Question
One of my cats is completely non-responsive to edible treats. Be it salmon, chicken or beef flavored, he completely ignores any treats I give him.
I want to be able to reward him/get him to come when I shake a bag of treats, but can't figure out any way to do this without edible treats, since he does not respond to praise like a dog.
What alternative ways are there to reward cats?
Answer
Both of my cats (mother and daughter) have a fondness for catnip. Like typical dry treats, shaking the packaging it comes in will make a noise your cat should be able to hear without difficulty.
The mother cat has a fondness for wet cat food, but will not eat dried fish treats (though she is very interested in the smell). Her daughter is the exact opposite: loves dried fish treats but will not touch wet cat food.
Keep in mind that the treat doesn't need to make a noise if all you want to do is teach your cat to come when called. Many cats associate the sound of a can opener with food and will come running any time they hear it, even when it isn't their designated meal time. Personally, I like "here kitty kitty" since it can be heard from very far away.
Non-food options
My cats also respond to the sound of patting my hand on the top of their scratching post. This is already a place that they like to be. They've come to associate that noise with lots of petting, so all I have to do is say their name when I do it and they will come running.
You could also to try a brush for your cat. Mine absolutely love being brushed so much that they'll tolerate being near my dog (I got him a year ago and the cats are still standoffish towards him).
Answered By - cimmanon