Cat Trainer - Teach with Positive Reinforcement

Did you know that cats are trainable? By associating a treat with a clicking sound, you can create a fun new activity but also help to attract your cat with a simple sound. Please be sure to read the printing tips at the bottom of this description.

How to train your cat

It can take some time for your cat to learn this response. Be patient and try it a few times - maybe once per day. The more you reinforce the behavior the better!

Be prepared before you start - make sure you have a treat in hand and are ready to turn the click wheel. Show the point of the rod to your cat - they may be interested in it if it's the first time they've seen it. As soon as your cat touches their nose to the rod (probably to smell it), click the wheel while simultaneously giving them a treat. Repeat the process every day or two to reinforce the behavior. After your cat is comfortable with the process, try moving the rod to different places each time - this can be a fun way to play and get your cat active!

Parts

1. Main Body
2. Rod Cap
3. Treat Lid
4. Clicker Assembly
5. Clicker Shaft
6. Clicker Spring
7. Clicker Wheel

Assembly

This build offers two ‘clicker’ options: one that is fully printed (but somewhat harder to click) and one that uses four 4x2 magnets for a louder, easier click. The magnet options are on a separate, labeled plate and instructions are given separately.

Magnet Clicker Assembly

Glue the four 4x2 magnets in the slots on the clicker and the magnet base. Only a small amount of superglue will be needed. Be sure to check the polarity of the magnets before glueing.
Assemble the parts by sliding the clicker wheel into the assembly and then: Insert the peg to hold the clicker in place Insert the magnet base behind the clicker wheel.

3D Printed Clicker Option

Place the clicker spring into the back of the clicker assembly & note the orientation in this image. The triangle should be oriented as shown. No glue is required - this will be a loose fit.
Place the clicker wheel into the assembly and align to the holes on the side. Add the shaft - this will be a tight fit.
Slide the finished click assembly into the matching slot. Screw on the rod cap. Screw on the treat lid (after filling with treats!) The wheel may only click when spinning in one direction and may need some breaking in.

Printing Tips

• There are two profiles - one that prints the rod in place within the case and one where the rod is printed separately.
  • If printing in place, it is very important that you use the support settings in the profile - these actually allow for the rod to be separated after printing. Changing the supports will cause the print to fail.
  • If printing using the alternate profile, you will need to place the assembled rod into the base and then glue the bottom onto the base.
• Tested using PLA and photographed in PolyTerra Muted Green and Muted White.
• The wheel may only click when spinning in one direction and may need some breaking in.

I love creating models to share for free, personal use. If you enjoyed this model, please consider buying me a coffee or joining me on Patreon.