6 Amazing Tricks to Teach Your Cat in 2025

When you think of a trainable pet, your mind likely jumps to a dog eagerly awaiting its next command. But what if we told you that your independent, nap-loving feline possesses a hidden genius for learning? The truth is, cats are incredibly intelligent animals capable of learning complex behaviors with the right motivation and positive reinforcement.

Training is much more than just showing off; it's a powerful tool for enrichment. It deepens your bond, builds your cat's confidence, and provides essential mental stimulation that prevents boredom. Forget the old stereotypes about aloof felines. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step roadmap for teaching your cat impressive skills.

In this listicle, we will explore six specific tricks to teach your cat, transforming their natural instincts into fun and engaging behaviors. We'll cover everything from foundational commands like "sit" to advanced feats that will surprise your friends and, more importantly, enrich your cat's life. Let's begin the journey of discovering just how clever your feline companion truly is.

1. Teaching Your Cat to Sit

Teaching a cat to sit on command is more than just a party trick; it's a foundational behavior that establishes a clear line of communication between you and your feline friend. This command, popularized by clicker training pioneer Karen Pryor and cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, leverages positive reinforcement to shape a natural behavior into a reliable response. It serves as a gateway to more complex tricks and can be a useful tool for managing your cat's behavior in various situations, like during feeding times or vet visits.

The core principle involves guiding your cat into a sit and immediately rewarding the action, creating a positive association. This simple interaction builds confidence and strengthens your bond. A well-trained "sit" can help redirect unwanted behaviors, such as jumping on counters, and provides a constructive way for your cat to earn rewards.

How to Teach the "Sit" Command

Follow these steps to make teaching this trick a success. Remember that patience and consistency are your most valuable tools.

1. Prepare Your Tools: Arm yourself with high-value treats. These aren't your cat's everyday kibble; think small, pea-sized pieces of cooked chicken, tuna, or a commercial treat they absolutely love. A clicker is optional but highly effective for marking the precise moment of the desired behavior.
2. Lure into Position: Hold a treat near your cat’s nose. Slowly lift the treat up and slightly back over their head. As their nose follows the treat upward, their hindquarters will naturally lower into a sitting position.
3. Mark and Reward: The instant your cat's rear touches the floor, say "Yes!" or click your clicker, and immediately give them the treat. Timing is crucial for your cat to understand exactly what action earned the reward.
4. Add the Verbal Cue: Once your cat reliably sits with the food lure, start adding the verbal cue. Say "Sit" just before you begin the luring motion. With repetition, they will associate the word with the action.
5. Fade the Lure: Gradually phase out the food lure, first by using just the hand motion without a treat in it (but still rewarding after), and eventually by relying only on the verbal command "Sit."

Pro-Tips for Success

• Timing is Everything: Conduct short training sessions (5-10 minutes max) right before mealtime when your cat is most motivated by food.
• Create a Calm Environment: Start in a quiet room with minimal distractions to help your cat focus.
• Keep it Positive: Never punish your cat for not performing the trick. End each session on a positive note, even if it’s just for trying.

Key Insight: Training is a fantastic form of mental enrichment. Teaching your cat tricks like "sit" engages their mind, preventing boredom and a range of associated behavioral issues. Engaging in these activities can also help ease stress, a valuable benefit for felines prone to anxious behaviors. You can discover more about feline stress by exploring some common cat separation anxiety signs to watch for.

2. High-Five/Paw Shake

Teaching your cat to "high-five" or "shake" is a delightful and engaging trick that builds on their natural pawing instincts. Popularized by social media stars and used effectively in animal-assisted therapy, this command transforms a simple interaction into a moment of connection and fun. It's one of the most endearing tricks to teach your cat, creating a tangible point of contact that reinforces your bond and shows off your cat's intelligence.

The trick involves rewarding your cat for lifting their paw to touch your hand. Whether you aim for an upright "high-five" or a lower "paw shake," the training process leverages positive reinforcement to shape this behavior. Beyond being adorable, this command helps your cat become more comfortable with having their paws handled, which can be incredibly useful for nail trims and vet checkups.

How to Teach the "High-Five" Command

Follow these steps to teach your cat this charming trick. Consistency and a positive attitude are key to success.

