How to Teach Your Cat Basic Tricks (Sit, High Five)

Last Updated on August 17, 2025 by James Kim

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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your cat’s specific needs.

Yes, You Can Train Your Cat

When people think of pet training, dogs usually steal the spotlight — but cats are more than capable of learning tricks too. Contrary to popular belief, felines aren’t aloof or untrainable; they’re just motivated differently. With the right approach, a little patience, and a pocketful of treats, your cat can learn fun and simple behaviors like “sit” and “high five.”

Training your cat not only stimulates their curious mind but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests, enrich your cat’s environment, or simply enjoy more interactive time together, teaching tricks is a rewarding and enriching experience for both of you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started — from setting up your training space to teaching specific tricks step by step. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and the tools that make training more successful (like clickers and high-value treats). Let’s turn your independent kitty into a confident trick master — one paw at a time.

Can You Really Train a Cat? (Yes — Here’s How)

Absolutely — you can train a cat. While cats have a reputation for being independent and strong-willed, that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of learning. In fact, cats are highly intelligent animals that thrive on mental stimulation. The key to successful training is understanding how cats think and what motivates them.

Unlike dogs, who are often eager to please, cats are more self-serving learners. They respond best to positive reinforcement — that is, rewarding desired behaviors with something they love (usually a tasty treat or fun playtime). If a behavior results in a reward, your cat is far more likely to repeat it.

Why Cat Training Works

  • Mental enrichment: Trick training challenges your cat’s brain, keeping boredom and behavioral issues at bay.
  • Stronger human-animal bond: It builds trust and encourages healthy communication between you and your cat.
  • Improved behavior: Teaching your cat to respond to cues can help manage issues like aggression, anxiety, or overstimulation.

The Foundation: Positive Reinforcement

Forget punishment or force. Cats don’t respond to scolding or dominance tactics — they just get confused or frightened. Instead, use:

  • Treats they absolutely love (think: freeze-dried chicken, tuna flakes)
  • Clicker training to mark the exact moment of success
  • Verbal praise or affection for added reinforcement

Realistic Expectations

Training a cat isn’t about military precision. It’s about tiny, consistent steps. Some cats pick things up in a few days. Others may take weeks. The key is short, regular training sessions and a positive attitude.

Training Essentials You’ll Need

To get the most out of your cat training sessions, it helps to have the right tools on hand. These items make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and more effective. Here’s everything you need to get started — with direct links to recommended products available on Amazon.

1. High-Value Cat Treats

The cornerstone of any successful training session is motivation — and nothing motivates a cat like an irresistible treat. Choose treats that are soft, smelly, and easy to eat quickly.

Top Picks:

Use small portions to prevent overfeeding. A little goes a long way!

2. Clicker Training Tool

Clicker training helps you clearly “mark” the exact moment your cat performs the desired behavior — which speeds up learning.

Recommended:

Clickers are optional but highly recommended for better precision.

3. Training Mat or Designated Space

Creating a consistent training zone helps signal to your cat that it’s time to focus. A soft mat also keeps them comfortable and engaged.

Top Picks:

Use the same mat every time to build routine and structure.

4. Training Bell (Optional but Fun)

Paw-based training like “high five” or “ring the bell” becomes even more fun with a bell that gives instant feedback.

Suggested Product:

Start with a treat under your hand, then transition to the bell.

5. Bonus Tools for Advanced Training

Ready to go beyond sit and high five? These extras help take your training to the next level:

All-in-One Cat Training Kit

If you’re just getting started and want everything in one place, try this:

Once you have your training tools and setup ready, you’re good to go. In the next section, we’ll break down how to teach your cat their very first trick: sit.

Prepping Your Cat for Training

Before diving into trick commands like “sit” or “high five,” it’s essential to set the stage for a productive training session. Cats are sensitive to their environment, routine, and energy levels — and if any of those are off, your efforts may fall flat. The goal here is to prepare both your cat and the environment so that training becomes enjoyable and effective.

Pick the Right Time

Cats are creatures of habit, and they’re most receptive when they’re:

  • Relaxed but alert – not hyper, sleepy, or overstimulated
  • Slightly hungry – so they’re more food-motivated
  • Well-rested – after a nap or during a natural energy lull

Avoid training right after meals, during zoomies, or when your cat is actively hiding or grooming.

Minimize Distractions

  • Turn off TVs, music, and loud appliances.
  • Keep other pets and small children out of the room.
  • Put your phone on silent to stay present.
  • Clear away toys or food bowls that may shift focus.

The more focused the environment, the faster your cat can associate actions with rewards.

