How to end a training session with your cat

You'll need

• small soft treats
• a lickable treat or a small food scatter
• marker

Why it matters

Cats who don't know when training ends can get frustrated, follow you and meow for more. A clear end cue keeps training calm and the routine predictable.

Before you start

Decide on one phrase and one gesture. Use it at the end of every session from now on.

Step by step

1. 1

   Pick the signal

   Choose a phrase like 'all done' and a gesture such as showing both empty palms, then folding your arms.

   Move on when: Everyone in the home agrees to use the same signal

   Tip: Avoid words you use all day, like 'OK' or 'good'.

2. 2

   Finish with a scatter

   At the end of a session, say 'all done', show empty palms, then scatter 3 or 4 treats on the floor away from you, or set down a small food puzzle. Then calmly put your training gear away.

   Move on when: Cat goes to eat the scatter, 5 sessions in a row

   Tip: The scatter gives your cat something to do while you leave, so endings feel good.

3. 3

   Stay neutral after

   After the cue, don't click or give treats for a few minutes, even if your cat offers behaviours. Be friendly but boring.

   Move on when: Cat stops offering behaviours within 1 minute

   Tip: If you give in once, your cat learns the end cue isn't really the end.

4. 4

   Fade the scatter

   Over a couple of weeks, sometimes end with a scatter and sometimes with a calm chin scratch or a short play session instead.

   Move on when: Walks off or settles after 'all done', 4 out of 5 sessions

   Tip: End on a success: if a session goes badly, ask for something easy first.

The cue

Say

“All done”

Hand signal

Both empty palms shown, then arms folded

If it isn't working

Keeps pawing after 'all done'

Make the ending scatter a little bigger, and make sessions shorter so your cat isn't left hungry for more.

Meows when the clicker goes away

Give the end cue before your cat is tired or frustrated. Follow with a play session or a food puzzle.

Forgets to use the cue

Keep training gear in one pouch and say the cue every time you zip it closed.

Mastered when

After 'all done', your cat stops offering behaviours and moves away or settles within 1 minute, 4 out of 5 sessions

Video check: Film the last 30 seconds of a session and the minute after the end cue.

Variations

• Teach a matching 'start' signal, like putting on a treat pouch, so your cat knows when training begins.

Teach this first

• Clicker training for cats: how to charge the clicker →

Learn next

• How to teach your cat to settle and relax on cue →