1. Prepare Your Tools: Just like with sitting, have high-value treats ready to go. These should be small, irresistible morsels that your cat doesn't get every day. A clicker can be used here as well to precisely mark the desired behavior.
2. Capture the Paw Movement: Hold a treat in your closed fist and place your hand on the floor in front of your cat. When they paw at your hand to get the treat, click or say "Yes!" and immediately open your hand to give them the reward. Repeat this several times.
3. Shape the Behavior: Once your cat is reliably pawing your closed fist, start presenting your open, empty hand in the "high-five" or "shake" position. When their paw touches your palm, mark the moment and reward them with a treat from your other hand.
4. Add the Verbal Cue: When your cat consistently touches your open hand, begin adding the verbal cue. Say "High-Five" or "Shake" just before you present your hand. Over time, they will associate the phrase with the action of touching your hand with their paw.
5. Refine the Motion: Gradually raise your hand higher for a "high-five" or keep it low for a "shake," depending on what you're teaching. Continue to reward them as they successfully make contact in the new position.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Moment: Initiate training when your cat is relaxed and content, not when they are overly energetic or sleepy.
• Start Small: In the beginning, reward any movement of the paw towards your hand, even if it doesn't make contact. This encourages them to keep trying.
• Keep Sessions Brief: Limit training to just a few minutes per day to maintain your cat's interest and prevent frustration. Always end on a successful attempt.

Key Insight: This trick is more than just a performance; it’s a form of cooperative care and communication. By teaching your cat to voluntarily interact with your hand, you are building trust and confidence. This foundational trust is crucial for understanding your cat's more subtle cues. You can explore more about your feline's communication by understanding cat behavior and their hidden signals.

3. Come When Called

Training your cat to come when called is one of the most practical and potentially life-saving tricks to teach your cat. It transforms their name or a specific cue from a simple identifier into a reliable recall command, reinforcing your bond and ensuring their safety. This skill, championed by cat behaviorists like Pam Johnson-Bennett and the adventure cat community, demonstrates that cats can learn reliable recall, a behavior often associated more with dogs. A solid recall can be invaluable in emergencies, for bringing an outdoor cat inside, or simply for managing daily routines like mealtimes.

The principle is to create an overwhelmingly positive association with coming to you. By consistently rewarding your cat for responding to the cue, they learn that approaching you is always a beneficial and pleasant experience. This command is more than a convenience; it's a testament to the trust and communication you've built with your feline companion.

How to Teach the "Come" Command

Follow these steps to teach your cat to reliably come when called. Consistency and high-value rewards are the keys to success.

1. Prepare Your Tools: Choose a reward that is exceptionally motivating. This should be a special treat, not their regular food. Small pieces of tuna, shrimp, lickable treats, or bits of wet food work well. You'll also need a consistent verbal cue, like their name followed by "Come!" or a unique sound like a whistle or a specific click.
2. Start Close: Begin in a small, quiet room with no distractions. Sit on the floor and say your chosen cue when your cat is only a few feet away. Immediately show them the high-value treat.
3. Mark and Reward: The moment your cat starts moving toward you, praise them enthusiastically. When they reach you, give them the treat and some gentle affection. This immediate reward connects their action with the positive outcome.
4. Increase the Distance: Once your cat responds reliably from a short distance, gradually increase the space between you. Try calling them from another part of the room, and eventually from different rooms in the house.
5. Practice in New Environments: After mastering the command indoors, you can begin practicing in a safe, enclosed outdoor space like a catio or a yard on a harness and leash. The goal is for them to respond even with more distractions.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Keep it Positive: Never call your cat for something they dislike, such as giving medication or a nail trim. This will create a negative association and undo your training.
• High-Value Rewards Only: Use their absolute favorite treat exclusively for recall training to make the command feel extra special and worth obeying.
• Short and Sweet: Keep training sessions brief, around 5 minutes a day, to maintain your cat's interest and prevent them from getting bored or frustrated.

Key Insight: A strong recall command is an incredible tool for managing a cat’s environment and reducing stress. When a cat trusts that coming to you is a safe and rewarding action, it can help mitigate fear during startling events like a loud noise or unexpected guests. This sense of security is vital for their well-being, and you can explore more professional advice on vet-approved methods for cat anxiety relief.

4. Jumping Through Hoops

Teaching a cat to jump through a hoop is an impressive agility trick that showcases their incredible natural athleticism and intelligence. Popularized by performers like the Savitsky Cats and a staple in cat agility competitions, this trick involves training your cat to leap through a hoop on command. It’s a fantastic way to harness your cat’s innate ability to jump and pounce, channeling it into a fun, cooperative activity that builds trust and provides excellent physical exercise.

The trick relies on luring and shaping behavior, starting with simple actions and gradually building up to the final leap. Beyond being a showstopper, hoop jumping is a brilliant confidence builder for timid cats and a great source of stimulation for energetic ones. It strengthens your cat's problem-solving skills and reinforces your role as a provider of fun and rewards.