Designate a Training Spot

Choose a low-traffic, cozy corner of your home where your cat already feels comfortable. Spread out a towel or soft mat to signal: “This is where we focus and play.”

  • Over time, your cat will associate this spot with fun and treats.
  • This also helps reinforce consistency in behavior and environment.

Build Trust First (If Needed)

If your cat is shy, recently adopted, or still adjusting to your home, don’t rush into training. Spend a few days or weeks building rapport first:

  • Hand-feed treats during calm interactions.
  • Use play sessions to bond.
  • Sit on the floor and allow your cat to approach on their terms.

Training works best when your cat feels secure and connected with you.

Session Tips: Keep It Short and Sweet

  • Duration: 5–10 minutes per session
  • Frequency: 1–2 times per day is ideal
  • Tone: Use a soft, encouraging voice
  • End on a win: Always finish with a reward and praise, even if it’s just for paying attention

Now that you’ve set the foundation, it’s time for your cat’s first real trick: the ever-impressive and surprisingly achievable sit command.

How to Teach Your Cat to Sit

Teaching your cat to “sit” is one of the easiest and most practical tricks to start with. Not only is it a gateway to more advanced behaviors like “high five” or “stay,” but it also helps your cat learn to focus and wait calmly for a reward.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to teaching your cat to sit using positive reinforcement.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Cat’s Attention

  • Use a treat they love.
  • Hold it between your fingers or above their head — but don’t give it just yet.
  • Allow your cat to notice and sniff it, creating anticipation.

Step 2: Lure Them Into Position

  • Slowly move the treat just slightly above and behind your cat’s head.
  • Most cats will naturally tilt their head back and lower their rear to stay balanced — leading them into a sitting position.

Step 3: Mark the Behavior

  • The instant their bottom touches the ground, say your cue (“Sit”) and click (if using a clicker), followed immediately by a treat.
  • Timing is crucial — reward only when the behavior is correct.

Step 4: Repeat in Short Bursts

  • Practice 5–10 times in a session.
  • End each session with praise and a final treat, even if the sit isn’t perfect.

When to Add the Verbal Cue

Once your cat starts sitting reliably with the lure (without needing to follow the treat all the way), begin saying “Sit” just before they sit down. Over time, your cat will associate the word with the action.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If your cat walks away: Make sure they’re hungry, and try in a quieter area.
  • If they paw at the treat: Raise it slightly higher to redirect their movement backward instead of forward.
  • If they don’t sit: Don’t push them down — stay patient and try again later.

Recommended Training Treats for This Trick

How Long Does It Take?

Most cats can learn to sit within 3–7 days with consistent training. Some may take longer — and that’s okay. Every cat learns at their own pace. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

Once your cat masters the sit command, you’ve built the perfect launching pad for the next trick: the ultra-cute high five.

How to Teach Your Cat to High Five

Once your cat has mastered “sit,” you can introduce a crowd-pleasing trick: the high five. It’s a playful, impressive behavior that’s actually quite simple to teach — especially when you’ve already built up trust and responsiveness through basic training.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get in Position

  • Have your cat in a sitting position facing you.
  • Hold a treat or a closed fist with a treat inside about 1–2 inches in front of their face, slightly above paw level.

Step 2: Wait for the Paw

  • Most cats will naturally sniff, lick, or paw at your hand to access the treat.
  • The moment their paw makes contact, mark the behavior:
    • Say “High five!”
    • Click (if using a clicker)
    • Immediately give the treat

Step 3: Reinforce the Behavior

  • Repeat the process 5–10 times per session.
  • Once they consistently paw at your hand, switch from a closed fist to an open palm to shape the “high five” gesture.
  • Hold your palm slightly upright and flat, close to their paw.

Step 4: Add the Verbal Cue

  • Start saying “High five” right before you present your hand.
  • Over time, your cat will associate the verbal cue with lifting their paw and touching your hand.

Tips for Shaping the Behavior

  • Use a training mat: This keeps your cat focused and in the same spot.
  • Raise your hand gradually: Start low, then raise your palm as your cat gets more confident.
  • Reward paw movement even if it’s not a perfect high five — you’re shaping the motion through encouragement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Your cat bites or grabs your hand: Use a spoon or target stick instead of your bare hand until they learn to use their paw gently.
  • No paw movement? Try rubbing a little tuna on your closed hand — just enough to pique curiosity and prompt pawing.
  • Cat walks away: End the session, wait until they’re calmer or more focused, and try again later. Never force it.

Recommended Product Suggestions for This Trick

How Long Does It Take?

Some cats get this trick in a couple of sessions. Others take a week or two. The key is to keep sessions short, rewarding, and consistent — and to always end on a positive note.

