Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Trick Training Tabby: How to Teach Cats Tricks

by | Mar 29, 2020 | Cat Behavior & Care | 0 comments

With many of us confined to home, and our cats demanding more attention, I’ve heard from many folks wondering how to manage pestering kitties. Others have adopted a new kitten (bless you!) and are at a loss what to do. Why not train cats? Training offers one of the best ways to connect with new kitties or enhance the bond with our longtime cat friends. We expect our dogs to know basic manners, and rarely feel surprised if King offers a “sit” on command, or a paws-up to “shake” when asked. But folks guffaw at the mere mention of cat training. This may be the purr-fect time to teach Tabby some tricks!

teach cats tricks

Training Cats

Cats train as readily (or even more easily) than dogs. Just think of how quickly that kitten learns litter box etiquette from watching Mom or figures out how to open the kitchen cupboard that holds catnip treats. During dog-drill exercises cats often begin to mimic the canines’ sit-stay routine because they want in on the fun–cats come by the term “copycat” quite honestly. Cats need an incentive to do the right thing–like limit countertop cruising.

Perhaps you wish to amaze doubting friends. High-energy felines find trouble when not given something to engage their busy brains, so some folks train Tabby out of self-defense to prevent feline marauders. But more than anything else, training and communicating with your cat enriches the bond you share, brings you closer together, and rewards you both immeasurably.

The trick to training Tabby lies in identifying natural behaviors and then explaining to her THAT’S what you want by paying the cat for performing.

kitten climbing ladder

Train Cats to Do What Comes Naturally

Anything Tabby does on her own becomes fair game to add to a “trick” repertoire. Make a list of the normal behaviors, as well as some of her odd foibles, to compile a trick list. Maybe your cat chases your feet–can you put that behavior on cue to make it into a trick? Or if your cat meows all the time, why not teach her to SPEAK on command?

Common behaviors include sit, come, and speak since all cats do one or more of these things in their everyday life. Depending on the cat you might also add sit-up/beg, wave (cats always reach out with a paw!), or even fetch. Siamese kitties seem most inclined to enjoy retrieve games. Maybe you could promote his jumping ability and train him to leap through the circle of your arms.

Once you’ve identified possible behaviors, watch for when the cat naturally performs them. For example, often you can predict that Tabby always runs to the door when you return from work, or races to the food bowl for dinner. These habits can be used to train a reliable “come.”

trick training cats

Cat Training Rewards: Payday!

Dogs often relish verbal praise and perform for that alone. While cats also appreciate praise, more tangible rewards such as petting, toys or treats get the message across much more effectively. Cats crave different things, so figure out what floats your cat’s boat and gets his purr a-rumbling. Here are some people foods that are safe for cats.

Toys and games often work well. Pheasant feathers seem irresistible, especially to kittens and can be used to lure a particular behavior by snaking along the ground or waving for an outstretched paw to snare. Once you’ve figured out Tabby’s favorite, reserve it for use only as a reward. Make her earn it before the games begin.

For food-motivated cats, treats work best for tempting and rewarding cats to perform a particular behavior. Offer something completely different than his usual diet that you reserve exclusively for training sessions. Commercial treats work well if the cat relishes them. Just break a single commercial cat treat into two or four pieces to make it last–you only need a nibble. If your cat usually eats dry kibble then choose tidbits of canned food for her treat reward.

Strong smelling treats work best. Offer something your cat loves–even people food such as meat baby food can work–since you only need a tiny taste. For instance, my cat Seren nearly does back-flips for a taste of cream cheese. A tiny smear on the end of my index finger provides her incentive to come when called, sit, sit up, and wave upon command.

Kitty Cues

Figure out a way to tell your cat you want to reward THAT (sit) behavior. One of the most effective ways involves using a clicker that makes a distinctive sound to mark a particular behavior. Learn how to clicker train here. You can also use your voice, but as we all know, cats sometimes learn to ignore our conversation. A clicker–or the click of a ballpoint, or snick of a stapler–provides a unique sound that teaches Tabby, “The click means I did something right.”

Clicker training works this way. You watch for Tabby to perform (on her own, at her leisure) one of the behaviors you’ve identified. Perhaps she’s walking across the living room, then stops at the window and sits–as her furry bottom hits the carpet, you CLICK! and then immediately produce her reward of choice (treat, toy, scritches).

She’s likely to get up and mew or solicit more treats, and you ignore her until/unless she again happens to sit CLICK! she gets another reward. Very often by the time the cat hears a third or fourth CLICK followed by a treat, she puts it together that if she sits–owner CLICKS and pays her for the behavior.

