Top 18 'Genius-Unlocking' Tricks to train for the Highly Intelligent (and Highly Bored) Indoor Cat - Goh Ling Yong
Is your cat a furry little genius trapped in a world of naps and window-gazing? Do you catch them plotting world domination from the top of the cat tree, their sharp mind clearly understimulated by the daily routine of... well, more napping? You're not alone. The modern indoor cat is often a highly intelligent creature, a descendant of cunning hunters, now faced with the "hardship" of a full food bowl and a perfectly cushioned sofa. The result? Boredom.
Boredom in cats isn't just a mood; it can lead to anxiety, destructive behaviors like scratching furniture, and even over-grooming. Your cat isn't being "bad"—they're just a brilliant mind with an empty schedule. The good news is that you hold the key to unlocking their potential. Training your cat isn't about turning them into a circus performer; it's about providing crucial mental stimulation, strengthening your bond, and giving them a "job" to do.
This isn't your average "how to teach your cat to sit" guide. We're diving deep into 18 genius-unlocking tricks and activities designed specifically for the clever feline who scoffs at simple wand toys. We’ll cover everything from foundational skills to party tricks that will leave your friends speechless. Get your clicker and high-value treats ready—it's time to turn your bored kitty into a confident, engaged, and happy companion.
1. Master Target Training (The "Nose Boop")
Target training is the cornerstone of almost all advanced cat training. The concept is simple: you teach your cat to touch their nose to a specific object (a "target stick," like a chopstick or the end of a pen). This one skill becomes a powerful tool for guiding your cat into different positions and locations without any physical force.
To start, hold the target stick near your cat. The moment their nose touches it, click your clicker (or use a verbal marker like "Yes!") and immediately give them a delicious treat. Repeat this in short, fun sessions. Soon, your cat will understand that "booping" the stick brings a reward. Once they have it down, you can use the target stick to lure them into a "spin," onto a stool, or over a small obstacle. It’s the secret language of cat training!
2. The Classic 'Sit'
Teaching a cat to sit is not only adorable but also incredibly useful. It's a great way to manage their excitement around meal times or before you open a door. It teaches impulse control and focus, which are essential skills for any budding feline genius.
Use a tasty treat to lure your cat. Hold it just above their head and slightly behind their eyes. As their nose goes up to follow the treat, their bottom will naturally go down into a sit. The instant their rear hits the floor, click and reward. Avoid pushing their backend down; the movement should be their choice. With a little practice, you can add the verbal cue "Sit" just as they are performing the action.
3. Come When Called (Reliable Recall)
Imagine being able to call your cat from anywhere in the house and have them come running. This isn't a superpower; it's a trainable skill! A reliable recall is fantastic for safety (getting them out of a room they shouldn't be in) and convenience. It's also a huge confidence booster for your cat.
Start in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Say your cat's name followed by a cue like "Come!" in an excited, happy tone. Show them a high-value treat. When they come to you, click and reward lavishly. Practice this at short distances first, gradually increasing the distance and moving to different rooms. Never use their recall cue for something negative, like putting them in their carrier. It must always be a positive experience.
4. The Charming High-Five
Who can resist a cat high-five? This trick is pure, delightful fun and is surprisingly easy to teach, building on the principles of target training. It encourages your cat to be comfortable with you touching their paws, which can also make nail trims a little easier.
Start by holding a treat in your closed fist. Your cat will likely sniff and then paw at your hand to get it. The moment their paw touches your hand, click and reward. Once they are consistently pawing your hand, start presenting an open palm instead of a fist. As they touch your open palm, click, reward, and say "High-five!" This is a fantastic trick for building your cat's confidence.
5. The Sophisticated 'Shake Paws'
A level up from the high-five, the "shake" is a refined greeting for your distinguished feline. It involves your cat placing their paw in your hand and allowing you to hold it for a moment, just like a human handshake.
