Tag: #RagdollCats

Dezi lays in the wheelchair

Service Cats: When To Train: Before or After a Meal

Published on by Service Cats U.S.65 Comments

          Hey, is anypawdy there? It’s Service Cat Monday, and guess who it’s all about? That’s right, Me, RaenaBelle. 

 

Raena lays in the wheelchair

RaenaBelle Mayce!!! Get off the catputer!!! Me’s writin’ the Service Cat posty. Even ifin it’s ‘bout you. Me wants to remind you all that ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can click on the links at the bottom of this post. As with all our educational posts the following will be written in human English. Ifin you have any questions, purrlease leave them in the comments or you can send us an email at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com. Our posts are not meant to be a training manual, but to entertain and educate; as training is all about repetition. We can cover in one post what might take weeks or even months of actual training time. Me thinks mes hit all the high points and disclaimers, so let’s get to it.

 

Dezi lays in wheelchair

When we left off last, mommy was training Raena in the wheelchair. Now, it’s not all that important that we know how to turn on the wheelchair unless we’re going to drive it without mommy in it. Sis Lexi had that mastered. Me? Me prefers to drive from mommy’s lap. It’s much safer and me gets extra loving. That being said, mommy realizes that Raena is very smart, and just might be the next solo driver. But even if she isn’t, the reason mommy trains us on this is that the power button, horn and speed buttons are all very close to the joystick. On more than one occasion me has hit those buttons while driving; so mommy thinks it’s important for us to be comfortable with the beeping sounds so we don’t get scared and get hurt trying to escape. The joystick requires only the slightest push or pull to move the chair. So you can imagine the dangers of a 200 pound moving machine against a small kitty. Yes, even at our size, we are by comparison, small.

 

Raena plays in the gift bag paper

We did get another good question from our dear Weim brofur Da Phenny from the blog EasyWeimaraner. You know sweet Easy ran off to heaven like sis Lexi and Phenny, like Raena is full of piss and vinegar and needs a little training. He and his mommy asked if mommy recommends training before or after a meal. This is where it gets a bit tricky. Mommy prefers training after the meal because she doesn’t like to train with treats. So a full kitty/doggy isn’t constantly looking for treats and can easily focus. That being said, if you do want to use treats as a reward, mommy recommends training before the meal. But don’t forget to adjust the meal portion to account for any treats given. And keep the training session short. A hungry animal is going to be a bit more erratic and unfocused. Mommy likes to train about an hour or so after the meal. Kitty/doggy has bathed, the food has settled, they may even have had a little nap and are more focused and ready to pay attention. Another thing on treats, if you choose that option. Pick a treat that isn’t given at other times and is an absolute favorite. That treat should only be given during training sessions or when asking the animal to do a trained task. Hope that helps.  

 

 Raena lays in the wheelchair

Anyways, every day for approximately fifteen minutes, mommy and Raena head to the wheelchair for a training session. Even me gets bored after the first few lessons and have taken to the bedroom for an afternoon nap during these times. Me can still hear them. Mommy gently and lovingly talking to Raena and telling her how proud she is and how smart Raena is. And me can hear the constant beep beep of the chairs power button. Occasionally me hears the annoying horn. Ya’ know those cars/trucks/vans that beep when they back up? Well that’s the horn on the wheelchair. It’s piercing for a poor kitty’s ears, but Raena doesn’t seem to be affected by it. She loves the horn button. Ever patient, mommy gently tells her no and redirects her paw to the power button. For those of you wondering why she isn’t hitting the joystick and making the chair move, mommy has learned to keep a close eye on where that paw lands, and has the speed turned to 0. Obviously the chair doesn’t move on 0. Just wait till Raena figures this out. MOL 

 

So mommy’s still working with Raena on the power on and off thing. But Raena is getting better. Mommy thinks she likes the beeping of the horn so much that she doesn’t focus. But one day, it’ll click and the lessons will move forward. That’s how training works. So if you’re feeling frustrated and don’t think your training is working, stick with it. It is working and the worse thing you can do is give up.

