***And NOW its time to "HOOP the Kittys!!!"***(Graphics)

Thanks for sharing. :D

I :loveya: kitty posts - this is one of the best!

When I was a kid we had one cat (out of many, many) that my Mom trained to jump through a hoop, roll over, shake hands.

These are incredible photos and those kitties are so beautiful. :loveya:

I have an odd feeling I could get Quinn to do this, I'm going to have to get a hoop and start trying. He's smart enough and rambunctious enough to give it a go.

Bug and Maggiepie make me repost it from time to time. They can't read yet, but they like to look at the pictures and laugh.

Most cats will "get it" pretty quickly.

The HOOP is a "Juggler's Ring" and you can buy them at Clown Supplies or Magic Stores. Its the right size and has good visibility.

Teaching is pretty simple. Pick a time of the day when the cat is hungry and use a favorite treat.
Place the hoop on the ground and show the treat through the center of the HOOP. (I say the word "HOOP"). The cat will step through the hoop to get the treat.

Gradually raise the height of the hoop keeping the treat visible through the center of the hoop. Most cats will get it pretty quick. After a while, you can stop showing the treat through the hoop.

Bug started hooping around (last) Christmas. He was depressed about confinement (he seriously wanted to go home) and we were looking for ways to keep him challenged and entertained.

The normal time for HOOPS is 30 minutes before their regular supper time. They always have access to dry food, but love their stinky wet food for dinner (5PM SHARP), so they are usually alert at that time and in a game mood (because they are trying to manipulate getting supper early). I make a BIG PRODUCTION out it with lots of drama and theater. Its fun for me and they seem to respond to all the hoopala.

Maggie literally Got It on the first day after watching Bug. Bug was PISSED and wanted to KILL her because she was sooooo smart and stealing HIS game. We had to HOOP them separately for a few weeks.
Now, they cooperate well. Maggie sometimes messes up the traffic pattern when she steals Bugs turn, but it is mostly great fun.
I laugh continuously. They enjoy it. It is something challenging and entertaining for apartment kittys, and they get a little exercise before supper.



I'm thinking about mounting the hoop on a stand and see if I can get them to sit on little stools like lions in the Circus and HOOP on a voice command.
:party:

What a fun place to live!!

Thanks for sharing.

not "GraphicS"

:crazy:

We used to use our cat for entertainment before we had a TV. Him and a paper ball. Hours of fun. He had quite a leap back then!

n/t