Here’s a step by step guide on teaching your cat to high five.
Step one
Get a handful of treats that your cat likes. First, hold a treat in a closed hand and keep it close to the floor. When your cat touches your hand with their paw, say “yes” and reward them with the treat.
Be patient as it might take your cat some time to learn that they can use their paws to touch your hand.
Step two
Repeat step one and slowly increase the height of your hand until they are lifting their paw up to touch your hand each time you present it.
Step three
The next step is to present your open hand with no treat in it. When your cat touches your flat hand with their paw, say “yes” and reward.
Step four
Hold up your hand, this time with your palm facing outwards. Say “yes” and reward when they touch your hand.
Step five
Slowly increase the level of your hand until it’s above your cat’s head to complete the high five. Once again, say “yes” and reward when they touch your hand with their paw.
Step six
Repeat step five until your cat is consistently high fiving when you present your high five hand.
Step seven
Once your cat has learned this you can then introduce a cue of “high five!” as they touch your hand with their paw. It is important to say the cue at the time of the touch, so they learn to associate it with the action. You can then say “yes” and reward as normal.
Step eight
Repeat step seven until you can say the cue “high five!” and your cat high fives you consistently.
Feline Behaviour team
Battersea’s Feline Behaviour Team are specialists in cat behaviour and welfare. With years of experience and professional training, they support cats through assessments, rehabilitation and enrichment. Their advice helps owners manage everyday challenges and strengthen bonds. They make sure Battersea is a trusted voice in feline behaviour and care. Read more about the team
