Cats are often perceived as untrainable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most cats are capable of learning simple tricks, which not only provide mental stimulation but also strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion. Teaching your cat tricks is a natural extension of the routines they already understand, making it an accessible and rewarding activity for both of you.
This guide will focus on three foundational tricks: coming when called, sitting (and sit pretty), and giving a high five. These tricks can be taught using positive reinforcement and a little patience.
What You’ll Need
To begin your training journey, you’ll need a few essential items:
- A quiet, comfortable space: Choose an area where your cat feels safe and relaxed, free from distractions.
- High-value treats or a favorite toy: These should be special rewards that your cat doesn’t receive regularly, reserved only for training sessions. Options include store-bought cat treats, freeze-dried chicken, low-sodium deli turkey, or roast chicken. If your cat isn’t food-motivated, a beloved toy or even a few gentle pats can serve as a reward.
- 15 minutes of dedicated time: While actual training sessions may be shorter, allow a buffer for gathering your cat and supplies.
- Optional: A clicker or similar noise-making item: A clicker, a ballpoint pen, or even a distinct clicking sound made with your tongue can be used as a marker signal.
Getting Started: The Foundation of Training
Before diving into specific tricks, it’s important to establish a positive association with the clicker (or your chosen marker sound). Start by having your cat, treats, and clicker in your quiet training space. Click and immediately give a treat to ensure your cat isn’t apprehensive about the sound.
Teaching “Come When Called”
- Initial Association: Select a simple behavior to reward, such as your cat looking in your direction. When she does, click and toss her a treat. Repeat this consistently until your cat understands that offering attention leads to a reward.
- Increasing Distance: Once your cat associates attention with rewards, gradually increase your distance. As she approaches you, click and treat. Continue this as she moves around the room, rewarding her for coming to you.
- Adding the Verbal Cue: When your cat reliably comes to you, introduce a specific verbal cue, such as “Come” or “Here.” Say the cue just as she looks up from her treat and click as she moves towards you.
- Generalization: Progress to calling your cat from different rooms. When she finds you and comes, click and reward. Eventually, you can phase out the clicker and simply reward her with a treat, praise, or play when she responds to the cue. Remember, it’s crucial to train your cat to use the bathroom outside if you are attempting to train them to do so.
Teaching “Sit” and “Sit Pretty”
- Basic Sit: Sit on the floor with your cat, or place her on a raised surface for comfort. Have a treat ready. As she approaches, say “sit” and move the treat over her head. As her rear touches the floor or surface, click and give her the treat, praising her for her good behavior. Keep these initial sessions brief to prevent boredom.
- Sit Pretty: Once your cat reliably sits on cue, you can teach “sit pretty.” While she is in a sitting position, hold the treat high enough above her head that she needs to sit up on her hind legs to reach it. Say “Pretty” as you present the treat. Click and reward when she accomplishes the pose. As with “sit,” keep sessions short and rewarding.
Teaching “High Five”
The “high five” might look impressive, but it’s an achievable trick for most cats.
- Paw Touch: Ensure you are at your cat’s eye level. Hold a treat in your hand at her shoulder height. When she reaches out a paw to touch the hand holding the treat, click and give her the treat.
- Hand Contact: Once she understands she needs to touch your hand for a reward, remove the treat from the hand you’re offering. When she touches your hand, click and give her the treat with your other hand.
- Palm Up: Progress to offering your hand in a palm-up position (the high five gesture) and use the verbal cue, “High five!” When she touches your palm, click and reward. Eventually, you can fade the clicker and simply reward her for responding to the cue.
Tips for Success
- Keep sessions short and frequent: Aim for 4-6 repetitions per trick, with two to three brief sessions per day. This is far more effective than one long, potentially boring session.
- Positive reinforcement is key: Never punish or scold your cat for incorrect attempts. Ignore mistakes and simply try again. If your cat walks away, consider the session over and try again later.
- Patience is a virtue: Some cats learn quickly, while others may take more time. Allow your cat to learn at her own pace.
- Enjoy the process: View training as quality bonding time. The tricks are a bonus; the strengthened relationship is the true reward. This approach ensures that both you and your cat have a positive experience, regardless of the outcome.
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