 

 Dezi lays in the wheelchair

 

Let me take you through one of Raena’s lessons. Mommy and Raena sit in the chair. Mommy adjusts Raena and sits her on her right leg closest to the control panel. She now tells Raena “Up”. That means to put her front paws on the arm of the chair. Raena’s really good at this part. Mommy supports Raena by firmly but gently holding her in place. Raena could easily jump down. Mommy’s grip is for support and protection, not forced submission. Mommy then places Raena’s paw on the power button on the control panel and says, “Push on” or “Push off”. Raena seems to be right pawed. Generally the first time, mommy has to gently push Raena’s paw down till she hears the beep. The remainder of the 15 minutes goes pretty much the same. With Raena occasionally getting excited and standing on the horn. When this happens, mommy gently pulls her paw away and says “No” and refocuses her (lots of hugs and praise about how smart she is). Throughout the session mommy gently praises Raena and gives her extra love. This is very important if you’re not using treats. If you are using treats, you would reward by giving a small treat each time you get the correct action/outcome. They wrap up a training session with lots of hugs and a good brushing.

 

Well we’re gonna wrap it up fur today. We hope we’ve offured you some insight into training in general and specifically a Service cat. Remember, if you have any questions, just let us know. We do hope to be further along in Raena’s training next week, but you’ll just have to tune in and see. We’ve got mommy’s helper that’s supposed to start today, so mommy’s gonna be busy training them. Hmmmmm Mommy seems to be doing a lot of training lately. MOL Wonder ifin she’s gonna train them to drive the chair? MOL  Anyways, we hope you all have a pawsum day.

 

Till the next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Raena: Navy Blue

Mommy A: Black

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle  

 

 

Service Cats

What to look for    Training Foundations    Train Kitty to Massage

Smelling Disease    Do You Need One    Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws and Exceptions      Accommodations and Common Sense

When the Handler Dies     Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable Of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness or Vest Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair and the Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble and Fall Response      Raena Calls For Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena and the Wheelchair Pt. 1

Hunt, Kill, Eat Your Breakfast

Published on by Service Cats U.S.31 Comments

(Raena zooms through the house letting out her signature hum each time her right paw hits the floor. She rounds the corner and leaps onto mommys lap purring so loudly, it’s almost mistaken for a growl. Her eyes dart from left to right and she catches a glimpse of Dezi in the distance.)

 Raena lays in mommy's lap

(Dezi rounds the corner and heads for her breakfast plate as Raena leaps from mommy’s lap with all 4 paws outstretched. She looks much like a flying squirrel <mommy’s not fast enough to catch this on camera, but continues to try>. She lands on the other side of Dezi and turns and zooms up the Liberty cat tree. Dezi hisses but Raena’s already out of reach. Dezi settles in to eat and Raena steps from ledge to ledge down the Liberty cat tree and walks back over to mommy and rubs her legs and looks up. Mommy reaches down and lifts Raena to her lap and gives her a kiss and says,) “Honey, you need to calm down and eat your brekky. See how nice sissy’s eating her brekky? That should be you too.”

 

Raena looks out from the top of the Liberty cat tree

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me RaenaBelle.

Dezi looks up from her breakfast plate and over at Raena

          (Dezi looks up from her plate)  Raena, did you hear mommy? You need to come down here and eat your brekky. And that doesn’t mean play with mes tail.

 

I’s don’t wanna eat right now sissy. I’s not hunted and killed anythin’ yet.

 

          We don’t have to hunt and kill our noms Raena, mommy purrvides us with great noms served up on silver platters.

 

Raena eats breakfast

I’s thought they were china, sissy?.

 

          Oh Kittens, Raena!!! Me didn’t literally mean silver, altho’ mommy says our china plates do have silver edges. Me was just makin’ a point. That point was that you have all the food you need without ever liftin’ a paw.

 

 Raena carries a Christmas toy from Cat and Lisa

I’s know sissy. But you know how much I’s like to hunt and kill befur every meal. But I’s lost mines new favorite prey.

 

          Well, ifin ya’ didn’t take everythin’ to the kitchen where the black holes of the oven and furigerator live, you might not lose stuffs so fast. 

 

 Raena heads to the kitchen with the nip nanner

Raena heads to the kitchen, nip nanner in tow.

 

Well sissy, I’s went fishin’ in the black hole under the oven last night, but mommy wouldn’t help me. All she had to do was move da oven and I’s coulda checked fur mines new favorite prey.

 

          Mommy can’t move the oven silly. You know that. Do you want mommy to fall down again? Or pass out? 

 

Of course not sissy. But she coulda just took that big pull out out and let me under there. I’s know fur sure there’s at least one silvervine stick, fluffy ball, mines awnty Ellen fishy, and somethin’ with feathers on it in that black hole. And maybe mines new favorite prey.

 

 

Dezi sits on the brown cat tree in her signature pose

          Well Raena, me suggests you find another new favorite prey. Least till the new helper comes to work. Cuz me doesn’t think mommy’s gonna be pullin’ out anythin’ or movin’ furniture any time soon. We got lots of great new toys fur Christmas. Pick one of them.

