As a cat mom, I know how rewarding (and hilarious!) it can be to teach your furry friend new tricks.
Cats might not be as eager to please as dogs, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of learning some pretty adorable tricks!
From simple paw shakes to jumping through hoops, my own cat has surprised me with how quickly she picks up on things.
If you’ve been searching for fun ways to bond with your kitty and stimulate their curious nature, teaching tricks is a fantastic option.
It’s not just about the tricks themselves; it’s about the connection, trust, and laughter that come along the way.
Plus, who doesn’t want to impress friends and family with their clever cat’s talents?
How to Teach a Cat Tricks
Teaching your cat tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience, both for you and your feline friend.
While cats are often known for their independent nature, many can learn tricks with the right motivation, patience, and consistency.
Here’s how you can start training your cat to perform a variety of adorable and impressive tricks:
- Start with Basic Commands – Begin with simple commands like “sit” or “paw” to help your cat get used to learning.
- Use Positive Reinforcement – Reward your cat with treats or praise every time they perform the desired behavior.
- Keep Sessions Short – Cats have short attention spans, so keep training sessions to about 5-10 minutes.
- Be Consistent – Use the same commands and rewards each time to help your cat learn faster.
- Use Treats They Love – Find a treat your cat really enjoys to keep them motivated during training.
- Start in a Quiet Area – Begin in a distraction-free environment to help your cat focus on learning.
- Be Patient – Cats learn at their own pace, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t get it right away.
- Break Tricks Into Steps – Teach complex tricks in small, manageable steps. Reward them as they complete each step.
- Use Lures – Use treats to guide your cat into the desired position (e.g., sitting or shaking paws).
- Repeat Regularly – Practice the tricks daily to reinforce learning and improve your cat’s skills.
- End on a Positive Note – Always end training sessions with a success, even if it’s just a small step forward.
- Keep it Fun – Make sure the training is enjoyable for your cat so they stay interested and engaged.
Cool Tricks to Teach Your Cat
Teaching your cat cool tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you!
Not only will it strengthen your bond, but it’ll also keep your cat mentally stimulated and entertained.
1. Sit
Start by holding a treat above your cat’s head and slowly move it back toward their tail.
As they sit to follow the treat, say “sit” and reward them with the treat.
Repeat until your cat associates sitting with the command.
2. Shake/Paw
Once your cat is sitting, gently lift their paw with your hand while saying “shake” or “paw.”
After they lift their paw, reward them with a treat.
Practice until they offer their paw willingly when prompted.
3. High Five
Start by having your cat sit and hold a treat in your hand.
Move your hand slightly above their paw and say “high five.”
When your cat touches your hand with their paw, reward them immediately.
Repeat until they know what to do.
4. Come
Use a treat to lure your cat toward you while saying the word “come.”
Once they reach you, reward them.
Practice in a quiet, distraction-free space to start, then gradually increase the distance.
5. Lie Down
With your cat sitting, hold a treat close to the floor and slowly move it toward their front paws.
As they lie down to follow it, say “lie down” and reward them.
Repeat the process until your cat lies down on command.
6. Stay
Get your cat to sit, then hold your hand in front of them like a “stop” gesture and say “stay.”
Take a few steps back, then reward them when they stay in place.
Increase the distance gradually and keep rewarding their good behavior.
7. Jump Through a Hoop
Hold a hoop in front of your cat and encourage them to walk through it with a treat.
Once they go through, reward them.
Increase the height of the hoop gradually until your cat is jumping through it on command.
8. Roll Over
Start by getting your cat to lie down, then gently roll them to one side while saying “roll over.”
Reward them each time they complete the motion.
With repetition, they’ll begin to roll over on their own.
9. Fetch
Throw a small toy that your cat enjoys chasing, then encourage them to bring it back by calling their name or using a treat.
When they bring it back, reward them and repeat.
You may need to coax them with a treat in the beginning.
10. Walk on a Leash
Get a harness that fits your cat comfortably.
Let them wear it indoors first for short periods, then attach a leash.
Slowly encourage them to walk with you inside, using treats as motivation.
Gradually try walking outside once they’re comfortable.
11. Ring a Bell
Hang a small bell on a string near your cat’s usual resting spot.
Gently tap the bell with your hand while saying “ring.”
Reward them when they touch the bell with their paw.
Repeat until your cat rings the bell on their own.
12. Sit Pretty
With your cat sitting, hold a treat above their head and move it slightly backward, encouraging them to raise their front paws.
Once they’re sitting on their hind legs, say “sit pretty” and reward them.
Practice this until they do it on command.
13. Go to Bed
Lead your cat to their bed with a treat, saying “go to bed.”
Reward them once they’re on their bed.
Repeat until they associate the command with the action of going to their designated resting spot.
14. Touch Target
Hold a small object, like a pen or stick, in front of your cat.
Say “touch” and encourage them to touch the target with their nose or paw.
Reward them when they do.
Practice until your cat consistently touches the target on command.
15. Spin
Hold a treat above your cat’s head and move it in a circular motion.
As your cat follows the treat, say “spin” and reward them when they complete a full turn.
Practice until your cat spins on cue.
16. Shake Your Head
Gently guide your cat’s head to shake, either by tapping them lightly or encouraging a movement by offering a treat just out of reach.
Once they shake their head, reward them.
Repeat the process until they begin shaking their head on command.
17. Give a Kiss
When your cat is close to your face, hold a treat near your cheek and gently nudge their nose to your skin.
Reward them immediately when they touch their nose to your cheek.
With repetition, your cat will start associating the gesture with the command “give a kiss.”
18. Tidy Up
Use a small basket or toy box and train your cat to drop their toys inside.
Begin by placing the toys in front of them and using a command like “tidy up” as they interact with them.
Reward them for placing the toys inside.
With time, they may get the hang of cleaning up!
19. Open a Door
If your cat is strong enough, you can teach them to push open a door with a handle.
Use treats to encourage them to push the door open when you say “open.”
Reward them immediately when they do.
20. Play Dead
Start by getting your cat to lie down.
Then, gently roll them onto their side and say “play dead” or “bang!”
While they’re in position, reward them.
With time, your cat may start lying still when prompted by the command.
21. Jump from One Place to Another
Place your cat’s favorite toy on a piece of furniture and encourage them to jump to reach it.
Use a command like “jump” and reward them when they leap.
Increase the height or distance gradually as they become more confident.
22. Play With a Laser Pointer
Use a laser pointer to get your cat to follow the beam and move in patterns.
Start with simple movements and use the command “chase” when you move the pointer.
Reward them when they successfully interact with it.
23. Find the Treat
Place a treat under one of three cups and ask your cat to find it.
Say “find the treat” and reward them when they choose the correct cup.
Repeat until they can consistently guess the right one.
24. Pick Up a Treat
Place a treat on the floor and prompt your cat to pick it up using a command like “get it.” Reward them when they do.
This one may take some time but can be fun for your cat to learn!
25. Wave Goodbye
Hold a treat in front of your cat and move it just above their head to prompt them to wave their paw.
Say “wave” or “goodbye” and reward them when they lift their paw.
Repeat the process until they start waving on command.
Purr-fectly Trained: Your Cat’s New Party Tricks Await!
With a little patience and plenty of treats, your cat can master a variety of cool tricks that will impress everyone.
Not only will you both have fun, but these tricks will also deepen your bond and keep your cat mentally sharp.
So grab some treats, start small, and get ready to show off your cat’s impressive new skills.
Who knew cats could be so clever?
Make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more cool cat tricks and DIY projects!