How to Teach the "Jumping Through Hoops" Command

Patience is key as you guide your cat through this multi-step trick. Use a standard hula hoop or a smaller, cat-specific agility hoop.

1. Introduce the Hoop: Start by simply placing the hoop on the ground. Let your cat investigate it at their own pace. Reward any interaction, like sniffing or touching it, with a treat and praise to build a positive association.
2. Lure Through the Hoop: Once your cat is comfortable with the hoop on the floor, use a high-value treat or a favorite toy to lure them to walk through it. As they pass through, mark the behavior with a "Yes!" or a click and give them the reward. Repeat this several times.
3. Start Lifting the Hoop: Begin to lift the hoop just an inch or two off the ground. Continue to lure your cat through it. They will now have to step over the bottom edge. Reward every successful pass-through.
4. Gradually Raise the Height: Over many short sessions, slowly increase the height of the hoop. The goal is to raise it just enough that your cat has to make a small hop to get through. Continue to lure and reward them.
5. Add the Verbal Cue: Once your cat is reliably hopping through the slightly raised hoop, add a verbal cue like "Hoop!" or "Jump!" right before you lure them. With enough repetition, they will connect the word with the action of going through the hoop.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Ensure a Soft Landing: Always practice on a soft surface like a rug or carpet to protect your cat's joints.
• Keep Sessions Brief: Cats have short attention spans. Keep training sessions to 5 minutes or less to maintain their interest and end on a positive note.
• Never Force It: Don't push your cat through the hoop. All interactions should be voluntary and positive to avoid creating fear or aversion.

Key Insight: Agility-based tricks to teach your cat, like jumping through hoops, are about more than just physical prowess. They satisfy a cat's instinctual need to hunt and explore their environment in three dimensions. This form of "work" provides a powerful outlet for their energy, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviors born from boredom.

5. Teaching Your Cat to Roll Over

Teaching your cat to roll over is an impressive and advanced trick that showcases a deep level of trust and communication. Unlike simpler commands, "roll over" asks your cat to move into a vulnerable position on its back, which goes against its natural survival instincts. Popularized by professional animal trainers and advanced clicker training specialists, mastering this trick is a true testament to the strong bond you've built and is one of the more challenging tricks to teach your cat.

This trick is built upon a foundation of other behaviors, requiring your cat to be comfortable and relaxed in your presence. The process involves breaking down a complex motion into tiny, manageable steps, each one rewarded to build momentum and confidence. Successfully teaching the roll over doesn't just add a fun command to your cat’s repertoire; it significantly enhances their comfort with being handled and builds problem-solving skills.

How to Teach the "Roll Over" Command

Patience is paramount for this trick. Ensure your cat has already mastered the "lie down" command before you begin.

1. Prepare Your Tools: Gather irresistible, high-value treats and a clicker if you use one. The location should be a soft, comfortable surface like a carpeted floor or a plush bed where your cat feels secure.
2. Start from "Lie Down": Ask your cat to lie down. Once they are in position, hold a treat near their nose and slowly guide it towards their shoulder, encouraging them to turn their head and shift their weight onto one hip.
3. Lure to the Side: As they shift their weight, continue the treat lure in an arc over their head, guiding them to lie completely on their side. Mark and reward this specific movement immediately. Practice this step until it becomes smooth and reliable.
4. Complete the Roll: Once your cat comfortably lies on its side, continue luring with the treat in a circular motion over their back. This encourages them to roll over completely to their other side to follow it. Mark and reward the instant they complete the full roll.
5. Add the Verbal Cue: When your cat can follow the lure consistently, start saying "Roll Over" just before you begin the hand motion. With enough repetition, the verbal cue alone will trigger the behavior.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Break It Down: This is a multi-step trick. Reward each small piece of progress: turning the head, shifting weight, lying on the side, and finally, the full roll.
• Comfort is Key: Only practice when your cat is relaxed and in a safe, familiar environment. A comfortable cat is more willing to be vulnerable.
• Follow Their Lead: Never force your cat to roll. If they resist, it means they are uncomfortable. End the session on a positive note with an easier trick and try again another day.

Key Insight: The environment plays a crucial role in advanced training. A cat that feels safe and secure is more likely to engage and trust you. Providing a cozy and dedicated space for rest can enhance their overall sense of well-being, making them more receptive during training sessions. You can learn more about creating a secure environment with a warm cat sleeping bag designed for comfort and security.

6. Retrieving Objects (Fetch)

Teaching a cat to play fetch shatters the old stereotype that this game is just for dogs. This engaging trick involves training your feline to chase a thrown object, pick it up, and bring it back to you. The behavior has been popularized by enthusiasts of active breeds like Bengals and Abyssinians, which often show a natural inclination to retrieve, and by cat behaviorists who champion interactive play as a form of therapy.