This first lesson may take the longest, but once Tabby figures out the CLICK communicates your approval, she’ll look for other ways to earn a reward and your positive attention. You can put clicker training, bribes, and luring to work to teach cats several tricks. Here are a few to get you started.

cat training

Cats easily train themselves to come when called at dinner time. They associate the sound of kibble in the bowl, or the whirrr of the can opener and come running for this cue. Use that natural behavior to train Tabby.

Use the command “come!” each time you fill his bowl, and when he arrives, CLICK and then offer his dinner. Do this faithfully for a couple of weeks to associate the word COME with being fed and a bonus reward.

Next, load your pockets with his favorite treat or toy and give the “come!” command at another time, from a different place in the house. When he arrives, CLICK and give him his reward. Repeat the exercise for another two weeks.

Finally, for the next couple of weeks practice the “come!” at both mealtimes and at different times and places, and CLICK each time but only give him a treat every third or fourth time. This teaches Kitty that he’ll almost always get a treat when he comes–he never knows when for sure, so he’ll be more likely to respond every time on the chance he’ll get the reward.

Once your cat learns how to come when called avoid using this command for any negative reason. In other words, if you must clip claws, take her to the veterinarian, or chastise her, simply go collect the cat rather than ask her to come. Otherwise, you risk teaching Tabby that COME means she’ll have something nasty done to her person, and she’ll quickly un-learn the behavior.

Teach Cats to Sit

Use Tabby’s favorite treat or toy. Pheasant feathers work great for this. Rather than waiting for the cat to sit on her own, you can lure the behavior and then reward Tabby with the CLICK and treat.

With the cat standing before you hold the feather or treat directly over her head, and slowly move it backward. In order to follow the lure with her eyes and not fall over, Tabby must plant her tail.

As soon as touch down takes place, time your “sit!” command and CLICK to coincide with the action, then reward with the treat or access to the feather. Some cats, like my Seren, will learn to run to you and sit down just to see if they can get their own personal “treat machine” to pay up!

training cats

Training Cats to Beg

You can easily teach a “howdy” wave from the sitting position. Cats naturally reach out with paws to grab enticing objects, so use the feature lure or treat to tempt the cat to “wave” with one or the other paw. Most cats have a dominant (right paw, left paw) they’ll offer first. Remember to time your CLICK and treat appropriately to explain/communicate to the cat exactly what you’re looking for.

A “beg” position with both paws up comes more naturally to some cats than others. Much depends on Tabby’s body conformation, with overweight or out of shape cats more challenged. Cats who perform this behavior naturally may learn the trick readily simply by you holding the treat or feather toy slightly above her head while she’s in a seated position. CLICK and treat reward any attempt at first, even if at first she can’t keep her balance. With practice, she’ll improve, and do you both proud.

Learn more about how to clicker train cats and dogs on this page.

So now share your cats’ favorite tricks. Do your kitties come when called? Meow-speak on command? Walk nicely on a leash? Do tell!

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

0 Comments

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Best Pet Door and Pet Gate Options: How to Train Pets to Use Baby GateAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Dogs and cats naturally nose poke, paw, and sniff objects to explore and play with their world. Cats also…
  2. Kitten Litter Box Training: Learn How to Potty Train CatsAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Cats are very smart. They usually teach US rather than the other way around. Here’s how to trick train…
  3. Potty Training Puppies? Here's How To House Train PuppiesAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Oh, and you can also trick train cats! Here’s how. […]
  4. Dog Training & Cat Training: How to Clicker Train PetsAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] ← Previous Next → […]

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Cat Fight! What to Do

How do you stop a cat fight? And how do you know if the cat fighting turns serious—rather than just kitten play? Shadow-Pup thinks it’s great fun to chase and wrestle with Karma-Kat. We supervise, of course, and interrupt the play should one or the other object.

If you’re looking for help with dog aggression, go here.

There are many kinds of cat aggression, and many are perfectly normal behaviors. Certainly, it’s not fair to you or the cats to allow cats to fight. Learn how to recognize the potential and reasons behind cat aggression and fighting cats, and what you can do.

Welcome Trinity-Kitty: New Kitten Baby Makes Three!

On Monday September 11, 2023, a tiny speck of a kitten made her presence known with very loud MEWS and a personality way bigger than anyone expected. Hungry, full of fleas, and the expected roundworms (and probably tapes because…fleas), her eyes and ears looked too big for her delicate wedge-shaped face.

Now, I get alerts about “found” kittens all the time, and sadly, can’t take any of them. This baby proved different in so many ways–only some of which I can share. While at the grocery picking up kitten food, my husband called and I explained my next stop at church—Trinity Lutheran—where I hoped to find a forever-home for the baby with a family who tragically lost a beloved kitty. And I told him if that didn’t work out, we likely had a third furry wonder for our home.

