How to teach your cat to jump over a bar
Your cat jumps over a low bar between two supports, first walking over it, then hopping.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 6-12 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- target stick
- light pole or broom handle
- two shoe boxes or books as supports
Why it matters
Bar jumps are part of every cat agility course and teach your cat to clear an obstacle on cue.
Before you start
Play with wand toy first. Train in a quiet room before a meal, when your cat is hungry. Warm up with 2 or 3 known tricks. Use a non-slip mat.
Step by step
Pole on the floor
Lay the pole flat on the floor across a doorway or between two chairs. Lead your cat over with the target. Click as it steps over.
Move on when: Steps over 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: A doorway or hallway helps funnel the cat over the pole.
Low bar
Rest the pole on two books, about 3 to 5 cm up. Lead over. Click the step or hop.
Move on when: Over at 5 cm 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Lay the pole loose on top of the supports so it rolls off if hit.
Both ways
Practise in both directions.
Move on when: Over both ways 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Toss the treat beyond the bar.
Add the cue
Say "Over" and point. Fade the target stick.
Move on when: Jumps on cue and a point 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Run alongside a step or two to help the flow.
Raise slowly
Raise the bar 5 cm at a time, up to about elbow to shoulder height for a fit adult.
Move on when: Clears the bar at elbow height 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Lower the bar again any time the cat hesitates.
The cue
- Say
- “Over”
- Hand signal
- Point over the bar with an arm sweep in the direction of travel
If it isn't working
- Walks round the bar
- Put the bar in a doorway so there is no way round. Lower it.
- Walks under the bar
- Lower the bar so under is not an option, or put a towel underneath to fill the gap.
- Knocks the bar
- Lower it. Knocks often mean the height came too fast.
Safety
Safety- Kittens: keep jumps below elbow height, with soft landings, until about a year old.
- Jumping less or lower can mean arthritis or pain: skip this and see your vet.
- Use non-slip take-off and landing spots, and a bar that falls off easily.
Mastered when
Jumps a bar at elbow height on cue in both directions, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 cued jumps over a bar
Variations
- Two bars in a row
- Jump over your legs
- Jump over a mirror-free 'broad jump' of two low boxes
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Click and laugh: fun cat tricks (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- What is feline agility? (Cat Fanciers' Association)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to ride on your shoulder
Your cat jumps from a chair or counter onto your shoulders when you pat, then rides there.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to fetch
Your cat brings a small toy back to your hand, taught backwards from the drop with shaping.
Lesson · 3 min
How to teach your cat to come to a whistle
Your cat learns that a whistle means run to you for something great.
