How to Train a Cat to Do Tricks | A Useful Guide

Think cats can't do tricks?

Think again. From high-fives to ring jumps, cats are clever, curious, and highly trainable animals. With a little patience and the right approach, you can teach your feline friend to perform impressive—and adorable—tricks that not only entertain but also mentally stimulate your pet.

Before diving in, it's a good idea to explore foundational cat training tips to understand what motivates cats, how they communicate, and what types of reinforcement they respond to best. Whether you're teaching for fun or function, this groundwork is essential.

🎯 Setting the Stage: Prep Before Practice

Cats learn best in calm, familiar environments with few distractions. Find a quiet space and stock up on high-value rewards like treats, soft tuna, or even interactive playtime. Keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes—and always end on a positive note.

🎩 Trick Time: Easy Tricks to Start With

1. High Five

Hold a treat in your closed fist. Let your cat sniff, then wait for them to paw at your hand. When they do, say “high five,” open your hand, and reward them. Repeat until they associate the phrase with the action.

2. Spin

Hold a treat close to your cat’s nose and guide it in a circular motion. As their body turns, say “spin” and reward once the circle is complete. Cats catch onto this quickly with food-based motivation.

3. Sit Pretty

With your cat sitting, hold a treat slightly above their head. They’ll likely lift their front paws off the ground to reach it. When they do, say “sit pretty” and reward. This also strengthens their core balance!

These fun tricks also strengthen the bond between pet and owner. If you're new to the process, this in-depth guide on how to train a cat includes effective step-by-step strategies that apply to both basic commands and advanced tricks.

🧘 For Emotional Support Cats: Tricks with a Purpose

Trick training can be especially helpful for emotional support animals. It encourages calm behavior, strengthens trust, and offers predictability—crucial traits for cats offering emotional relief to their humans. Teaching tricks like “come” or “stay” can even improve safety and comfort during travel, therapy sessions, or changes in routine.

These training sessions can also be therapeutic for owners. The focus and consistency involved are calming, and interacting through training strengthens the ESA-human emotional bond.

📄 Understanding the ESA Letter

To gain legal recognition of your cat as an emotional support animal, you need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This document confirms your need for your cat’s emotional support and protects your right to live with them in housing where pets are typically restricted.

Trick training makes your ESA cat more manageable in shared spaces, which becomes even more important once they are officially recognized. To learn about qualifying conditions, provider approvals, and the process itself, visit this complete guide on How to Get an Emotional Support Cat Certification.

🎓 Mastery and Maintenance

Once your cat learns a trick, the key is to keep practicing. Try new variations, combine tricks into sequences, or even create a little show for friends and family. Use clickers, target sticks, or verbal praise—whatever your cat responds to best.

Most importantly, be patient. Trick training isn’t just about performance—it’s about connection. Whether you're raising a show-stopping pet or building trust with an emotional support animal, tricks offer joy, stimulation, and stronger communication with your feline companion.