Cats are capable of learning simple tricks when training is approached with patience and positive reinforcement.
Many cats enjoy mental challenges that allow them to engage their natural curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Short, reward-based training sessions tend to work best and help keep cats interested rather than overwhelmed.
Teaching tricks can also strengthen communication and trust between cats and their owners.
Understanding what motivates your cat is key to making training enjoyable for both of you.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Cats vary in temperament, motivation, and learning style.
Always use gentle, reward-based methods and stop if your cat shows signs of stress.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Sit On Command
Getting your cat to sit might sound like a dog trick, but felines can master this basic behaviour with patience and tasty rewards.
Hold a treat above your cat’s head and slowly move it backward over their ears.
Most cats will naturally lower their hindquarters to keep their eyes on the prize.
Once their bottom touches the ground, say the word “sit” clearly and immediately offer the treat.
Repeat this process several times daily, keeping sessions short to maintain interest.
Within a week or two, your cat may begin sitting on command without needing the hand motion, responding just to your voice alone.
2. High Five
This adorable trick turns your cat into the star of any gathering and is surprisingly simple to teach.
Start by getting your cat’s attention with a treat held in your closed fist.
When they reach out with their paw to investigate, gently tap their pad with your open palm.
Immediately reward this contact with the treat and plenty of praise.
Gradually raise your hand higher each session until your cat lifts their paw to meet yours at chest level.
Add the verbal cue “high five” once the motion becomes consistent, and soon you’ll have a trick that impresses everyone who visits.
3. Come When Called
Teaching recall can actually save your cat’s life in emergency situations while making daily routines much smoother.
Begin training in a quiet room with minimal distractions, using your cat’s favourite treats as motivation.
Say their name followed by “come” in an upbeat, inviting tone.
When they approach you, reward them instantly with treats and affection.
Practice this multiple times throughout the day, gradually increasing the distance between you.
Eventually, try calling from different rooms, always making the experience positive so your cat associates coming to you with wonderful things rather than something unpleasant like bath time.
4. Jump Through A Hoop
Watching a cat leap gracefully through a hoop feels like having your own miniature circus performer at home.
Start with a large hula hoop or embroidery hoop resting on the floor.
Lure your cat through the opening using a treat or favourite toy, rewarding them each time they walk through.
Slowly raise the hoop a few centimetres off the ground during subsequent sessions.
Your cat will eventually need to hop over the bottom edge, which naturally progresses into jumping.
Keep raising the height gradually until they’re confidently soaring through the hoop, and always celebrate their athletic achievement with enthusiastic praise.
5. Shake Hands
Few things are more charming than a polite cat offering their paw for a proper handshake.
This trick builds on your cat’s natural tendency to use their paws when investigating objects.
Sit facing your cat and gently tap the back of one front paw while holding a treat in your other hand.
When they lift their paw even slightly, capture it in your hand, say “shake,” and immediately provide the reward.
Cats usually catch on quickly because the motion feels intuitive to them.
Soon your feline will be extending their paw voluntarily whenever you offer your hand, creating a delightful greeting ritual between you both.
6. Spin In A Circle
Transform your living room into a dance floor by teaching your cat to twirl on cue.
Hold a treat near your cat’s nose and slowly guide them in a circular path, moving the treat in a complete loop.
Their body will naturally follow their head as they track the reward.
Once they complete a full rotation, give them the treat and lots of verbal encouragement.
Practice spinning in both directions to keep things balanced and prevent dizziness.
After several successful repetitions, introduce the word “spin” or “turn” just before you begin the hand motion, helping your cat connect the verbal command with the action.
7. Fetch A Toy
Believe it or not, some cats are natural retrievers who genuinely enjoy this classic game.
Choose a lightweight toy your cat already loves, such as a small ball or crinkle mouse.
Toss it a short distance and watch their reaction closely.
Many cats will instinctively chase and grab the toy in their mouth.
If yours brings it back even partway, reward that behaviour immediately with treats or playtime.
Gradually encourage them to return the toy closer to you before offering the reward.
Some felines become so enthusiastic about fetch that they’ll drop toys at your feet, demanding another throw like any devoted retriever would.
8. Roll Over
This advanced trick requires trust and flexibility but creates an absolutely delightful spectacle when mastered.
Wait until your cat is already lying down in a relaxed position.
Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it toward their shoulder blade, encouraging them to twist their head backward.
As they follow the treat, their body should naturally begin to roll onto their side.
Continue guiding the treat over their body until they complete a full roll.
Reward them immediately and celebrate this accomplishment enthusiastically.
Break the trick into smaller steps if needed, rewarding partial rolls before expecting the complete motion, and always train on a soft surface for comfort.
9. Wave Goodbye
End every visit on a memorable note by teaching your cat to wave farewell like a tiny, furry celebrity.
This trick builds directly on the “shake hands” behaviour.
Once your cat reliably offers their paw, start pulling your hand away slightly before they make contact.
Your cat will likely swipe at the air trying to reach your hand, which creates the waving motion you want.
Immediately reward this air swipe and add the verbal cue “wave” or “bye-bye.”
With consistent practice, your cat will learn to raise and move their paw in that distinctive waving gesture whenever you say the command, creating an endearing farewell routine that guests will absolutely adore.
