How to Teach a Cat High Five: Target Training in Simple Steps

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A cat that gives a high five is entertaining, and training the trick sharpens the cat's mind and strengthens your bond. It is a good second behavior after sit, and the steps are straightforward.

Before you start

• Make sure your cat knows how to respond to a marker such as a clicker. See clicker training a cat.
• Trim claws, so that a swipe will not hurt. See how to trim cat nails.
• Choose small, high-value treats.
• Pick a quiet time, before a meal.

If your cat does not know sit yet, start there. See how to teach a cat to sit.

Step 1: Ask for attention

Have your cat sit or stand in front of you. Hold a treat in your closed fist, at the cat's nose level, a few inches in front of it.

Step 2: Mark any paw movement

Most cats will paw at the fist to get the treat. The moment a paw lifts or touches your hand, click and open your hand to give the treat. Repeat several times.

Step 3: Raise the bar

Hold your hand slightly higher, so the cat must lift the paw more. Click and treat only when the paw touches or lifts. Slowly shape the behavior toward a pat on an open palm.

Step 4: Move to an open palm

Hold up your open hand, palm facing the cat, just above its head level. When the cat touches your palm, click and treat from the other hand. Practice many times.

Step 5: Add the cue

When the cat touches your hand reliably, say "high five" just before you present your palm. After many repeats, the cat will connect the word to the action.

Step 6: Fade treats

Reward only some touches with treats, and others with praise or play. Keep a few special treats for particularly good attempts.

Troubleshooting

• The cat only sniffs: make the treat easier to smell, or use a more exciting one.
• The cat uses claws: keep nails trimmed, and move your hand a little.
• The cat loses interest: shorten the session.
• The cat uses the wrong paw: accept it, or reward only one side.
• The cat is frustrated: go back to an earlier step, and end on a success.

Never force the paw

Do not pick up the cat's paw and place it on your hand. That is not training, and it may frighten the cat.

Building tricks

Once the cat has high five, try a different paw, a wave or a spin. Always keep sessions short, and end on a high note. See positive reinforcement for cats and can cats be trained like dogs.

Calorie control

Count treats as part of daily food. See portion control for cats.

Understanding why it works

Cats naturally paw at things they are curious about, and a closed hand holding a treat is an irresistible target. High five takes advantage of that habit. You are not teaching a brand-new movement but giving an existing one a cue and a reward. That is why many cats pick it up faster than other tricks.

Left paw or right paw

Most cats have a preferred paw. Notice which one your cat uses, and train that side first. Later you can train the other paw with a different cue, such as "other side". Keep your hand on the same side for the first sessions, so that the cat learns where to aim.

Keeping it gentle

Hold your hand still, and let the cat do the touching. A swat that is too hard or fast can be corrected by moving your hand slightly out of reach until the cat uses a lighter touch. Reward gentle taps. Never tease or flick your hand away, which can confuse and frustrate the cat.

Adding fun variations

When the high five is solid, ask for it at different heights, or use your hand to ask for a wave. Combine it with sit for a tidy routine. Show it to visitors, but only if the cat is relaxed. Keep rewarding, because a trick the cat is never paid for tends to fade.

Sessions that keep the cat keen

Train for a couple of minutes, then stop. Cats that always finish while they still want more come back eager the next time. If your cat is distracted, try a different room or wait until after a play session, when it is relaxed but still alert. Keep treats very small, and count them toward the day's calories. Offer water afterward, and let the cat decide when the game is over. Some cats enjoy a daily five-minute routine, while others are happy with a few sessions a week. Watch the cat's body language, and let it set the pace. When the trick becomes a habit, you can use it as a greeting or a way to settle the cat before grooming or a meal.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat avoids using a paw, or seems in pain. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.