How to teach your cat to crawl
From a down, your cat creeps forward low, first under a low bridge, then on open floor.
- Difficulty
- Takes time
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 8-20 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- chair or low bridge, about 15 cm high
Why it matters
Cats stalk low naturally, so crawl captures a hunting move and puts it on cue. It looks great in a routine.
Before you start
Play a few minutes first, train in a quiet room before a meal. Have 30 to 50 tiny treats ready and a marker plan. Warm up with an easy trick.
Step by step
Down first
Cue a down on a rug.
Move on when: Down 4 out of 5 times
Tip: A soft rug makes the down and crawl more comfortable.
One creep
Hold a treat on the floor just ahead of the nose and move it 5 cm forward. Click any forward shuffle that stays low.
Move on when: Shuffles forward low, 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Keep the treat touching the floor.
Under a bridge
Set a board on books 15 cm high. Lure under it.
Move on when: Creeps under 4 out of 5 times
Tip: The bridge stops the cat standing up.
Fade the lure
Use an empty hand, then a point.
Move on when: Crawls under to a point 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Shrink the gesture over a few sessions.
Open floor
Raise and then remove the bridge.
Move on when: Crawls 30 cm on open floor 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Raise the bridge 5 cm at a time before removing it.
Add the cue
Say "Crawl" before the signal.
Move on when: Crawls on the word 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Pause a beat between word and signal so your cat can move on the word.
The cue
- Say
- “Crawl”
- Hand signal
- Palm down, slowly sliding along the floor
If it isn't working
- Cat stands up
- Lower the bridge or the lure. Move the treat slower.
- Follows only with its neck
- Move the treat just 2 cm at first and mark the first paw that moves.
- Pounces on the hand
- Use a target stick instead of your fingers.
Safety
Safety- Watch for frustration: tail flicking, skin rippling, walking away, sudden grooming or swatting.
- If frustrated, make the next step easier or end with an easy win.
- Make sure the bridge cannot fall on your cat.
Mastered when
Crawls at least 30 cm on open floor on the word, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 crawls on open floor
Variations
- Crawl through a tunnel made of your legs
- Crawl then roll over
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Click and laugh: fun cat tricks (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- Fading the click? (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- 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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