How to Train a Kitten to Sit and More: Basic Command Training

Think cats can't be trained? Think again — kittens have just as much brain power as dogs and are constantly learning. Teaching your kitten basic commands, such as how to sit, is not only surprisingly simple but also a great way to strengthen your bond and impress your friends. Training also provides a positive outlet to channel play attacks by high-energy kittens, helping shape good behavior that can last a lifetime.

Training is a form of feline enrichment that helps reduce stress and supports your kitten's emotional and physical well-being. Understanding how to train a kitten to sit, come when called or perform other natural behaviors comes down to getting to know your kitten and learning what kind of reward they love best.

Kittens learn in the same way as puppies: by understanding cause and effect. However, not all kittens are food-motivated and may respond better to a feather toy, for example. Even if they love treats, treats should make up less than 10% of a kitten's daily calorie allowance, plus, tiny tummies can only hold so much. Kittens also have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief — about five minutes at a time — and repeat them several times throughout the day.

How to Train a Kitten to Recognize Their Name

Training begins with teaching name recognition. This will help as you move onto other commands, as well.

• Pay attention to how your kitten responds to different sounds when choosing a name. Percussive consonants, like "k," "ch" or "p," often catch a kitten's attention. Names that end in an "s" may also strike a chord. Short, one- or two-syllable names tend to be most effective. Some kittens even seem to choose the name they like best, so try out a few to see what gets the best reaction.

• Cats tend to respond better to higher-pitched voices. Try testing out the potential names by calling them out in a bright, upbeat tone.

• Partner their name with a reward they love. For example: "Treat time, Karma." "Want to chase the feather, Karma?" Consistently pairing their name with their favorite activities helps kittens learn their name — and pay attention when they hear it.

• Once your kitten responds to their name, use it consistently during training.

How to Train a Kitten to Come When Called

Kittens train themselves to come when they hear you take the can opener out of the drawer or the food bag rattle. Use this to your advantage by partnering "come" with meals or playtime. "Come" should prompt purrs — never fearful experiences. So, only use the "come" command for things they like during training.

This command works great for emergencies, such as if they're near a hazardous situation (like broken glass on the floor).

1. Say, "Karma, come!" in a high-pitched tone.

2. Let them hear you fill the bowl.

3. As soon as they come, offer the meal.

How to Train a Kitten to Sit

Use lure training with a treat or toy, such as a feather, to persuade your kitten to sit.

1. Show them a favorite toy or treat reward.

2. Hold it slightly above their nose.

3. Say, "Karma, sit," and move the lure up over their head. To avoid falling over while watching it, they must sit.

4. Once they sit, give them the reward.

Soon, your kitten won't need the lure to sit on command. Try asking your cat to sit on their cat tree before opening a door to prevent escape attempts.

How to Train a Kitten to Stay/Wait

Training a kitten to stay or wait helps keep them safe, such as if they're attempting to dash out the door. Clicker training works best with this command.

1. Ask your kitten to sit. By this stage, they should recognize the verbal command and respond without needing a treat or lure.

2. Say "wait" while holding a treat within view for 30 seconds.

3. If they move before you give the okay, close your hand around the treat. Ask them to sit, say "wait" and show them the treat again.

4. When your kitten stays in position for the full 30 seconds, click and reward with a treat. This may require several repetitions over multiple days to build consistency. Gradually reduce the treats over time so your kitten can respond to the "wait" command even without seeing a reward.

How to Train a Kitten to Respond to "No"

Interrupt unapproved behaviors, such as scratching furniture, with a low, growly "no" or a short "HISS!" Then, praise them and redirect scratching to an approved target, such as a scratching post. Depending on the kitten and the unapproved behavior, withholding a reward may also work. If your kitten bites during play, for example, a 60-second timeout teaches them biting stops the fun.

How to Train a Kitten to High Five

Kittens use their paws to explore their world. "Waving" with a paw and tapping/touching objects comes naturally. You can either lure the behavior with a feather, or "capture" the pawing when it naturally occurs with a click-reward.

1. Use the feather or other favorite toy to get your kitten's attention.

2. As they raise their paw to follow the lure, bring the lure to the opposite palm. Their paw should follow.

3. As soon as it touches, say "high five!"

4. With repetition, simply holding up your palm and saying "high five" should cue your kitten to perform the action.