Training Your Cat: Sit

by Ilana Reisner
View Biography

This command is a foundation for many other ticks and behaviors. Your goal is to have your cat sit down when you give the command "sit".

What You'll Need

Your cat at mealtime
A quiet room where the cat is comfortable
A specific command (in this case, the word "sit"), preceded by your cat's name ("Scooter, sit")
Your positive signal (a clicker, or an upbeat word such as "yes")
The reward (his favorite food or special treats)

Training Steps

1. Gently put the cat on the table at the edge nearest to you, and pet him so he is comfortable.

2. Show your cat the reward, then give the command "Scooter, sit" and move the reward back and over his head.

3. As he tips his head back to follow the food, he will sit to keep his balance. When he sits, hit the clicker (or use your positive signal) and say "sit, good sit." Immediately give him his food reward.

4. Eventually your cat should respond to the command "sit" without you having to move the food over his head.

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