How To Teach a Cat to Sit

Cats are intelligent creatures, but they can be stubborn, which makes them more difficult to train than a dog. Unlike dogs, cats are not constantly seeking your approval, and will not do what you tell them to unless it's in their best interests. Although you may think that only dogs can be trained, it is entirely possible to train a cat with patience. Here's how to teach a cat to sit:

1. Understand cat training basics. Cats can't be trained using the loud commands that you might use with a dog. They do, however, respond to treats, positive praise and petting their head. Cats will only respond to you when they get something out of it. Make sure that you have their favorite treats on hand before you teach a cat to sit.
2. Wait until your cat is attentive. Don't try to train a cat when they are distracted by food or a nap. Instead, wait until they're hungry, so that treats can be used as a motivating tool. Get your cat's attention by waving the treat at them, but don't give it to them just yet. If your cat doesn't seem interested in the treat, it may not be the best time to start their training.
3. Give the signal. Give your cat the signal you've chosen, such as saying "sit" or making a hand gesture. Then, gently push his rear end gently down to give your cat a physical cue of what to do. Your cat may or may not sit on the first try.
4. Try again. If your cat does not sit on the first try, repeat your signal, and again push his back end gently. Be patient, even if it seems like your cat is not understanding you. It may take several tries before your cat sits down, and it may even seem coincidental that they sat down at all.
5. Give a reward. When your cat finally sits down, reward your cat with a treat, praise and petting his head. Let your cat sit for a few minutes before you try again. Avoid giving treats when they aren't used as a reward for good behavior, or your cat will get confused, and will not follow your commands.
6. Repeat. Repeat this process often until your cat is trained to sit without the treat. He should eventually respond to your voice or hand gesture, not to the treat. It may take a month or so of daily training before your cat will sit on command.

Teaching a cat to sit is a fairly easy trick, although it does take patience to train a cat to do anything. Using treats, you can motivate your cat to sit, since they get something out of the deal. These intelligent creatures will not often follow your command unless they think there is something in it for them.