See How This Chonky Cat Got Healthier With A Button and Dispenser

Clever cat!

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• April 13, 2024

Cats, often perceived as mysterious and aloof creatures, possess an intelligence that's both understated and remarkable. Contrary to popular belief, these smart little beings are capable of learning a wide array of behaviors and tricks, making them not only fascinating companions but also highly trainable.

With the right approach, which includes patience, consistency, and the use of positive reinforcement, cats can be taught to respond to commands, perform tricks, and even use gadgets designed to enhance their well-being and physical health. This innate cleverness, combined with their natural curiosity, makes cats adept learners who can adapt to and thrive in various environments.

Enter Chai, a chonky kitten with a backstory of resilience. Rescued from a life on the streets, Chai's initial food insecurity led her to eat anything in sight, including her new sister Leona's meals.

Recognizing the need for a healthier lifestyle, Chai's owner introduced her to an interactive treat dispenser and remote button, gadgets that not only regulate her eating but also provide mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Through patient training, Chai learned to use the button to activate the dispenser, transforming her mealtime into an engaging activity that promotes both her physical and cognitive health. Chai's ability to adapt to and learn from her environment underscores the remarkable intelligence of cats, showcasing that with the right tools and training, they can lead healthier, more stimulated lives.

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Adopted from a shelter in Baltimore, Chai the kitty arrived at her new home weighing '9 pounds of chonk.'

She was soon introduced to Leona, her new sister, who might lack sight in one eye and half her tail but makes up for it in spirit.

Leona, the resilient grey cat, endured a car accident that left her with brain damage, evident in her occasional circling.

Despite these challenges, Leona thrives, basking in the love and care of her family and Chai. Chai's affection for her sister is boundless, occasionally verging on overzealous, but it's clear their bond is strong and filled with love.

Chai, a cat with a history of being a stray, deals with food insecurity by eating anything she can find, including her sister Leona's meals.

This habit led to Chai becoming even more chonky, necessitating intervention during meal times to prevent her from accessing Leona's food.

In an effort to manage Chai's eating habits and weight, her owner introduced interactive feeding toys and eventually a PetGeek automatic treat dispenser, designed for dogs but effective for cats.

This not only helped in portion control but also stimulated Chai mentally. It's crucial to note that any cat weight loss plan should be vet-approved to ensure health issues are not overlooked, and weight loss is gradual, typically no more than a pound per month, to avoid serious health risks.

After a period of careful training, Chai became adept at pressing the battery-operated button sensor, a skill she acquired as detailed below.

Upon being pressed, the button emits a sound and triggers the treat dispenser, which is adjustable. The design of the button allows it to be placed anywhere in the room, offering versatility in its positioning.

Additionally, an optional suction cup feature enables the button to be attached to windows, facilitating variety in Chai's routine and keeping her engagement levels high and continuously stimulated.

"The button keeps her busy and gives her sister time to finish her food so Chai wont steal it."

Once Chai presses the button, she dashes to the dispenser with enthusiasm, turning mealtime into an opportunity for healthy activity and play.

This setup, reminiscent of nosework training, not only entertains but also intellectually stimulates smart felines like Chai.

An added advantage of this system is that it portions out Chai's meals, encouraging her to eat more slowly. Since the introduction of this gadget, Chai has not only been shedding excess weight gradually but has also shown less interest in her sister Leona's meals.

Leona, for her part, seems unfazed by Chai's quirky behavior, coexisting peacefully with her sister's new routine.

"Here is how we trained Chai to use the treat dispenser!"

So, it turns out cats can be trained, not just to charm their way into our hearts but to hit buttons for treats, too. Chai's journey from chonk to sleek geek proves that with a little tech and a lot of patience, even the most stubborn of felines can become a gadget guru.

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Sophia