Yes You Can! Teach Your Cat to Sit

Obedient Kitty

Obedient Kitty

Cats are known to be finicky and independent, which might lead one to assume that they’re impossible to cohort into doing ‘tricks’ – but one very simple and easy trick to teach a kitty is to sit for treats. Easy, of course, still requires time and determination.

Step 1: Get some treats! Kitties love crunchy tidbits and will do just about anything for them.

Step 2: Be consistent! I give my cats treats right before mealtime. They know to expect them and will wait patiently.

Step 3: Do the sitting part! Be determined and persistent. Say “Sit” in a calm voice and don’t give the kitty the treat until he/she does it. Of course, the cat has no idea what you want at first, which is why you need to raise the treat above the kitty’s head, which will result in the cat naturally sitting down in order to keep the treat in view.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat! Your cat won’t get it right away and you need to be patient. After a while (think weeks, not days) your kitty will know to sit when it’s treat time. Viola! Time to invite some friends and show them how smart your cute little kitty is!

Tips :

  • I have two cats and each took to sitting differently. One figured it out almost instantly (mostly because he’s a glutenous fiend) while the other still sometimes thinks purring and circling will get him what he wants. Once again, the key is to stand your ground and be patient.
  • Buy your treats online and in bulk. I used to pay $7+ for Calming treats (the nervous kitty needs them) at a pet store, now I just order a bunch from amazon for less than $3 a piece. The following is what I keep on hand at home:
Naturals of Vermont Calming Treats ($2.32)

Naturals of Vermont Calming Treats ($2.32)

Greenies ($2.61)

Greenies Feline Dental Treats Salmon ($2.61)

Catswell Breathies Chicken (10 pack for $17.94)

Catswell Breathies Chicken (10 pack for $17.94)

Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,

Leave a comment