Cats thrive on predictability as they are prey animals. Surprise changes to their environment can be scary for them as they don’t know if their life may be threatened by the change. One of the best stress reduction techniques for cats, therefore, is to make interactions positive and predictable.
One easy way to make interactions with your cat predictable is to train a predictor cue. While that may sound scary and intimidating, it’s fairly easy. You don’t need to have a deep knowledge of cat training to train one. The only requirements are know how of what to do and patience.
What Is A Predictor Cue?
Before we go further, you may not be familiar with the term “predictor cue.” Basically, it’s a fancy term for a signal to your cat that you are about to do something. This allows your cat to mentally prepare themselves and understand what is about to happen so they aren’t surprised by something unpleasant. It lets them know exactly what is going to happen and increases the chances of them willingly participating. At a minimum, it helps reduce your cat’s stress and reduce the chances of you being bitten by your cat.
A predictor cue can be anything, but typically a word, gesture, or touch is used. As long as your cat has the ability perceive the cue and they understand it, you can potentially use it as a predictor cue. In other words, you can use something that is easy for you to remember. I actually recommend choosing something that comes naturally for you because cats don’t understand English anyway.
When Predictor Cues Are Useful
Predictor cues are useful in a lot of situations, but the most useful situations are ones where you need to do something that your cat may not be thrilled about or become stressed. For example, if you cat doesn’t like being picked up, but you have to pick them up on occasion, you can train a predictor cue prior to you handling them. Other times predictor cues are useful:
- Touching or petting your cat
- Nail trims
- Before administering a medication or before giving a puff of an inhaled medication
- Before turning on a vacuum
You can use them in any number of situations, but the key is that you are letting your cat know that something potentially stressful is about to happen so they are aware.
How Do I Train A Predictor Cue?
Hopefully you recognize the use of a predictor cue can be for cats. Now how does one teach their cat a predictor cue? You’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
First, you have to decide what the cue will be. If you are training the cue to happen prior to your cat being petted, the word “touch” could be a good option. You can make it any number of things, but make sure it’s something you’ll remember.
Next, you introduce the cue and make it a positive experience. Perform the predictor cue and then give your cat something really positive they like such as a favorite treat (if your cat hasn’t tried Churu yet, they are missing out) or praise if they aren’t very food motivated. Repeat this for a few practice sessions.
One your cat understands the cue as being something positive, you can begin associating it with the action you’ll be letting them know is coming. Depending on how stressful the even is for your cat, you may want to start with a less stressful but similar action. For example, if you are training the cue before you clip your cat’s claws, you could start by training the cue before you touch their paw and then give it before you touch the clipper to their paw. Work your way in small steps to the final behavior.
After you complete the action, you’ll still want to give your cat a treat or other reward. This will help maintain the positive association and help them feel better about the action you’re training the predictor cue for. Repeat this a lot and your cat will eventually feel less stressed over time as they’ll know what’s coming.
Final Thoughts
The key for this to work is doing it consistently and being patient. Cats love predictability and predictor cues can help add an element of predictability to stressful situations. Not sure how to use one or want some help training one in your cat? Set up a consultation and I’ll help you out!
