How to teach your cat a chain of tricks
Link three behaviours your cat knows into one sequence ending in one reward, built backwards.
- Difficulty
- Takes time
- Session
- 4 min
- To learn
- 6-12 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- mat
Why it matters
Every complex trick and agility run is a chain. Back-chaining keeps your cat moving towards the part they know best, and each cue rewards the step before.
Before you start
Play for a few minutes first. Train in a quiet room before a meal. Have 30 to 50 tiny treats ready, a clear marker plan, and one easy warm-up trick.
Step by step
Pick and order
Choose 3 strong tricks, for example spin, go to mat, high five. The last one should be the strongest.
Move on when: Each trick is 4 out of 5 on cue alone.
Tip: Weak links break chains, so polish each trick first.
Last link first
Ask for the high five on the mat. Click and treat.
Move on when: 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Start with the strongest trick so the chain always ends on a sure win.
Add the middle
From near the mat, cue "Mat". When your cat lands, cue high five. Click only after the high five.
Move on when: Mat then high five for one treat, 4 out of 5 times
Tip: The high-five cue is the reward for getting on the mat.
Add the first
Cue spin. When it finishes, cue mat, then high five. One click at the end.
Move on when: Spin, mat, high five for one treat, 4 out of 5 times
Tip: If a link fails, rebuild from the last two.
Chain cue (optional)
Say a new chain cue ("Show time") before the first trick. Over sessions, drop the middle cues.
Move on when: Runs the chain on one cue 3 out of 5 times
Tip: Only do this once the chain is very solid.
The cue
- Say
- “Show time”
- Hand signal
- Each trick's own signal, later one sweep of the hand
If it isn't working
- Cat stops after the first trick
- Go back to the last two links. Give the next cue faster.
- Cat skips to the end
- Reward only complete chains. Shorten to two links if it keeps skipping.
- One trick gets sloppy inside the chain
- Train that trick alone for a session, then put it back.
Safety
Safety- Watch for tail flicking, skin rippling, walking away, sudden grooming or swatting.
- If you see frustration, make the next step easier or end with an easy win.
Mastered when
Performs a 3-link chain for one reward, back-chained, 4 out of 5 times; bonus: on a single cue
Video check: Film the chain twice in a row with one treat at the end of each
Variations
- Tidy up: fetch toy, carry to box, drop in
- Agility link: tunnel, jump, pause table
- Ring the bell to ask for dinner, then go to mat
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Making the connection: behavior chains (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- The ten laws of shaping (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- Click and laugh: fun cat tricks (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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