How to teach your cat to take jumps in a line
Your cat takes bar jumps on a course: one, then a row of three, keeping a steady rhythm on cue.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 8-12 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- target stick or wand toy
- 3 bar jumps (dowels on books or chairs)
- non-slip mats
Why it matters
Hurdles are the most common obstacle on a cat course. Easy jumps get your cat moving and build confidence, and a triple jump comes later.
Before you start
Warm up with a wand toy, then train before a meal. Practice a hand target and one easy obstacle. Close doors, keep it quiet, use non-slip mats under the jumps.
Step by step
One bar, low
Set one bar at 5 cm. Lead your cat over with the target and click as it steps over. Treat beyond the bar.
Move on when: Over the bar 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Train both directions from the start.
Add the cue
Say "Over" and sweep your arm forward as you lead. Fade the target to a point.
Move on when: Jumps on cue and a point 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Keep the same cue for bars and hoops, as CFA trainers do.
Two in a row
Place a second bar 1.5 m beyond the first. Lead over both, click on landing after the second.
Move on when: Clears both 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Give enough room for one stride between jumps.
Three in a row
Add a third bar. Click after the third. Keep all bars low.
Move on when: Clears 3 low bars in a row 4 out of 5 times
Tip: If it runs out to the side, put the line along a wall.
Raise slowly
Raise all bars by 2 to 5 cm at a time, up to about your cat's elbow height for a fit adult.
Move on when: Clears 3 bars at the new height 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Lower again at the first knock or run-out.
Steer from the side
Run alongside on the outside of the line with the toy instead of leading from in front.
Move on when: Clears 3 jumps with you beside, 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Your shoulders point where the cat should go.
The cue
- Say
- “Over”
- Hand signal
- Arm swept forward low, palm down, over the bar
If it isn't working
- Ducks under the bar
- Lower the bar to the floor and raise in smaller steps. Fill the gap under it with a towel.
- Goes round the side
- Add side wings (cereal boxes) at each end, or put the line against a wall.
- Knocks the bar
- Lower it, check the floor is not slippery, and give more space between jumps so it finds its stride.
- Stops after one jump
- Mark and treat after the first, then the second, and only then wait for the third.
Safety
Safety- Kittens: jumps at elbow height until about a year. Seniors: floor level, vet first.
- Non-slip surfaces only; no slippery floors or wobbly furniture.
- Bars must fall if touched; stop after 10 to 15 jumps.
Mastered when
Clears 3 bar jumps in a row at elbow height on cue with you alongside, both directions, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 2 runs over a line of 3 jumps, one each direction
Variations
- Jumps on a curve
- Spread jump (two bars side by side, low)
- Mirror jump: bar in front of a mirror (tests focus)
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Agility training for your cat (Cat Fanciers' Association)
- ICAT standard course (International Cat Agility Tournaments)
- Agility for cats: a cat behavior consultant answers what, why and how (Pet Professional Guild)
- Osteoarthritis in cats (American College of Veterinary Surgeons)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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