The core principle is to break down the complex action of fetching into small, rewardable steps. This interactive game is one of the best tricks to teach your cat as it provides crucial physical exercise and mental stimulation, helping to prevent boredom-related behaviors. For energetic or anxious cats, a focused game of fetch can be a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, strengthening your bond through positive, shared activity.

How to Teach the "Fetch" Command

Follow these steps to turn your cat into a retrieving pro. Success depends on celebrating small wins and building momentum over time.

1. Prepare Your Tools: Select a small, lightweight toy that your cat loves and can easily carry in its mouth. Crinkle balls, soft mice, or even a simple bottle cap can work wonders. Have high-value treats and a clicker (optional) ready.
2. Generate Interest: Start by teasing your cat with the toy to get them excited and engaged. Once they are focused on it, toss it a very short distance, just a foot or two away.
3. Mark and Reward Interaction: The moment your cat moves toward or touches the toy, click or say "Yes!" and give them a treat. Repeat this several times, rewarding any interaction with the object. This builds the association that interacting with the toy is a good thing.
4. Shape the "Bring Back" Behavior: Once your cat consistently goes to the toy, hold back the treat until they pick it up. Then, reward them for holding it. Gradually, start rewarding them only when they turn or step back toward you with the toy in their mouth. Use a treat to lure them closer to you.
5. Add the Verbal Cue: When your cat is reliably bringing the toy back, start saying "Fetch" or "Bring it" just as you throw the object. With enough practice, they will connect the verbal cue with the entire sequence of actions.

Pro-Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Space: Start training in a long, narrow space like a hallway. This minimizes distractions and naturally encourages your cat to return to you.
• Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Cats have short attention spans. Keep your training sessions under five minutes and always end on a positive note, especially when your cat is still engaged.
• Use the Right Toy: Experiment with different toys to see what your cat prefers. Objects that crinkle, have feathers, or contain catnip can be highly motivating.

Key Insight: Interactive play like fetch is a powerful tool for managing a cat's energy and anxiety. It mimics the natural "hunt, catch, kill, eat" sequence, providing deep behavioral satisfaction. If your cat struggles with stress, combining active play with other calming solutions can be highly effective. You can explore options like Hemp Calming Treats for Cats to further support a relaxed state of mind.

6 Cat Trick Training Comparison

Building a Lasting Bond Through Play and Patience

As we've explored, teaching your cat to sit, high-five, come when called, or even fetch is far more than just a party trick. It's a powerful exercise in communication and mutual respect. The journey of discovering which tricks to teach your cat is fundamentally about deepening your connection and providing vital mental stimulation that keeps your feline friend happy, engaged, and confident.

Each training session, no matter how short, is an investment in your relationship. You're not just rewarding a behavior; you are building a shared language based on positive reinforcement, patience, and understanding. This process transforms your daily interactions, moving beyond simple cohabitation into a dynamic partnership.

Key Takeaways for Successful Cat Training

To ensure your training journey is a resounding success, always remember these core principles:

• Patience is Paramount: Your cat learns at its own pace. Never force an interaction, and always end on a positive note, even if progress seems slow. The goal is a happy cat, not a perfect performance.
• Consistency Creates Clarity: Short, regular training sessions (just 5-10 minutes a day) are far more effective than long, infrequent ones. Consistency helps your cat understand and retain what they've learned.
• High-Value Rewards are a Must: Find what truly motivates your cat. Whether it's a specific type of treat, a favorite toy, or enthusiastic praise, a powerful motivator makes all the difference.

By embracing these concepts, you shift the focus from merely teaching tricks to enriching your cat's life. You provide them with problem-solving opportunities that prevent boredom and reduce anxiety, leading to a more balanced and contented companion. The confidence your cat gains from mastering a new skill, like jumping through a hoop or rolling over, will permeate other areas of their life.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Your journey doesn't end here. The most important step is to start. Choose one trick from this list that you feel most excited about and dedicate the next week to practicing it with your cat. Observe their reactions, celebrate the smallest attempts, and enjoy the process of learning together. Remember that the ultimate reward isn't the trick itself, but the strengthened bond you forge along the way. You are building a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime, unlocking new layers of your cat's incredible personality and intelligence.

After a fun and stimulating training session, give your clever cat the gift of ultimate relaxation. The Flufer Store offers luxurious calming pet beds designed to provide a secure, comfortable sanctuary where your cat can decompress and recharge for their next lesson. Visit the Flufer Store to find the perfect retreat for your talented companion.