and you don't want kitty to escape. This should be practiced daily, to ensure that it works incase of danger. This is one of the first commands I learned when I came here to live. We still practice it daily!



In order to get kitty to stay, put on your most confident voice and make sure that your body language is positive. If you let kitty know that you are unsure of yourself he/she will never respond. They are amazing at picking up signals! With this command, unlike sit or come, there is no room for wavering or error. Once outside, there may not be a second chance, so make sure you are firm and positive. Keep in mind that even though you are firm and positive, kitty will not learn this overnight. It could take weeks of patience, but you will find that it is worth the effort.



Control is crucial when you begin this command. So, it is better if you have already taught kitty to be at ease with his/her collar or harness. Place two fingers under the collar (not too tight) and issue the "Stay" command. It is helpful to use the hand signal for "Stay" as well, which is placing your palm toward the cat's face, fingers pointing downward. Repeat the command as you hold the kitty firmly in place. After awhile, let go of the collar/harness and look kitty staright in the eye and repeat "Stay". Remember not to use kitty's name when you issue this command. That will just confuse them, making him/her think you want them to come over to you. It is helpful if you prolong or stretch the word out so that kitty will know it's a special word. It is important to remember that the secret to success in training is to repeat the performance as often as possible and in a very positive way. Also, please remember that it isn't necessary for kitty to stay frozen in one spot like a statue. As long as he/she stays in the general area until you say it's safe to move. You may want to pick out a special spot near the entrance of your home as the training area. This is very practical because working here will specifically help to avoid the disastrous "Great Kitty Escape" that they are so famous for when the door is accidentally left open. Place your kitty in the area and issue the "Stay" command. If he/she tries to move out of the area, give your kitty a firm "No". Remember that your cat has an uncanny perception of your mental thinking, so also use mental signals as well as phsyical ones. If you are mentally tough when you issue the command, you will certainly help reinforce your message!