Get ready to unlock the secret powers of your feline friend with these 10 easy tricks and commands that will leave you both amazed and entertained. From high fives to playing dead, teaching your cat these simple tricks will not only strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion but also provide mental stimulation and exercise. So, grab some treats and let’s embark on a fun-filled adventure of teaching your cat some impressive new skills.
Sit
Teaching your cat to sit is a great foundational command that can be useful in many situations. To start, find a quiet and calm area where you can focus on the training. Begin by holding a treat above your cat’s head, slightly out of reach. As your cat follows the treat with their eyes, move it back towards their tail, which will naturally make them lower their rear end into a sitting position. Once their bottom hits the ground, say the word “sit” in a calm and clear voice. This will help your cat associate the action with the command.
Using treats as a reward is a powerful motivator for cats. After your cat successfully sits on command, immediately give them the treat as a reward. It’s crucial to use small and tasty treats that your cat finds irresistible. This will ensure that they are eager to perform the behavior again in hopes of receiving another reward. Over time, you can gradually reduce the frequency of treat rewards while still occasionally treating your cat for sitting correctly. This will solidify the behavior and make it a reliable command for your furry friend.
Using a clicker for training can be an effective tool to mark desired behaviors. When your cat sits on command, immediately click the clicker and follow it with a treat reward. The clicker will let your cat know precisely when they have performed the desired behavior correctly, making it easier for them to understand what you expect. With consistent training, they will quickly learn to associate the click with the treat, reinforcing their understanding of the “sit” command.
Shake Hands
Teaching your cat to shake hands is not only adorable but also a fun trick to show off to family and friends. To begin, hold a treat in your hand and present it to your cat just out of their reach. Your cat will be curious and will likely reach out their paw to try and grab the treat. As soon as their paw touches your hand, say the command “shake” in a cheerful tone and give them the treat as a reward.
Positive reinforcement is crucial when teaching your cat new tricks. Praise your cat with soothing words and gentle strokes whenever they successfully shake hands. This will help them understand that their action is pleasing to you. Over time, you can also add a verbal cue, such as saying “shake” before presenting your hand. Your cat will start associating the verbal cue with the physical action, making it easier for them to perform the trick on command.
High Five
Teaching your cat to give a high five is similar to teaching them to shake hands. Start by holding a small target stick, such as a chopstick or a pen, slightly above your cat’s paw. When your cat reaches out their paw to touch the target stick, say the command “high five” and immediately reward them with a treat or praise.
Using a target stick is helpful because it creates a visual focus for your cat and trains them to touch a specific object. With consistent training, your cat will learn to associate the command “high five” with raising their paw to touch the target stick. Eventually, you can eliminate the target stick and simply use your hand for them to touch before rewarding them with treats or praises.
Beg
Teaching your cat to beg is an adorable trick that can impress your friends and family. Start by holding a small treat above your cat’s head, just out of their reach. As your cat attempts to reach for the treat, withhold it slightly higher to encourage them to raise their front paws off the ground. As soon as they lift their paws, say the command “beg” and reward them with the treat.
Using a hand signal, such as raising your hand vertically, can help your cat understand what you want them to do. Pairing the hand signal with the verbal command “beg” will strengthen their association and make it easier for them to perform the trick consistently. Remember to reward your cat with a treat every time they successfully beg, and gradually reduce the frequency of treats as they become more proficient.
Jump Through a Hoop
Teaching your cat to jump through a hoop is a more advanced trick, but it can be a lot of fun for both you and your feline friend. Start by introducing your cat to a small hoop or a raised platform. Encourage them to investigate the hoop by placing treats nearby or enticing them with a favorite toy. Once they are comfortable around the hoop, hold a treat on the opposite side of the hoop to encourage your cat to jump through it. As they successfully jump through, give them the command “jump” and reward them with treats and praises.
To gradually increase the difficulty level, you can start raising the height of the hoop. Use books or boxes to elevate the hoop and challenge your cat to jump higher each time. It is essential to take it slow and ensure your cat feels safe and confident throughout the training process. With patience and consistent practice, your cat will be impressing everyone with their jumping skills in no time!
Open or Close a Door
Teaching your cat to open or close a door can be a useful and entertaining trick. Start by attaching a door handle attachment, specifically designed for cats, to a door within their reach. Place a treat on the attachment, enticing your cat to approach and paw at it. When they successfully interact with the attachment, say the command “open” or “close” and reward them with a treat.
Training in small increments is crucial for this trick. Begin by rewarding your cat for simply touching the attachment, and gradually increase the criteria by requiring them to pull or push the handle more firmly. Be patient and encourage your cat throughout the training process. With practice, they will soon learn to associate the command with opening or closing the door.
Fetch
Believe it or not, cats can be trained to fetch just like dogs! Start by using a favorite toy or treat that your cat enjoys. Toss the toy or treat a short distance away and encourage your cat to retrieve it. When they bring it back to you, say the command “fetch” and reward them with praise and a treat.
Using positive reinforcement is vital for teaching your cat to fetch. Each time they bring back the toy or treat, shower them with praises and rewards. This will reinforce their understanding that bringing the item back to you is a desirable behavior. Over time, you can gradually increase the distance of the throw and encourage your cat to fetch from different locations. With patience and consistency, your cat will become a pro at this classic game.
Spin
Teaching your cat to spin in a circle is an entertaining trick that will impress everyone with your cat’s agility. Start by using a lure or treat to guide your cat in a circular motion. Hold the treat close to their nose and slowly move it in a circle, encouraging them to follow it with their head and body. As they complete the circular movement, say the command “spin” and reward them with the treat.
Linking the command with a hand motion can reinforce your cat’s understanding of the desired behavior. Use a circular hand motion as you guide your cat in a circle with the treat. This visual cue will help your cat connect the command “spin” with the action of turning in a circle. Remember to praise and reward your cat each time they successfully spin, and with practice, they will be spinning on command in no time!
Play Dead
Teaching your cat to play dead is an adorable trick that will have everyone saying “aww.” Start by gently placing your cat on their side, in a relaxed and comfortable position. As they lie still, say the command “play dead” and reward them with treats and affectionate praise. It is essential to ensure your cat feels comfortable and safe during this trick, so never force them into an uncomfortable position.
Using a verbal cue along with a hand signal can help your cat understand the command more clearly. Pair the verbal cue “play dead” with a hand motion, like pointing your finger at them or making a gun gesture with your hand. This repetitive combination of verbal and visual cues will make it easier for your cat to associate the command with the required action. Remember to reward your cat generously each time they perform the trick correctly.
Come When Called
Teaching your cat to come when called is an essential command that can ensure their safety and give you peace of mind. Start by using a clicker and treats to reinforce your cat’s understanding of the command. Begin in a small and quiet area, such as a bathroom or a hallway, to minimize distractions. Call your cat’s name and when they come to you, immediately click the clicker and reward them with a treat.
Building a strong recall command requires regular practice and reinforcement. Gradually increase the difficulty level by calling your cat from different rooms or from the outdoors. Ensure that each time your cat comes to you, they are rewarded with their favorite treats and enthusiastic praise. This will reinforce their understanding that coming to you when called is always a positive and rewarding experience. With consistency and patience, your cat will become a pro at responding to your call.