Cats can’t be trained. How many times have you heard that statement? This article aims to prove that statement wrong by demonstrating that most cats can learn simple tricks. These tricks can range from useful, like coming when called, to purely fun, like giving a high five, all of which serve as excellent enrichment activities for your feline companion. Engaging in trick training not only teaches your cat new behaviors but also significantly deepens the bond between you and your pet. Cats naturally enjoy spending quality time with their owners, and consistent training sessions will soon become a cherished routine for both of you.
You might not realize it, but your cat is already trained in several ways. They likely have a routine at mealtimes, one they’ve learned and perhaps even helped you establish. You may have also set up other routines, such as playing before bedtime or anticipating afternoon snacks. Cats learn effectively through established routines, so teaching them tricks is simply a matter of introducing a new, structured routine. This guide will focus on three accessible tricks: coming when called, sitting (including the “sit pretty” variation), and giving a high five.
What You’ll Need for Training
To begin your training journey, you’ll need a few essential items:
- A Quiet Space: Choose a comfortable and quiet area for both you and your cat, free from distractions.
- High-Value Treats: Prepare your cat’s favorite treats, something special they don’t usually get and reserve exclusively for training sessions. This could include store-bought cat treats, freeze-dried chicken, low-sodium deli turkey, or even small pieces of roast chicken. If your cat isn’t particularly food-motivated, a favorite toy can serve as an effective reward. For cats who respond well to physical affection, a few gentle pats might suffice, though this can make training take a little longer.
- Time: Allocate about 15 minutes for each training session. While actual training might be shorter, you’ll need a few minutes to gather your cat and training supplies.
- Optional: Clicker or Noise Maker: A clicker or any object that makes a distinct clicking sound (like a ballpoint pen) can be beneficial. If you don’t have a clicker, you can simply make a clicking sound with your tongue.
Getting Started: The Foundation of Training
Begin by settling into your designated quiet space with your cat, treats, and your chosen clicker or noise-making tool. Start by clicking and immediately offering a treat once or twice to ensure your cat isn’t startled by the sound. The next step is to reward a specific behavior: looking in your direction. The moment your cat looks at you, click and toss them a treat. Repeat this process consistently every time they make eye contact. Once your cat understands that offering attention leads to a reward (this often happens within a single session), you can begin to gradually increase the distance between you.
As your cat approaches you, click and offer a treat. While they are enjoying the treat, move around the room, continuing the click-and-reward cycle as they follow you.
When your cat consistently comes to you, it’s time to introduce the verbal cue. Avoid using their name, as you’ll use that to get their attention. Instead, choose a specific, simple word like “Come” or “Here.” Say this cue just as they look up from their treat, and then click as they move towards you. Eventually, you’ll want to test this by going into a different room and calling your cat. When they find you, click and reward. Once they reliably come to you from various parts of your home, you can phase out the clicker. Simply reward them with a treat, petting, or play when they respond to the cue. For more advanced training techniques, consider learning how to clicker train your cat.
Mastering “Sit” and “Sit Pretty”
To teach your cat to sit, position yourself on the floor at their level, or if that’s uncomfortable, place them on a raised surface like a table. When your cat approaches, anticipating a treat, say “sit” and move the treat slightly over their head. This will likely prompt them to sit down. The moment their rear end touches the floor or surface, click and immediately give them the treat, praising them as a “good cat!” Repeat this a few times in short sessions, as sit training can be more challenging for cats than recall. Once your cat reliably sits on the verbal cue, you can gradually fade the clicker and simply reward them for a successful sit.
Once your cat has mastered the basic sit, teaching “sit pretty” involves a slight variation. As your cat is in a sitting position, say “Pretty” and raise the treat high enough above their head that they need to sit up on their hind legs to reach it. Click and reward them when they achieve this pose. Remember to keep these sessions brief and positive. For cats who are still learning, how to discipline your kitten might be a relevant topic, but always focus on positive reinforcement during training.
The “High Five” Trick
The “High Five” trick appears impressive but is relatively straightforward to teach. 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 to touch the hand holding the treat, click and then give them the treat. Continue this until they understand that touching your hand is necessary to receive the treat. At this point, you can stop holding the treat in your offering hand. When your cat touches your hand, click and give the treat with your other hand. Once they are consistent with this, start 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 reward. As with other tricks, you can eventually wean your cat off the clicker and simply reinforce them for responding to the cue. Teaching cats new behaviors can be a rewarding experience, and for those interested in more advanced training, exploring how to teach cat to give paw can be a fun next step.
Important Tips for Successful Training
- Keep Sessions Short: Repeat each trick only four to six times per session. Two or three brief sessions a day are far more effective than one long session that can lead to boredom.
- Positive Reinforcement Only: Always use positive reinforcement methods. Never scold or punish your cat for incorrect attempts or lack of effort. If your cat performs a trick incorrectly, simply ignore it and try again. If they walk away, consider the session over and try again later or the next day.
- Be Patient: Some cats learn tricks quickly, while others may take more time. Allow your cat to learn at their own pace.
- Enjoy the Process: View these training sessions as quality time to bond and play with your cat. The tricks themselves are a bonus; the real reward is the strengthened relationship. This approach ensures that both you and your cat will have a positive experience after each session, regardless of the outcome. For cats who might be struggling with impulse control, understanding cat scratcher box train principles can also be beneficial.
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
