How to teach your cat to stop on a pause table
Your cat jumps onto a low table, sits or lies down, and waits 3 to 5 before release.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 6-12 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- sturdy low platform with a non-slip top
Why it matters
A pause teaches control in the middle of excitement. Courses use table jumps and pause tables, so your cat must land and hold still.
Before you start
Warm up with a few minutes of wand play before a meal, then a hand target and one easy obstacle. Quiet room, doors closed, non-slip mats under every obstacle.
Step by step
Up on the table
Tap the table and say "Table". Click as all four feet land, treat on the table.
Move on when: Hops up 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Start no higher than your cat's elbow.
Add the sit
Once up, cue "Sit". Click and treat on the table.
Move on when: Sits on the table 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: A down is fine too if that is easier for your cat.
Hold for 1, then 3
Say "Wait", count 1, click, treat. Build to a count of 3, then 5.
Move on when: Holds for 5 seconds 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Treat on the table so staying pays.
Release
Say your release word and lead off with the toy.
Move on when: Stays until released 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Release before the cat breaks, not after.
From a run
Lead over one jump, then onto the table, pause, release.
Move on when: Jump, table, pause 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Expect a shorter pause at first after running.
The cue
- Say
- “Table”
- Hand signal
- Tap the table top, then flat palm towards the cat for the wait
If it isn't working
- Jumps straight off
- Shorten the pause to 1 second, treat faster, and feed several treats in a row on the table.
- Will not jump up
- Lower the table or add a step, and put a treat on top.
- Slides on landing
- Add a rug or rubber mat to the top and check the table does not move.
Safety
Safety- Kitten jumps: no higher than the elbow, soft landings until about a year old.
- Seniors or less-jumping cats may hide arthritis: keep all at floor level; ask vet first.
- Non-slip take-off and landing; no wobbly furniture; check tables can't tip.
Mastered when
Jumps onto the table, sits or lies down and holds 5 seconds until released, after a jump, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film jump then table then pause, counting the 5 seconds out loud
Variations
- Two tables with a gap to jump between (ICAT table jump)
- Pause in a down
- Pause while you walk round the table
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- ICAT standard course (International Cat Agility Tournaments)
- Agility training for your cat (Cat Fanciers' Association)
- Positive Reinforcement Training Educational Toolkit (FelineVMA)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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