5 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Cat (Yes, Really!)

So, you’ve decided your cat is more than just a couch potato with whiskers? Good. Let’s level up their skills—and impress your friends in the process—with some cool tricks you can teach them.

Yes, cats are trainable. No, it won’t make them a dog. Cats are still cats, which means they’ll do what you want when they want… but that’s part of their charm, right?

Here are five awesome tricks your feline friend can learn, along with some tips to make the process less, well, chaotic 😉

1. High Five: Because Your Cat Deserves to Be a Star

Let’s start with an easy one. Teaching your cat to high-five is a simple crowd-pleaser that’ll make you look like the ultimate pet whisperer. Plus, it’s ridiculously cute. Who doesn’t want a tiny paw boop?

How to Teach It:

• Step 1: Grab some irresistible treats. (If your cat doesn’t come running when they hear the treat bag, do you even have a cat?)
• Step 2: Hold a treat in your hand, just above their paw.
• Step 3: When your cat reaches up to swat at it, say “High five!” and reward them immediately.
• Step 4: Repeat. Like, a lot. Cats need repetition to connect the dots, but don’t overdo it—five minutes is plenty per session.

Pro tip: Timing is everything. Reward the second their paw touches your hand, or they’ll think you’re just handing out snacks for fun. Which, let’s face it, they’d be fine with.

2. Sit: Because Cats Can Be Polite Too

Okay, “sit” might sound like a dog trick, but hear me out. Teaching your cat to sit on command can make mealtime less chaotic, especially if your furry tornado thinks food prep time equals zoomies.

How to Teach It:

• Step 1: Hold a treat just above your cat’s head, so they have to look up.
• Step 2: Slowly move the treat back toward their tail. Cats naturally plop their butt down when they’re looking up like this.
• Step 3: As their bottom hits the floor, say “Sit!” and give them the treat.
• Step 4: Repeat until they get it. And yes, they will get it. Eventually.

Hot tip: Keep sessions short and sweet. Cats have an attention span about as long as a TikTok, so don’t push your luck.

3. Come When Called: No, Really

Cats usually come when called… if it’s dinner. But what if you could summon your feline overlord at any time? Teaching them this trick is a game-changer, especially when they’re hiding in the one spot you swore you checked 20 times.

How to Teach It:

• Step 1: Use their name or a specific word, like “Come,” paired with their favorite treat or toy.
• Step 2: Start in a quiet room with no distractions (good luck with that).
• Step 3: Call them enthusiastically. When they come to you, reward them like they just solved world hunger.
• Step 4: Slowly increase the distance, and eventually try calling them from another room.

Pro tip: Don’t use this command unless you’re giving a reward. If they come running just to hear you say, “Oops, no treat,” they’ll ghost you faster than a bad Tinder match.

4. Spin: Fancy and Fun

Want to turn your cat into a little ballerina? Teaching them to spin is surprisingly easy and super entertaining. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some of that 3 a.m. chaos energy.

How to Teach It:

• Step 1: Hold a treat in front of their nose.
• Step 2: Slowly move the treat in a circle, encouraging them to follow it.
• Step 3: Say “Spin!” as they complete the turn, and reward them like the champion they are.
• Step 4: Practice until they can do it without the treat lure (just hand gestures).

Pro tip: Use a big, sweeping hand motion so they don’t get confused. Cats are visual learners, after all.

5. Jump Through a Hoop: For Circus-Level Coolness

This one’s for the overachievers out there. Teaching your cat to jump through a hoop will definitely impress your friends—and probably make you a little smug. (You earned it.)

How to Teach It:

• Step 1: Start with a low hoop or even a hula hoop held at floor level.
• Step 2: Use a treat to lure your cat through the hoop.
• Step 3: As they step or jump through, say “Jump!” and reward them immediately.
• Step 4: Gradually raise the hoop higher as they get more confident.

Hot tip: Keep the hoop steady, or your cat might lose interest faster than you lose Wi-Fi during a binge session.

Bonus Tips for Cat Training Success:

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Cats don’t respond well to scolding (surprise, surprise). Keep it fun and rewarding.
• Find Their Motivation: Some cats love treats; others go wild for toys. Use whatever gets their tail twitching.
• Be Patient: Cats are independent creatures, so training takes time. Don’t expect miracles overnight.
• End on a High Note: Always finish a training session with something your cat can easily do, like a high five or a simple sit. That way, they’ll associate training with success.

FAQ

Q: Can older cats learn tricks, or is this just for kittens?
A: Absolutely! Age is just a number. While kittens might pick things up faster because they’re curious little maniacs, older cats can learn tricks too. You might just need a little extra patience.

Q: What if my cat isn’t interested in treats?
A: Some cats prefer play over snacks. Try using a favorite toy or laser pointer instead of treats. Find what motivates your cat and use that.

Q: How long does it take for a cat to learn a trick?
A: It depends on the cat (surprise, surprise). Some will nail it in a few days, while others might take weeks. The key is consistency and keeping it fun.

Q: My cat gets bored easily. What should I do?
A: Keep training sessions short—around 5 minutes. Cats have the attention span of a goldfish when it comes to new stuff. Mix up the tricks to keep things fresh.

Q: Can I teach my cat to stop doing annoying things, like scratching the couch?
A: Technically, yes! Use the same positive reinforcement techniques to redirect their behavior. Just don’t expect them to apologize for past crimes.

Final Thoughts

Training your cat isn’t just about showing off (though, let’s be real, that’s a bonus). It’s a fun way to bond with your feline overlord and keep their clever little brain active. Sure, it takes some patience, but seeing them nail a trick? Totally worth it.

Remember, every cat is different. If yours would rather stare at you like you’re an idiot than high-five, that’s okay too. Sometimes the real trick is just loving them for the sassy, quirky creatures they are. And hey, if they learn a trick or two? Consider it a bonus.