 

Ya’ know sissy, this is one of those educational moments. Attention all kittys’ slaves… 

 

          Raena!!! 

 

 Raena plays hunt, catch, kill with the wand toy

Uh, yeah, me means “Attention all kittys’ pawrents.” Did you know that we kitties still have some wildness in us? Yep, even us gentle giant Ragdoll cats. Obesity is a real purroblem in house cats. That obesity can cause all kinds of health issues, that could have been avoided, or at least kept at bay fur many years. A kitty’s true nature is to hunt and kill befur we eat. Those of us furtunate enuff to have a furever home with luvvin’ pawrents, no longer have to do this. But just cuz we don’t have too, doesn’t mean the drive isn’t still there. 

 

Raena fly fishing with a wand toy

You know, we think D-I-E-T is a four letter word in our house, but we know it’s sometimes necessary. But there are other ways to keep kitty happy and healthy. Rigorous play not only serves to wear us out, but is also a good way to help us shed those extra pounds. It’s also a good way to entice us to dine on a schedule. With all of the infurmation available today, mommy has learned that kibble isn’t an optimal diet fur any kitty. And that kitties don’t really need food available 24/7. Even the tiger who stashes her kill, doesn’t munch off and on all day and night. That bein’ said, the kitties in mommy’s house have been eatin’ on a schedule fur years now, and I’s don’t know any different. Mommy says I’s need to insert the fact that as a kitten I’s get an extra meal or two each day to meet mine’s growin’ needs. Altho’ we’re not yet eatin’ the complete raw diet mommy would like us too, we do eat the next bestest thing, freeze dried raw. And befur each meal we have a little game of hunt and kill where we build up our appetite and satisfy those wild urgings. MOL 

 

Dezi sits on arm of chair

          That was a great little lesson you purrsented Raena. Me’s kinda impurressed. You’re gonna have to get off mommy’s lap and close out the posty ifin you plan to #hunt, #kill and #eat this meownin’. Furst let’s link up with Rascal, Rocco and their co-hosts fur the weekly Pet Parade. 

 

Pet Parade Blog Hop Badge

 

(Raena glimpses a sparrow outside and leaps from mommy’s lap and runs up the Liberty cat tree to get a better look)

Raena looks out the door from her perch on the Liberty Cat tree

Sissy!!! Did you see that birdy? Maybe I’s can hunt, ketch and kill him. 

 

          Shut it down furst Raena.

 

 Raena sits on the Liberty cat tree and looks out the door

 

(Meowing from her perch on the tree) Oh yeah. Fanky fanks fur remindin’ me sissy. We hope you all have a pawsum weekend. We’ll be round to visit as soon as we can.

 

Till the next time……………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Do you (your kitty) have any routines/habits you (your kitty) do(es) before each meal?

Do you (your kitty)  like to play hunt, kill and eat?

Do you (your kitty) have a favorite prey toy?  

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee       

Raena laying at mommy's feet taking a bath

Service Cats: Raena and the Wheelchair Pt. 1

Published on by Service Cats U.S.79 Comments

Meowllo and welcome to another Service Cat Monday. It’s a brand new year and mommy has brand new tasks to train Raena to purrfurm. As with all our educational service cat posts, the following will be in human English. Ifin you’ve missed any posts in this series, you can click on the linkys at the bottom of this post. And ifin you have any questions, or something specific you’d like us to cover, purrlease leave it in the comments or send us an email. Our training posts are not meant to be a step by step training guide as training is all about repetition. We do hope you find them entertaining, informative and helpful. There are many tasks that mommy hasn’t figgered out how to capture in fotos or videos, but we do try to post those we can. Remember, it’s just mommy and the two of us, and the duties we purrform are in respawnse to a problem mommy’s having so the camera is usually the last thing any of us are thinking about. So, let’s get to it.

 Dezi lays in wheelchair

As you know, mommy had plans to train Raena to drive the wheelchair when she got big enough to reach the joystick while sitting in mommy’s lap; but the batteries died on us and we had to wait to get them replaced. We have new batteries now, so Raena’s training commenced. Mommy was a little under the weather last week, but she wanted to at least get Raena comfortable with the chair. Now let me tell ya’, Raena’s pretty smart and catches on fairly quickly. We have several battery operated toys which she quickly learned to turn off and on by herself. And before the batteries in the wheelchair went out, she was turning the chair on and off and honking the horn without any training. Based on that you’d think Raena would be ready for the next step, right? Well, this is where that repetition comes in. Since the batteries died and the chair didn’t respond to her pushing the buttons, she lost interest. So she’s starting from the beginning again.