Your cat can now sit and high five — two tricks that already put them ahead of the curve.

Tips for Success & Common Mistakes

Training a cat isn’t always linear. One day your cat might high five like a pro — the next, they may act like they’ve never heard the word “sit.” That’s totally normal. The secret to lasting progress is staying consistent, patient, and flexible. Below are the most effective tips for success and the most common pitfalls to avoid during cat training.

Training Tips for Faster Success

1. Keep Sessions Short (5–10 Minutes Max)

Cats have short attention spans. Overtraining can cause boredom or even aversion to the process. Instead of one long session, do two short ones each day.

2. Use Irresistible Treats

Not all treats are created equal. If your cat seems “uninterested,” try switching to a stronger-smelling, high-value treat. You can also use tiny pieces of cooked chicken, tuna, or freeze-dried meats.

3. Train When Your Cat Is Calm but Alert

Avoid times when your cat is sleepy, overstimulated, or hyperactive (like during zoomies). Ideal moments are just before mealtime or after a nap.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Even small improvements — like a partial paw lift or sitting halfway — deserve recognition at the beginning. Shaping behavior means rewarding approximations until your cat naturally performs the full trick.

5. Use a Clicker for Precision

A clicker provides clear, instant feedback that your cat can link directly to their behavior. If you don’t use a clicker, use a consistent marker word like “yes” or “good.”

6. End on a Positive Note

Always finish a session with a reward, praise, or play. This ensures your cat walks away with a good association, making them more likely to engage next time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing or Physically Manipulating Your Cat

Don’t push your cat into a “sit” or grab their paw for a “high five.” This breaks trust and may cause resistance or fear. Let your cat discover the behavior through gentle luring and shaping.

Punishing or Scolding

Yelling, clapping, or punishing a cat for not “getting it” will only cause confusion. Cats don’t respond to punishment the way dogs might — they just associate negativity with you or the training itself.

Inconsistent Cues

Saying “sit down” one day and “sit” the next confuses your cat. Stick to the same word and tone each time.

Training in a Distracting Environment

Loud noises, kids running around, or other pets watching can completely derail a session. A calm, familiar environment increases the odds of success.

Overfeeding Treats Without Progress

Make sure you’re not handing out treats without marking behavior. Be intentional: the treat should always follow a successful step or action, not just presence.

By following these tips and avoiding the common missteps, your cat will stay engaged, happy, and far more likely to learn new tricks. Ready to level up? In the next section, we’ll briefly touch on what’s possible once your cat has sit and high five down pat.

How Long Does It Take?

One of the most common questions new cat trainers ask is: “How long will this take?” The answer depends on a few key factors — but rest assured, most cats can learn simple tricks like “sit” and “high five” within a matter of days to a few weeks.

What Affects Training Time?

Your Cat’s Personality

  • Some cats are naturally curious and food-driven — they’ll take to training quickly.
  • Others may be shy, independent, or stubborn — requiring more patience and gentle encouragement.

The Quality of Rewards

  • High-value treats can dramatically speed up the learning process.
  • If the reward doesn’t truly motivate your cat, training will feel like a chore — to both of you.

Consistency and Routine

  • Daily training — even just 5 minutes — is far more effective than sporadic sessions.
  • The more consistent you are with timing, cues, and rewards, the faster your cat will associate the trick with positive outcomes.

Your Own Training Approach

  • If you stay calm, positive, and observant of your cat’s body language, you’ll avoid frustration and build trust — the foundation of all successful training.

Typical Timeline for Basic Tricks

TrickAverage Time to Learn
Sit3–7 days
High Five5–10 days
Stay1–2 weeks
Touch (Target)3–5 days

These timelines are based on daily 5–10 minute sessions and may vary depending on the cat.

Progress Isn’t Always Linear

It’s totally normal for a cat to show signs of learning, then suddenly seem to “forget.” This is part of the process. With continued encouragement and short, rewarding sessions, the behavior will stick.

Pro tip: Keep a mini training journal or use an app to track your cat’s progress and spot patterns.

Once your cat is reliably performing sit and high five, you can expand their skills with even more entertaining and useful behaviors. Let’s explore a few fun next steps in the following section.

Advanced Training Ideas (Once They Master Sit & High Five)

If your cat has mastered “sit” and “high five,” congratulations — you’ve already accomplished what many people think is impossible. But why stop there? Cats are far more capable than they get credit for. With the same tools and positive reinforcement techniques, you can teach your cat a variety of fun and practical behaviors.

These next-level tricks can add enrichment, challenge your cat’s brain, and impress everyone who visits your home.