After your cat has mastered the high-five, simply delay the click and treat for a fraction of a second after they touch your palm. This will encourage them to leave their paw there for a moment longer. When they do, gently close your fingers around their paw, click, and give them the treat. Add the cue "Shake" as they get the hang of it. Keep it light and gentle; never grab their paw forcefully.
6. The Adorable Wave
Teaching your cat to wave goodbye is a trick that never fails to impress. It looks complex, but it's really just a high-five without the "five." You're capturing the motion of your cat lifting its paw and shaping it into a wave.
Hold a treat or a target stick slightly above your cat's head and a little to one side. To reach it, they will have to lift a paw off the ground. The very instant that paw lifts, click and reward. Repeat this until they are reliably lifting their paw. Gradually raise the height of the treat so they have to lift their paw higher and higher, creating a "waving" motion.
7. Fetch (Yes, Really!)
Many people think fetch is a dog's game, but plenty of intelligent cats love the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of bringing a toy back. This game provides excellent physical exercise and mental stimulation, satisfying their innate prey drive in a positive way.
Start with a toy your cat already loves, like a crinkle ball or a toy mouse. Toss it a very short distance. If they go to it, praise them enthusiastically. If they happen to pick it up and turn back towards you, click and reward immediately. You can encourage them to bring it closer by offering a high-value treat in exchange for the toy. Keep sessions short and exciting to build a positive association with the game.
8. Spin in a Circle
A "spin" is a fun, energetic trick that gets your cat moving. It's also another excellent application of target training or luring. It helps improve your cat's body awareness and coordination.
Using either a treat or a target stick, lure your cat's head around towards their tail. They will have to move their feet to follow it. The moment they complete a full circle, click and reward. At first, you might need to reward a half-turn, then three-quarters, and finally the full spin. Once they understand the movement, you can add a verbal cue like "Spin!" and a circular hand signal.
9. Jump Through a Hoop
Ready to add some agility to your cat's repertoire? Jumping through a hoop is a show-stopping trick that is much easier to teach than it looks. It builds confidence and is a great form of exercise for your indoor athlete.
Start with a large hoop (like a hula hoop) resting on the ground. Lure your cat to simply walk through the hoop using a treat or target stick. Click and reward every time they pass through. Once they are comfortable, raise the hoop just an inch off the ground. Lure them through again. Gradually, over many sessions, raise the hoop higher until they are happily hopping through it.
10. Weave Through Your Legs
This is an agility-based trick that strengthens your bond as it requires your cat to work in close proximity to you. It's a fun, flowing movement that showcases your cat's intelligence and grace.
Start by standing with your feet wide apart, forming a tunnel with your legs. Lure your cat through the "tunnel" with a treat. Click and reward. Next, take a step forward and form another tunnel with your other leg forward. Lure them through again. Repeat this, creating a "figure 8" pattern. With practice, they'll begin to anticipate the movement and weave through your legs with ease.
11. Stand on Hind Legs ("Beg")
This trick, often called "beg" or "sit pretty," is a great workout for your cat's core muscles and balance. It's also irresistibly cute.
Hold a treat directly above your cat's head while they are in a sitting position. Lure their nose upward. To reach it, they will have to lift their front paws off the floor. At first, click and reward even the slightest lift. Gradually ask for more duration, rewarding them for holding the "beg" position for a second or two before giving the treat.
12. Lie Down
"Lie down" is a wonderful calming behavior. It's the opposite of an excited, alert "sit." Teaching your cat to lie down on cue can be helpful in situations where you need them to settle, like during a vet visit or when you have guests.
From a sitting position, take a treat and lower it to the floor between your cat's paws. To follow the treat, they will have to lower their head and chest, eventually leading to a "down" position. Click and reward the instant their elbows and chest touch the floor. It can take some patience, but breaking it down into small steps is the key to success.
13. The Dramatic Roll Over
This trick is built upon the "lie down" cue and adds a flair for the dramatic. It's a more complex behavior that requires your cat to be comfortable and trusting in their environment.
