How to teach your cat to climb agility steps
Your cat climbs a short set of steps, crosses the top and comes down the other side.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 4-8 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- target stick
- pet steps or 2 to 3 sturdy boxes
- non-slip covering
Why it matters
Stairs are often the first obstacle on a CFA show course. They are easy on joints and build the habit of following you up and over.
Before you start
Warm up with a wand toy, then train before a meal. Practise a hand target and one easy obstacle. Keep the room quiet, close doors and use non-slip mats.
Step by step
First step
Lead with the target onto the bottom step. Click front paws on the step.
Move on when: Front paws up 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Treat on the step.
To the top
Lead step by step to the top. Click at the top.
Move on when: Climbs to the top 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Go slow; this is a walk, not a leap.
Over and down
Lead across the top and down the far side. Click the last step down.
Move on when: Up, over and down 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Steps on both sides are kinder than a jump down.
Add the cue
Say "Steps" and point to the first step. Fade the target.
Move on when: Climbs on cue and a point 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Hold the point until your cat is on the first step.
From a trot
Start 2 m back with the toy.
Move on when: Takes steps at a trot 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Slow the toy at the top so your cat does not overshoot.
The cue
- Say
- “Steps”
- Hand signal
- Point to the bottom step, then sweep the hand up and over
If it isn't working
- Jumps from bottom straight to top
- Fine for a fit cat; to get every step, lower the riser height or lead more slowly.
- Jumps off the side
- Put the steps against a wall and lead closer to the open side.
- Hesitates at the top
- Treat at the top for a few reps, then lure down with a treat on the bottom step.
Safety
Safety- Kittens: jumps no higher than the elbow, soft landings, until about a year old.
- Arthritic or senior cats: stay at floor level; ask your vet before adding height.
- Steps wide enough for all four feet and non-slip; never slippery floors or wobbly furniture.
Mastered when
Climbs up, over and down the steps on cue from a trot, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 runs over the steps
Variations
- Steps then straight into the tunnel
- Steps up to a pause table
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- What is feline agility? (Cat Fanciers' Association)
- Agility training for your cat (Cat Fanciers' Association)
- 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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