Although cats have a reputation for being independent, your kitten's curiosity and intelligence means she can learn some simple commands.
Sit on command
Getting your kitten in the habit of sitting before getting what she wants will help to remind her that you are in control.
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 her nose. Avoid holding the food too high over your kitten's head or she will stand up instead of sit.
Step three
In a steady, slow motion, move the food over your kitten's head. Your kitten's nose will point up and her 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.
Tasty Tips
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.
Step one
Stand approximately 3 feet away from your kitten. Say your kitten's name so she turns 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 her 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 her when she is 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 from her 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 articles
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten
Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
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.