 Dezi atop the Liberty cat tree overseeing her world

So mommy picked a day and after breakfast picked up Raena and took her to the wheelchair to sit down. Raena loves sitting in mommy’s lap, so there was absolutely no struggle. Mommy had already put a small bag of treats and a grooming brush in the pocket on the arm of the wheelchair. Me took up a viewing spot on the top of the Liberty cat tree. Me was safely out of the way, but could still see everything as it unfolded. Mommy got out the grooming brush and started brushing Raena and telling her how smart she was, and how proud of her mommy was. Then she moved into the cooing and love talk. Raena purred liked her life depended on it. Let me tell ya’, that girl has a motor box that can rumble the bed.

 Raena sleeps in mommy's lap

See? Raena’s favorite spot.

After what seemed like forever a few minutes mommy started repositioning Raena to one leg so she would be closer to the joystick. Once Raena released the tension in her body and continued her rumbling purr, mommy continued the praise and loving coos. Me could tell Raena was eating that up. Us Ragdolls really do love our peeps; and we’re no exception. We love our mommy like no other. Mommy then positioned Raenas front paws on the arm of the wheelchair. Mommy held her securely with one hand and continued brushing her fur with the other. Raena responded by rubbing her face and chin on the arm of the chair and the control panel. Mommy quietly and matter of factly told Raena to push the button. Raena continued to rub the control panel.

 Raena lays in the wheelchair

You can sort of see the control panel in this foto. The button

furthest from the joystick is the power button. The red button

is the horn. The 2 buttons closest to the joystick are the speed controls.

You can see how easy it is to push all those buttons and to get confused

and push the wrong button.

 

Mommy put the grooming brush away and slowly but firmly took Raena’s paw and placed it on the power button. Raena pulled her paw back and continued rubbing the joystick. Again, mommy took Raena’s paw and placed it on the power button and calmy told her to push the button. Raena stood up and by doing so pushed down on the power button. The chair beeped and Raena pulled her paw back, sat back down and looked up at mommy. Mommy smiled at her and gave her lots of praise for turning the chair on. Of course this was an accident and nothing Raena did on purpose, but it’s where training starts. Mommy repositioned Raena again, and placed her paw on the power button again. She then calmly told Raena to push the button again. Again, Raena pulled her paw back and looked up at mommy. Mommy placed Raena’s paw back on the power button and while telling her to push down, mommy gently pushed Raena’s paw down till the chair beeped again.

 Raena lays in wheelchair while pointing out the joystick

You can see the arm with the control panel and joystick.

 

 

Mommy had loosened her hold on Raena’s body and she wriggled loose and climbed up on the arm of the wheelchair. She pushed down on the power button and the horn. The chair beeped over and over again. Raena’s rumbling purr got louder and louder as mommy praised her for being so smart. Mommy gently pulled Raena off the arm and back onto her lap, leaving her front paws on the arm. Once again mommy placed Raena’s paw on the power button and gently pushed it down turning the chair off. With one last beep, the lesson was over. Raena was lavished with praise and love and me decided it was time to get in on a little of that meself. Mommy rewarded us both with lots of hugs and a few treats.

 Raena lays in the wheelchair

Another shot where you can clearly see the arm with the control panel.

And can see why mommy would need to hold us or offer some

support while we’re driving.

 

 

This whole training session lasted about 20 minutes, and would/will be repeated at least once a day every day till Raena is comfortable enough to turn the chair on by herself again. As we’ve said many times, training is all about repetition. We cats are very smart, and we want to learn. But if you’re not ready to commit to daily training sessions, we will never learn. And all training sessions should be fairly short. If kitty gets bored or frustrated, they won’t learn and could possibly try to avoid future sessions. It’s better to have a lot of small sessions as opposed to one really long one. Mommy believes in positive reinforcement and praise as the reward instead of food or treats.

 Dezi lays in wheelchair

Well, we’re gonna wrap it up fur today. As you read, it takes both mommy’s hands to train, so we don’t have any fotos of the actual session. This is what mommy’s trying to figger out. Since she’s the only one who can take fotos, how can she do it, without any free hands? MOL  ‘Member, ifin you have any questions, let us know. And ifin you’ve missed any of the Service Cat series, click on the links below.

 Raena sleeps in mommy's lap

The purrfect ending to any training session.

 

 

Do you (your cat/dog/pet) have any battery operated toys?

If so, can you (your cat/dog/pet) turn them on and off yourself?