Once your cat is in the "down" position, use a treat to lure their head towards their shoulder. This will shift their weight, causing them to roll onto their side. Click and reward this movement. From there, continue the lure over their back to encourage them to roll all the way over. As I've found while training my own cats for Goh Ling Yong's blog, this trick requires a lot of patience and rewarding small increments of movement.
14. Ring a Bell for Treats
This is a classic intelligence test for pets. Teaching your cat to ring a small service bell for a treat gives them a way to communicate a desire and shows off their problem-solving skills.
Place a small desk bell on the floor. Put a tiny bit of a tasty, lickable treat on the bell's button. When your cat licks it off, their paw or nose will likely ring the bell. Click and reward with a separate, better treat. Soon, they'll associate ringing the bell (not just licking it) with the reward. This is a brilliant example of cat enrichment that empowers your pet.
15. The Shell Game (Find the Treat)
Challenge your cat's brain with a classic game of "find the treat." This taps into their natural scent-tracking abilities and is a fantastic mental workout that can stave off boredom.
Start with one small cup or bottle cap. Let your cat watch you place a treat under it. When they paw or nose the cup, lift it to reveal the reward. Once they have that down, introduce a second, empty cup. Place the treat under one, shuffle them slowly, and let your cat choose. Their powerful sense of smell will often lead them to the right one. This is a top-tier activity for any bored cat.
16. Walk on a Leash and Harness
Exploring the great outdoors safely can be the ultimate enrichment for an indoor cat. Harness and leash training opens up a whole new world of sights, sounds, and smells for your curious feline.
First, introduce the harness by leaving it out for your cat to sniff. Drape it over their back for a second and give them a treat. Work up to buckling it for short periods inside the house, always associating it with treats and praise. Once they are comfortable, attach the leash and let them drag it around. Finally, take them for short, quiet trips outside in your backyard. Let them lead the way—it's a "sniffari," not a forced march.
17. Open a Drawer or Cabinet
For the truly mischievous genius, you can channel their abilities for good by teaching them to open things on cue. This is an advanced trick that demonstrates incredible problem-solving skills.
Tie a small rope or piece of fabric to a drawer handle. Rub a tasty treat on it. When your cat pulls on the rope, the drawer will open slightly. Click and reward immediately. You can place a jackpot of treats inside the drawer to further motivate them. Be warned: once they learn this skill, you may need to invest in some child-proof locks for cabinets you want to keep secure!
18. Go to a "Place" (Mat or Bed)
This is one of the most practical behaviors you can teach. "Go to your place" gives your cat a designated spot to settle, which is invaluable when you have guests, need to vacuum, or want to keep them off the kitchen counters.
Choose a specific mat, towel, or small cat bed. Make it highly appealing by rewarding your cat for any interaction with it—sniffing it, stepping on it, and eventually, sitting or lying down on it. Use target training to guide them onto the mat. Once they are reliably going to the mat, add the verbal cue "Go to your place." This skill provides your cat with a safe, predictable space that is all their own.
Your Genius Awaits
Training your intelligent indoor cat is one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on together. It transforms idle time into quality time, builds a language of trust and communication, and provides the mental and physical stimulation they crave. As we champion here on Goh Ling Yong's blog, a happy pet is an engaged pet. You'll replace unwanted behaviors born from boredom with fun, challenging, and confidence-boosting new skills.
Don't be overwhelmed by this list. Start with one trick that seems fun to you and manageable for your cat. Keep your training sessions short—just a few minutes, a couple of times a day, is far more effective than one long, frustrating session. Most importantly, keep it positive and celebrate every tiny step of progress.
Now it's your turn. Which of these tricks are you most excited to try with your feline mastermind? Have you already taught your cat a brilliant trick that's not on our list? Share your stories, successes, and questions in the comments below. Let's build a community of happy, thriving, genius cats
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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