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
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Adult Dry Cat Food with Salmon has a unique weight management formula to help burn fat, build muscle and keep sterilised cats lean. Made with high-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food with Chicken is formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur, keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Wet Cat Food with Turkey is a complete pet food for adult cats, aged 1–6 years. This highly digestible wet food comes in a pouch and supports healthy digestion, as well as nourishes skin and promotes a thick and lustrous coat.
Light Adult Cat Food
Chicken recipe dry cat food with L-carnitine and fewer calories for ideal weight management in adult cats. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-6s, and vitamin E for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Related articles
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat
Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at 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 flavorful, 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 flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.