The RSPCA Sheffield branch has been utilizing clicker training to help a special cat, Justice, get over his fear of humans and build his confidence. Justice was brought into their care in June 2017, after he was found straying in an awful condition in Dinnington, South Yorkshire. The cat had large wounds on both sides of his face that were caused by abscesses, with the skin around both wounds dying, making it impossible for it to heal on its own.
It took weeks of pain relief and antibiotics to help Justice slowly recover. During this time, Justice found being in the cattery and being around people quite stressful. He was a nervous cat who didn’t trust humans, so he would hiss and lash out when he felt frightened. To help build his confidence and make him more comfortable around humans, Katie Osborn, an animal care assistant at the Sheffield Animal Centre, started clicker training Justice.
As he began to come out of his shell and trust humans a little more, Katie noticed that Justice seemed uncomfortable when moving. An x-ray showed that Justice had arthritis and sclerosis in his hips. He has been on pain relief for this, and that has helped him become much happier. However, he will need to continue on medication for the rest of his life to keep him comfortable and content.
With clicker training, Justice was able to become much more relaxed, and he now knows what to expect with training sessions. Katie has been able to train Justice to sit, touch with his paw on command, turn in a circle, stand on his back legs for a tummy check and put himself in the cat carrier and ring a bell. He’s also learning other tricks to keep his mind stimulated, as Justice is an extremely intelligent cat.
Katie says that Justice’s progress with clicker training has been remarkable – she didn’t expect him to come as far as he did! Justice is now one of their friendliest cats, and he loves people. In fact, he’s looking for a home since his training has brought out his true personality.
Clicker training is a fun and positive method of training. It motivates the cat to show a particular behavior again, as it is rewarding in the form of chin or head rubs, dried fish or small pieces of chicken. Training should always be reward-based, and it is necessary to choose treats that your cat will enjoy. It’s best to train your cat when they’re most active and awake, and they’re in a place where they’re comfortable. Short, regular training sessions work best, and it is vital to have patience when training a cat.
Owners can teach their cats some beneficial behaviors through clicker training, such as coming to their call or getting inside their cat career without getting stressed. Training helps to build the relationship between cat and owner.
Justice has Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), similar to HIV in humans, which means he will need to be an indoor cat or have access to an enclosed garden. Clicker training will provide an excellent means of mental and physical stimulation for Justice, ensuring he is happier and more content indoors.
If you want to rehome Justice, contact the RSPCA Sheffield branch on 01142 898050.
