Cats are intelligent and capable of learning, contrary to the common belief that they cannot be trained. Teaching your feline companion a few simple tricks can be a rewarding experience, strengthening your bond and providing mental stimulation for your cat. Whether it’s coming when called, mastering a “sit,” or even a playful “high five,” these training sessions offer a fun way to enrich your cat’s life and deepen your connection. You might be surprised to learn that your cat is already trained in many ways, following daily routines that they anticipate, such as mealtimes or playtime. Training tricks simply builds upon this foundation by introducing new, engaging routines.
This article will guide you through teaching your cat three fundamental tricks: coming when called, sitting, and giving a high five.
Getting Started with Cat Training
To begin, you’ll need a comfortable, quiet space where both you and your cat can focus without distractions. Gather your cat’s favorite treats – something special they don’t receive regularly and are reserved only for training. This could include commercially made treats, freeze-dried chicken, low-sodium deli turkey, or even small pieces of roast chicken. For cats who aren’t highly motivated by food, a favorite toy can serve as an effective reward. Some cats also respond well to a few gentle pats as a reward. While training cats who aren’t food-motivated might take a bit longer, consistent effort will yield results.
You’ll also need approximately 15 minutes for each training session, though actual training time may be shorter. It’s also beneficial to have a clicker or any object that makes a distinct clicking sound, such as a ballpoint pen. If you don’t have a clicker, you can create a clicking sound with your tongue.
The Clicker Training Method
Begin by sitting with your cat, treats, and clicker (or your chosen sound-making device) in your designated quiet area. Start by clicking and treating once to ensure your cat is not afraid of the sound. Then, focus on a specific behavior, like looking in your direction. The moment your cat looks at you, click and immediately offer a treat. Repeat this process each time your cat makes eye contact. Once your cat understands that giving you attention leads to a click and a treat – which often happens within a single session – you can gradually increase the distance between you.
As your cat approaches, click and treat. While they are enjoying the treat, move around the room, repeating the click and reward as they come to you.
When your cat consistently comes to you, introduce the verbal cue. This cue should be a specific word, distinct from their name, such as “Come” or “Here.” Say the cue just as they look up from finishing their treat, and click as they move towards you. Eventually, you’ll want to move into a different room and call your cat. When they find you, click and reward them. Once they reliably come to you from various parts of your home, the precise timing of the clicker is no longer essential for them to understand they’ve performed the correct action. Simply reward them when they come on cue, whether with a treat, praise, play, or whatever your cat enjoys most.
Teaching “Sit” and “Sit Pretty”
Sit on the floor with your cat, or if that’s uncomfortable, place them on a raised surface like a table. When your cat sees you have a treat, they might approach you. Say “sit” and move the treat over their head. Your cat will likely pause and sit. The moment their rear touches the floor or surface, click and then give them the treat, praising them as a “good cat!” Repeat this a few times before concluding the session. Sit training can be a little more challenging for cats than coming when called, so keep these sessions brief. Once your cat consistently sits on the verbal cue, gradually phase out the clicker and simply reward them for their good performance.
Once your cat has mastered the “sit,” teaching “sit pretty” involves raising the treat high enough over their head that they need to sit on their hind legs to reach it. While they are in a sitting position, say “Pretty” as you offer the treat upwards. Click and give the treat when they successfully perform the trick. Remember to keep these sessions brief.
Teaching “High Five”
The “high five” trick appears impressive but is quite easy to teach. Similar to teaching “sit,” ensure you and your cat are at a similar eye level. Hold a treat in front of your cat at shoulder height. When your cat reaches out a paw and touches the hand holding the treat, click and then give them the reward. Eventually, they will learn that they need to touch your hand to receive the treat. At this point, stop holding the treat in the hand you’re offering; when they touch your hand, click and give the treat with your other hand. Once they are consistent with this, begin offering your hand in a palm-up position (the high five gesture) and use the verbal cue “High five!” When they touch your palm, click and provide the reward. Like other tricks, you can eventually wean your cat off the clicker and simply reinforce them for responding to the cue.
Key Training Tips for Success
For each trick, repeat the action only four to six times per session. Short, focused sessions two to three times a day are far more effective than a single long session that can lead to boredom.
Always use positive reinforcement when training your cat. Never become angry or punish them for performing a trick incorrectly or not at all. If your cat makes a mistake, simply ignore it and try again. If they walk away, it signifies the end of the session, so try again later or the following day.
Patience is crucial. Some cats grasp tricks within a few sessions, while others require more time. Allow your cat to learn at their own pace, not yours.
Most importantly, enjoy the process as much as the results. View these sessions as dedicated time to bond and play with your cat. The tricks learned are a wonderful bonus, but the quality time spent together is an end in itself. This approach ensures that both you and your cat will come away happy after each training session, regardless of the outcome.
This article was reviewed and edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
Janiss Garza has been writing about cats, rock music, and vintage film for over 25 years and also runs a small publishing company. In her spare time, she volunteers with her cat Summer as a therapy pet team.