My friends at church, not yet ready to welcome a new pet, meant that the kitten came home with me. It seems that the Higher Being with whom all things are possible, made sure she found her way to us. He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

Everyone who shares a home (and heart) with a dog at some point must deal with dog poop problems. Learning what’s normal, to yellow colored stool, or learning how serious blood in dog’s stool diarrhea may be helps get your dog help. While it may not be the most appealing topic, learning about your dog’s “creativity” offers important insight into his health.

Not only his food, but also your dog’s environment and emotional state, affects how his body works. Fear, anxiety, and stress can change a dog’s behavior, but also can disrupt digestion and cause enteritis. That in turn affects his poop.

Recognizing healthy elimination helps pet owners alert to abnormal eliminations. That way, when necessary, you can get your dog prompt medical help to diagnose and treat problems before they become worse.

BREAKING NEWS! Amy’s Book Sales Direct–Discounted Thrillers & Pet Nonfiction

I created an online store to sell my digital and print titles DIRECT TO YOU! In today’s world, with so much up in the air, many authors now make direct book sales available, because we control the price (and can DISCOUNT to you!), and because … well, I have control over Amy Shojai’s books.

Yes, you can still find all of my titles on the various platforms (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, GooglePlay, Audible, Chirp and more). This way, though, I earn more on each sale while offering you, dear readers, a better deal than other retailers. That means I can write more books, update existing titles, and keep providing you with what you need.

Read on to learn more about Amy Shojai Books Direct!

Why Dogs Look Guilty: Do Dogs Feel Guilty or Embarrassed?

When your dog meets you at the door, head low with ears slicked back and eyes averted, is that a canine apology? Does your dog look guilty? The behaviors certainly mimic what humans associate with feeling shame or apology.

We know dogs can feel grief, but whether guilty behavior accurately reflects the dog’s true feelings is open to debate. Learn more about what your dog says with these behaviors!

Adopting “Other-Abled” and Less Adoptable Pets

September 19-25 is National Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week, founded by PetFinder.com. The organization encourages shelters and rescues to create special week-long events devoted to giving overlooked pets like those with disabilities a better chance at finding homes.

This struck a chord with me, especially after living with a tri-pawd dog when Bravo lost his leg. He didn’t act disabled, though. Have you ever adopted an other-abled pet or less adoptable pet?

What Is A Less Adoptable Pet

Why less adoptable? They’re the wrong breed or have special needs. Overlooked pets include deaf dogs or deaf cats, blind pets, or those missing a limb. Many folks prefer the ‘perfect’ cute puppy or kitten and don’t want a crippled pet, or just don’t like the color of the dog or cat. Of course, we know black dogs and cats, and those with only one eye, or three legs, still love us with all their furry hearts! Read on…

Avoid Puppy Mills with this 10 Question Check List!

Know the Puppy Mill Score—Puppy Source Check List There are many places to find your dream puppy, and some are clearly better options than others. Avoid puppy mills at all cost. Of course, your heart can overrule logic if you are smitten by a needy baby, but...

Why Do Cats Fight After Vet Visits? How to Stop Cat Bashing

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and Kitty no longer fears the carrier and handles the car ride with almost no signs of fear, anxiety or stress. Kitty purrs and cheek-bonks the veterinary technicians, and barely notices the doctor’s exam through all the petting and tasty treats. But as soon as you get home, Kitty’s former feline friends snub him, or worse. Why do cats fight after vet visits? What’s up with all the cat bashing?

What A Pain! Understanding Pet Pain & What to Do When Pets Hurt

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so I wanted to share this vital information again. We know pain hurts, but pain in pets and treating pet pain when pets hurt confuses us. They can’t tell us they feel pain, or where it hurts. Not like humans.

Because I get to work at home, there are certain perks I enjoy–such as going barefoot to work. But one afternoon last fall I moved too fast and kicked the whey outta my big toe. This wasn’t just a stubbed toe, either—it lifted and peeled the nail back to the quick, bled everywhere and hurt like the devil! Yes, I said a few choice words as I hobbled down the stairs from my office (trying not to leave a bloody trail) to get bandage material. Ooooooh, that puppy throbbed and made me whimper and howl, let me tell you.
I understand how Magical-Dawg felt several years ago. After a run in the field playing fetch, he started shivering when he came inside. The ninety-degree weather argued that he was not chilled. I checked him head-to-tail, and found nothing wrong. But later in the week, he again started shivering, and even growled at me when I asked him to move—very uncharacteristic.

Finally, after several days and two vet visits, we figured out his problem. He’d torn a dewclaw back to the quick. it hadn’t come off, so the injury remained hidden. Seren-kitty had this happen once, too, when her claw caught on bedding as she leaped from the pillow. She hid. But Magic’s short temper, shivers, and hyper-alert behavior resulted from being in pain. Here’s what you need to know to help your pets.

Pet First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives

Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.

Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships