Although cats have a reputation for being independent, your kitten's curiosity and intelligence means they can learn some simple commands.
Sit on command
Getting your kitten in the habit of sitting before getting what they want.
Step one
Have a treat available, such as a few kibbles of kitten food.
Step two
With your kitten in a standing position, hold the food in front of their nose. Avoid holding the food too high over your kitten's head.
Step three
In a steady, slow motion, move the food over your kitten's head. Your kitten's nose will point up and the rear end will ease down to the floor, taking your kitten into the sit position.
Step four
Say "Sit" as your kitten's rear end touches the floor, and give the food. Say "Good kitty" as your kitten takes the food from your hand.
Step five
Before long, you'll notice your kitten will go into the sit position when you sweep your hand in an upward movement, even without food. Gradually phase the food out, but continue to say "Good kitty" when your kitten sits.
Come when called
This command ends with your kitten sitting quietly in front of you. It should be practiced with many different people so your kitten learns that the proper way to approach a person is to run up to them and then sit.
Tasty Tips
Step one
Stand approximately 3 feet away from your kitten. Say your kitten's name so they turn and makes eye contact with you.
Step two
Holding a kibble of kitten food, extend your hand toward your kitten. Wave your hand with the food toward you and say "come" as your kitten runs to you.
Step three
Give the food to your kitten and say "Good kitty."
Step four
Take a few steps back. Show your kitten a second kibble, say their name, and repeat the call for food.
Step five
Gradually repeat the exercise from farther and farther away. Once your kitten is doing well, begin calling when they are looking away from you. Again, keep your training sessions short and stop before your kitten tires of the game.
Fetch
This command can result in hours of fun play sessions with your pet, and is an excellent source of exercise, too.
Step one
Choose a small, light-weight object for your kitten to fetch. This might be a toy or a crumpled ball of paper.
Step two
Say "Fetch" and extend your hand as you toss the object.
Step three
When your kitten picks up the object and looks at you, slowly back away and say "Fetch" and move your hand toward your chest in a "Come here" type of motion.
Step four
Take the toy and repeat the above steps. Keep your training sessions short and stop before your kitten tires of the game.
Related products
Light Adult Multipack Wet Cat Food with Chicken & Ocean Fish
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for cats, with L-carnitine and fewer calories for ideal weight management. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-6s, and vitamin E for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Mature Adult Wet Cat Food with Chicken
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for mature adult cats. Made with easy-to-digest ingredients, high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance and antioxidant vitamins C+E for optimal health.
Adult Multipack Wet Cat Food with Chicken & Turkey
Adult Multipack Wet Cat Food with Beef, Ocean Fish & Chicken
Tender chunks in gravy for cats, with high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle. With vitamin E and omega-3s & -6s for healthy skin and balanced minerals to support healthy vital organs.
Related articles
Feeding your kitten: some food for thought
Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. Learn more.
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
From essential vitamins & minerals to different types of meat, learn what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your feline.
How and When To Feed Your Mature Cat?
There are three common ways to feed a cat. Each way has its advantages and disadvantages.
Healthy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Learn how to make homemade cat treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.