How to teach your cat to stand tall on its back legs
Your cat stands up on hind legs with front paws in the air, then comes back down.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 8-15 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- target stick
Why it matters
Standing up is natural for cats when they look over things or reach for toys. On cue it is a fun trick and a nice stretch.
Before you start
Play with a wand toy for a few minutes first, then train in a quiet room before a meal. Warm up with 2 or 3 tricks your cat already knows.
Step by step
From sit pretty
Ask for sit pretty. Lift the target or treat 5 cm higher. Click when the bottom lifts off the floor.
Move on when: Bottom lifts 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Go straight up, slowly.
Full stand
Raise until your cat is standing on its hind feet. Click, treat high, then let it come down.
Move on when: Stands for a blink 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Treat at the top so they do not lunge for food on the way down.
One second up
Wait one second before the click. Build to 2 seconds.
Move on when: Holds 2 seconds 5 out of 10 tries
Tip: Short and sweet. Stop after 3 tries.
Add the cue
Say "Stand" and raise your hand above the head, palm down. Fade the target.
Move on when: Stands on cue 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Lower the hand to end the trick.
The cue
- Say
- “Stand”
- Hand signal
- Flat palm raised high above the cat's head
If it isn't working
- Jumps at your hand
- Hold your hand lower and mark earlier, before take-off.
- Falls forward
- Offer your arm to lean on with front paws.
- Only half stands
- Mark the half stand for a while; the full stand will come with strength.
Safety
Safety- Skip for kittens, seniors and cats with back, hip or knee problems.
- Only 3 to 5 stands per session.
- Jumping less can signal arthritis or pain. Skip this lesson; talk to your vet.
Mastered when
Stands on cue for 2 seconds, 4 out of 5 times, in 2 rooms
Video check: Film 2 cued stands held for 2 seconds
Variations
- Stand and wave
- Stand at a doorway to 'look out'
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
- Click and laugh: fun cat tricks (Karen Pryor, clickertraining.com)
- 3 easy tricks to teach your cat (Fear Free Happy Homes)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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