Who says cats can’t learn tricks? While they’re famously independent, many felines are surprisingly eager to please—especially when treats are involved. Teaching your cat silly tricks not only provides mental stimulation and strengthens your bond but can also lead to those priceless viral moments on social media. From high-fives that melt hearts to somersaults that rack up views, these tricks are fun, feasible, and Pinterest-perfect. We’ll break each one down with step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and why they’ve gone viral. Remember, use positive reinforcement like clicker training or favorite treats, keep sessions short (5-10 minutes), and be patient—every cat learns at their own pace!
1. High Five
The high five is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to teach and endlessly entertaining. It’s gone viral in countless videos because nothing beats the sight of a cat slapping paws like a tiny buddy.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start with your cat in a sitting position. Hold a treat just above their paw level.
- Gently tap the back of their paw while saying “high five” to encourage them to lift it.
- As soon as their paw touches your hand, click (if using a clicker) and reward with the treat.
- Repeat, gradually raising your hand higher until they’re reaching up for a proper high five.
Tips: Use a soft voice to keep them calm. If your cat is paw-dominant (most are right-pawed), start with that side. Practice daily for quick results—this trick often takes just a week!
2. Wave
Imagine your cat waving goodbye like a celebrity—it’s hilariously cute and has starred in many TikTok hits. This trick builds on the high five but adds a waving motion for extra silliness.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin with the high five command, but instead of touching paws, hold the treat slightly out of reach above their head.
- Say “wave” and gently guide their paw into a waving motion by tapping it lightly.
- Reward immediately when they mimic the wave, even if it’s just a paw lift at first.
- Fade out the guidance over time, so they wave on cue alone.
Tips: Film your sessions; the imperfect attempts are often the most viral-worthy. Cats with playful personalities pick this up faster—reward with playtime for motivation.
3. Spin in a Circle
This dizzying trick turns your cat into a mini ballerina, and videos of cats spinning on command have exploded on YouTube for their sheer absurdity.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Hold a treat near your cat’s nose to get their attention.
- Say “spin” and slowly move the treat in a circle around their body, luring them to follow it with their head and body.
- When they complete a full circle, reward instantly.
- Gradually reduce the lure until they spin on verbal cue or a hand signal alone.
Tips: Start with small half-circles if a full spin is too much. Use a laser pointer as an alternative lure for energetic cats. This one boosts coordination and is great for indoor exercise.
4. Play Fetch
Yes, cats can fetch like dogs! This unexpected trick has gone viral because it shatters the “lazy cat” stereotype, with clips racking up millions of views on platforms like Reddit.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a lightweight toy your cat loves, like a crinkle ball or feather.
- Toss it a short distance while saying “fetch,” and encourage them to chase it.
- When they pick it up, call them back with excitement and a treat ready.
- Reward when they return it (or drop it near you), gradually increasing the distance.
Tips: Not all cats are natural fetchers—try it with kittens or high-energy breeds like Bengals. Make it fun by varying toys to keep interest high.
5. Roll Over
Turning your cat into a rolling furball is both silly and impressive, often featured in training montages that spread like wildfire online.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Have your cat lie down comfortably. Hold a treat near their shoulder.
- Say “roll over” and move the treat over their back, encouraging them to follow and roll.
- Reward as soon as they flip over, even partially at first.
- Practice in both directions for balance, fading the lure over sessions.
Tips: Use a soft surface to avoid discomfort. If they’re food-motivated, wet food works wonders as a high-value reward. This trick enhances flexibility too!
6. Jump Through a Hoop
Channel your inner circus trainer with this acrobatic feat. Viral videos of cats leaping through hoops (sometimes “flaming” ones with lights) captivate audiences for the wow factor.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start with a large hoop on the ground. Lure your cat through with a treat, saying “jump.”
- Reward for walking through, then gradually raise the hoop an inch at a time.
- Use a clicker to mark the exact moment they jump.
- Build height slowly to full jumps.
Tips: DIY a hoop from a hula hoop or wire. Safety first—keep it low for beginners. Energetic cats love this; it satisfies their natural jumping instincts.
7. Sit Pretty (Beg)
This pose has your cat sitting up on hind legs like a meerkat, and it’s a staple in cute cat compilations that dominate Pinterest and Instagram.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start from a sit. Hold a treat above their head, just out of reach.
- Say “sit pretty” as they reach up, balancing on hind legs.
- Reward when they hold the position for a second, building duration over time.
- Support their back gently if needed at first.
Tips: Strengthen core muscles with short holds. Grumpy-faced cats like Persians make this extra hilarious and shareable.
8. Play Dead
Dramatic and funny, this trick mimics a faint and has inspired endless slow-mo videos that go viral for the over-the-top acting.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- From a down position, say “bang” or “play dead” while gently rolling them onto their side.
- Hold a treat near their nose to keep them still, rewarding for staying “dead.”
- Add a finger gun gesture as a cue.
- Gradually remove guidance until they flop on command.
Tips: Pair with a playful tone to avoid scaring them. Cats who love belly rubs excel here. Edit videos with music for maximum virality!
9. Fist Bump
Cooler than a handshake, the fist bump is a modern twist that’s blown up in short-form content, showing cats as “bros” with attitude.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Present your closed fist at paw level with a treat inside.
- Say “fist bump” and tap their paw if needed to encourage contact.
- Open your hand to reward when they touch your fist.
- Transition to an empty fist over time.
Tips: Use this as a greeting ritual. Shy cats might take longer, but once learned, it’s a quick win for social media flexes.
10. Somersault
The ultimate silly stunt: a forward flip that’s rare and riveting, as seen in viral Instagram reels where cats tumble for treats.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Lure your cat into a low bow with a treat on the ground.
- Say “somersault” and move the treat forward and up, encouraging a roll.
- Reward partial rolls first, building to a full flip.
- Use a mat for cushioning and safety.
Tips: Only try with agile, young cats. Break it into micro-steps to avoid frustration. Capture the fails—they’re often funnier than successes!
Training your cat these tricks is all about fun and bonding—don’t forget to share your progress online! With consistency, your pet could be the next internet sensation. What trick will you try first?