 

 

Till the next time………………………………………Be Blest!!!  

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

 

Service Cats 

What to look for     Training Foundations     Train Kitty to Massage

Smelling Disease     Do You Need One     Who Bears the Cost 

Housing Laws and Exceptions     Accommodations and Common Sense

When the Handler Dies     Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train     Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty     Internal Disputes 

Calling Emergency Help     Just What Is Kitty Capable Of

Shad: Original Service Cat     Harness or Vest Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair and the Chest     Round and Round We Go

Tumble and Fall Response     Raena Calls For Help    

The Rest of the Story 

Dezi and Raena look outside from their perches near the door.

Blest Sunday: Having Fun and Saying Thanks

Published on by Service Cats U.S.41 Comments

(Dezi’s crouched down behind the chair, her tail twitching and flicking from side to side and eyes wide, waiting for Raena to saunter past)

 

          (Raena looks about from the dining room for Dezi. She chortles her frustration.)

 Raena standing up at the back of the chair

Where’s sissy mommy?

 

 

 

     Girls. It’s time for Blest Sunday. Are ya’ll gonna write a post today or play tag? 

          (Raena comes charging toward the chair and mommy chirping the whole way) 

Dezi lays in mommys lap for some loving

(With one last ripple of the skin and tail flick, Dezi jumps out at Raena. Both girls briefly hiss and then run to mommy) Of course we’re gonna write a Blest sunday posty, mommy. We wouldn’t miss it. 

 

          I’s wanna write the posty, sissy.

 

You wrote the last posty Raena. It’s mes turn. ‘Member, it’s mes name on the blog.

Furst up today we wanted to say a meowsy big Fank you to those who have sent money fur mommys teeth purroblems. Most donations have come through the fundraiser, but we did get a couple directly to our paypal at lexi.dezi@yahoo.com. Fank you awnty Petal, awnty Carol, awnty Cindy, awnty Julie, and those Anonymous awnties and uncles that donated. We currently have $570.00 towards what we need. Even ifin mommy had the work done in stages, we still don’t have enuff to cover the cost of the removal of those teeth that are causing all the pain and infection. That cost is $1320.00. But cuz that would leave mommy with only 2 teeth on the bottom, that appointment also included partials so she would be able to eat, speak right and so on, fur a total cost of $3598.00. You can read the posty where mommy talked ‘bout what’s needed here. Some of you have asked ‘bout antibiotics and such. Cuz mommy didn’t make a follow up appointment to have the work done, the dentist didn’t give mommy anything, that’s a common purractice here. Mommys regular doctor told her to see a dentist, again, common purractice here. So we’re doin’ what we can and takin’ it one day at a time. We feel very blest to have each other and all of you.

Dezi and Raena look outside from their perches near the door.

We are so fankful fur all your purrs, purrayers, luv and support. We feel so blest to have so many amazin’ furiends.

 

          Hey sissy, don’t furget ‘bout mines new harness. Fanky fank you awnty Vonda fur sendin’ the green papers to get me a new harness. Cuz mommy was a little under the weather last week, she hasn’t had a chance yet to measure me and get it ordered, but she says it’s on the agenda this week. And, we met a really nice purrson who came by to apply fur the job to help mommy ‘round the house.

 

Yes, Raena, we did, but we’re not gonna say anythin’ more till the word comes back and this purrson actually starts workin’ fur us. No, we’re not superstitious, but we’ve been here too many times and it’s not worked out, so we’re just bein’ cautious.

 

          (Raena suddenly jumps up and zooms through the house and jumps up on Dezi) Cautious. Hmmpht

 

 Dezi and Raena eat

(Dezi hisses and raises her paw as if she was going to whack Raena) Yes, Raena, cautious. You’re too young to understand some things, so just take it from me and keep quiet. And quit jumpin’ on me. That’s not very nice ya’ know. We better rap it up and finish brekky.

 

 Raena sleeping on mommys lap

          The sun’s shinin’ and it’s kinda warm outside. Reckon’ mommy will take us fur a stroll? 

 

Raena, the wind’s blowin’ so hard out there we’d get blown off the sidewalk. In other words, purrobably not. Fankfully we have a home to stay in so we don’t have to get blown all over. And we’re blest to have a mommy who luvs us, and all our amazin’ furiends. Purrlease ‘member to take a minute today and everyday to give thanks fur the many blessings in your life. We don’t really do selfies so much, but we’re joinin’ the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies. Now, me has a lesson to teach to Raena ‘bout jumpin’ on unsuspectin’ kitty girls.

 

Till the next time………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle