How to get your cat to do tricks anywhere

You'll need

• clicker or a word like “yes”
• small soft treats
• a portable mat

Why it matters

Cats learn context with every cue. A kitchen trick is often just a kitchen trick. Many places teach the cue means the same everywhere, which helps at vet visits, filming and travel.

Before you start

Play first. Train in a quiet room before a meal with 30 to 50 tiny treats. Plan your rewards. Warm up with one easy trick your cat loves.

Step by step

1. 1

   Choose and list

   Pick one solid trick. List 6 contexts: 3 rooms, you sitting, you standing, another person.

   Move on when: List written

   Tip: Change one thing at a time.

2. 2

   New room, easier ask

   Go to a new room. Ask for the easiest version of the trick. Reward well.

   Move on when: 4 out of 5 in the new room

   Tip: Expect it to drop at first. Lower criteria, do not repeat the cue.

3. 3

   New position

   Sit on the floor, then on a chair, then stand.

   Move on when: 4 out of 5 in each position

   Tip: Cats often read posture as part of the cue. Expect a dip at first.

4. 4

   New person

   Teach another person the cue and signal. They click and treat.

   Move on when: 4 out of 5 for the new person

   Tip: Use the same words exactly.

5. 5

   New time and place

   Train at a different time of day, then on a harness in a quiet garden or in the carrier-friendly vet room if you can.

   Move on when: 4 out of 5 in 2 new places

   Tip: Only go outside with a harness-trained cat.

6. 6

   Six-place check

   Run the trick in all 6 contexts in a week.

   Move on when: 4 out of 5 in all 6

   Tip: Log each context in the app so you can see the gaps.

The cue

Say

“The trick's own cue”

Hand signal

Same signal everywhere

If it isn't working

Cat 'forgets' in a new room

Normal. Go back to the first step of that trick in that room for a session.

Cat will not work for other people

Have them toss treats for nothing first, then ask for the easiest trick.

Cat is too nervous outside

Stay inside. Use new rooms only.

Mastered when

Performs one trick in 6 different contexts (3 rooms, 2 positions, 1 other person), 4 out of 5 times each

Video check: Film the trick in 3 different rooms in one video

Variations

• Generalise a recall to every room
• Generalise to the vet clinic or a friend's home

Teach this first

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

Learn next

• How to build a trick routine with your cat →