1. Target Training (Touch a Stick or Object)

Target training teaches your cat to touch a specific item (like a stick, spoon, or your finger) with their nose or paw. This skill forms the foundation for more advanced tricks like jumping through hoops or weaving through obstacles.

How to do it:

  • Present a target (like the end of a chopstick).
  • When your cat touches it, click and treat.
  • Add the cue “touch” once the behavior is consistent.

Practical use: You can direct your cat to jump on surfaces, follow paths, or even “check in” with you during travel or vet visits.

2. Spin in a Circle

A fun and flashy trick that works great after your cat learns “target” or follows a treat lure.

Steps:

  • Hold a treat near their nose and slowly guide them in a circle.
  • When they complete the circle, click and treat.
  • Add the verbal cue “spin” as they begin to follow.

3. Jump Through a Hoop

This combines agility with confidence-building and is perfect for active cats.

Steps:

  • Start with the hoop on the ground and lure your cat through it.
  • Gradually raise it as they become comfortable.
  • Always reward for effort, even partial jumps at first.

4. Ring a Bell for Treats

Great for cats who love using their paws — plus, it teaches them cause and effect.

Steps:

  • Use a service bell and place it on a flat surface.
  • Reward any paw interaction.
  • Slowly shape the behavior until your cat presses the bell fully.

5. Go to Mat (Station Training)

Teach your cat to go to a specific towel, mat, or bed on cue. This is incredibly useful during mealtimes, guests, or when you need them to settle.

Steps:

  • Lure or target your cat onto the mat.
  • Reward and give a cue like “place” or “mat.”
  • Use consistently during routines to reinforce.

Recommended Products:

Consider creating an “Advanced Cat Training Kit” with:

By gradually building on foundational behaviors and keeping sessions fun, your cat can develop an impressive skill set. Trick training also keeps your cat mentally stimulated, which helps reduce behavioral issues like scratching or boredom-induced meowing.

Recommended Products for Cat Training

To make training smoother, faster, and more enjoyable for both you and your cat, it’s worth investing in a few key tools. Below is a curated list of must-have products to support every stage of your cat’s trick training journey — from beginner basics to advanced enrichment.

1. High-Value Cat Training Treats

The most important training tool of all. Choose treats that are small, smelly, and irresistible.

Top Picks:

Look for grain-free, low-ingredient treats if your cat has food sensitivities.

2. Clicker Training Kits

Clickers help mark desired behaviors with precise timing, reinforcing learning quickly.

Recommended Options:

Bonus: Some kits come with training guides and target sticks.

3. Target Sticks for Advanced Training

Useful for teaching “touch,” “spin,” “jump through hoop,” or “go to mat.”

Amazon Recommendation:

Look for adjustable-length sticks or retractable options.

4. Training Mats or Place Towels

Create a designated training zone that builds routine and focus.

Great Choices:

Also helpful for “go to mat” training or travel comfort.

5. Paw-Activated Training Bell

Teach your cat to ring a bell for treats or mealtime.

Top Seller:

Excellent for paw-based tricks like “high five” and “bell ring.”

6. Optional: Cat Agility Toys

For cats with energy to burn and a love of movement.

Popular Picks:

Fun way to expand from mental to physical tricks.

7. Books on Cat Behavior and Training

Recommend beginner-friendly guides for readers who want to go deeper.

Suggestions:

Final Thoughts

Training your cat to do tricks like “sit” and “high five” isn’t just a cute party trick — it’s a powerful way to bond, enrich your cat’s life, and enhance your relationship. With just a few minutes a day, the right treats, and a bit of patience, you can transform training sessions into fun, rewarding routines that your cat actually looks forward to.

Remember: progress doesn’t happen overnight. Every cat learns at their own pace. What matters most is consistency, trust, and keeping it positive. Celebrate the small wins. Laugh through the setbacks. And above all, make it a joyful experience for both of you.

Smart, Sassy & Clicker-Savvy — Yes, You Can Train Your Cat

Teaching your cat tricks isn’t just possible — it’s enriching. With patience, positive reinforcement, and the right approach, your cat can learn to sit, high five, and even more. Training boosts mental stimulation, strengthens your bond, and turns everyday moments into interactive playtime.

Want to turn your cat into a confident, cooperative companion? Start here:

Pro Tip: Use high-value treats, short sessions, and lots of praise. Your cat’s success depends on your patience and consistency.

Training isn’t about obedience — it’s about connection.
With curiosity and kindness, your cat can surprise you — one high five at a time.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health.

Results Disclaimer: Results may vary. Our recommendations are based on editorial research and do not guarantee specific outcomes.

Accuracy Notice: We strive to keep content accurate and up to date. However, always verify current information and consult a veterinarian for personalized guidance.

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