Easy Tricks to Teach Your Cat Effectively

Who said cats are impossible to train?

It is a myth and we are here to break it.

To all the cat parents out there, we’ve got you.

Everybody loves a well-bred and well-behaved cat.

If you are worried about your feline not being trained enough or confused about your training’s start point, set them aside.

We have for you a collection of 100 tips and tricks to train your fuzzball and make sure they behave.

1. High-Five

This trick is not only adorable but also a great way to bond with your cat. Teaching your cat to high-five is a simple way to introduce them to positive reinforcement training. Cats naturally lift their paws to bat at things, making this an easy behavior to shape. It’s a great party trick that will impress your friends!

How to Teach:
Hold a treat near your cat’s paw and wait for them to raise it. When they do, touch their paw lightly with your hand and say “high-five.” Reward immediately. Repeat until they associate the action with the command.

2. Sit

Training your cat to sit on command can be useful for calming them down before meals or during vet visits. It also helps reinforce patience and focus. Many cats naturally sit before pouncing, so this trick taps into their instincts. It’s an easy and practical skill to teach!

How to Teach:
Hold a treat above your cat’s head and slowly move it backward. As their eyes follow the treat, they’ll naturally lower their body into a sitting position. The moment they sit, say “sit” and reward them.

3. Shake Hands

A classic trick that makes your cat look like a refined little gentleman! This trick is similar to a high-five but involves your cat gently placing their paw in your hand. It’s great for socialization and makes interactions with strangers smoother.

How to Teach:
Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your cat paw at it. When they touch your hand with their paw, say “shake,” open your hand, and reward them. Keep repeating until they offer their paw on command.

4. Spin in a Circle

This trick adds some fun movement to your cat’s routine. It encourages coordination and keeps their mind engaged. Cats love chasing things, so they’ll be excited to follow your hand in a circle. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep them active.

How to Teach:
Hold a treat in front of your cat’s nose and slowly move it in a circular motion. As they follow, say “spin” and reward them once they complete the turn. Gradually remove the treat and use only the command.

5. Jump Through a Hoop

A perfect trick for energetic cats who love to jump! It stimulates their natural leaping instincts while adding an entertaining challenge. You can start with a large hoop and gradually make it smaller as they get comfortable.

How to Teach:
Hold a hoop on the ground and lure your cat through with a treat. Slowly lift the hoop higher as they get used to jumping through it. Use a command like “jump” and reward after each successful attempt.

6. Come When Called

This is one of the most useful tricks, especially for outdoor cats. Training your cat to come when called improves their safety and strengthens your bond. It also helps when you need to find them quickly.

How to Teach:
Call your cat’s name and immediately reward them when they come to you. Start with short distances and gradually increase them. Use a treat or their favorite toy as motivation.

7. Fetch

Believe it or not, some cats love to fetch just like dogs! This trick gives them a chance to engage their hunting instincts. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained indoors.

How to Teach:
Throw a small toy your cat likes. When they pick it up, encourage them to bring it back with a treat or praise. Reward them when they return the toy and repeat until they associate the action with the command.

8. Stand on Two Legs

This trick is super cute and helps with balance and coordination. Cats often stand on their hind legs to reach for things, so this trick plays into their natural instincts.

How to Teach:
Hold a treat above their head and encourage them to reach for it. When they lift their front paws off the ground, say “stand” and reward them. Repeat until they can hold the position for a few seconds.

9. Open a Door (Paw Targeting)

Cats love exploring, and teaching them to open doors can be both practical and fun. This trick works best with lightweight doors or cabinets.

How to Teach:
Stick a treat on the door handle and encourage your cat to paw at it. Once they push it open, reward them. Repeat until they associate pawing with opening the door.

10. Use a Toilet Instead of a Litter Box

A challenging but rewarding trick that saves you from scooping litter! It takes patience, but some cats can learn to use the toilet just like humans.

How to Teach:
Gradually move their litter box closer to the toilet. Then, place it on top of the toilet seat. Over time, replace the litter box with a toilet training kit. Reward every successful attempt.

11. Speak (Meow on Command)

Training your cat to meow on command can be fun and interactive. Some cats are naturally vocal, making this trick even easier.

How to Teach:
Find a situation where your cat naturally meows (e.g., before meals). Say “speak” right before they meow, then reward them. Repeat until they associate the word with the action.

12. Walk on a Leash

Perfect for adventurous cats who love the outdoors! A leash allows your cat to safely explore outside without the risks of roaming freely.

How to Teach:
Introduce the harness indoors first, letting them wear it without the leash. Once comfortable, attach the leash and practice short walks in a safe space. Reward calm behavior.

13. Turn Off a Light

A cool and practical trick that shows off your cat’s intelligence! This works well for light switches at their height.

How to Teach:
Use a treat to guide their paw to the light switch. Once they touch it, reward them. Repeat until they understand how to turn the light on and off.

14. Ring a Bell for Food

Teaching your cat to ring a bell when they want food adds a fun and interactive element to mealtime.

How to Teach:
Place a small bell near their food bowl. Every time before feeding, tap their paw on the bell. Soon, they’ll associate ringing with getting food.

15. Go to Bed on Command

This trick helps establish a bedtime routine and ensures your cat rests in their designated spot.

How to Teach:
Lead your cat to their bed with a treat while saying “go to bed.” Reward them when they settle down. Repeat until they go to bed without needing the treat.