How to Teach a Cat to High Five [Step-by-Step with Pictures]

Teaching your cat a new trick is one of the most rewarding ways to strengthen your bond. And let’s be honest, is there anything cooler than your cat giving you a high five? This isn’t just a party trick; it’s a fantastic form of enrichment and communication. Contrary to popular belief, cat tricks training is not only possible but also surprisingly easy with the right approach.

This guide will walk you through a simple, positive reinforcement method to teach a cat to high five. With a little patience and some tasty treats, you’ll be celebrating milestones with your feline friend in no time. Let’s get started!

Before You Begin: The Keys to Success

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Successful training happens before the first trick is even attempted. Setting the stage correctly ensures your cat is comfortable, engaged, and ready to learn.

• The Right Reward: The “currency” for training is a high-value treat. This isn’t their regular kibble. Think small, delicious morsels they absolutely love, like tiny pieces of freeze-dried chicken, tuna, or specific training treats.
• A Quiet Environment: Choose a calm, quiet room without distractions like other pets, loud noises, or people walking by.
• Keep Sessions Short & Sweet: A cat’s attention span is short. Aim for training sessions that are only 2-5 minutes long, once or twice a day. Always end on a positive note, even if it’s just for a small success. This is a core principle of effective cat tricks training.

The 5 Simple Steps to a Perfect High Five

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This method uses “luring”—using a treat to guide your cat into the desired position. Remember, every cat learns at a different pace. Be patient and celebrate every small step forward.

Step 1: Get Your Cat Comfortable with Your Hand

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Hold a treat in your closed fist, letting your cat sniff it. When they start to investigate your hand with their nose or paw, praise them and give them the treat. Do this a few times until they confidently approach your hand, knowing a reward is inside. The goal is to make them see your hand as a source of good things.

Step 2: Lure the Paw Touch

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Now, hold the treat in your fist but present the back of your empty, open hand to your cat, held low to the ground. Your cat will likely try to nudge your hand to get the treat. The moment their paw touches your open hand—even by accident—say “Yes!” or click your clicker, and immediately give them the treat from your other hand. Repeat this step many times. We are teaching them that “paw touching hand” equals “reward.”

Step 3: Raise the Target (Your Hand)

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Once your cat reliably touches your low-held hand with their paw, you can slowly start raising your hand an inch or two off the ground before you present it. At first, they might be confused, but they will eventually lift their paw to meet your hand. Again, the instant they make contact, mark the behavior (“Yes!”) and reward them. Practice at this new height until it becomes second nature for them.

Step 4: Introduce the “High Five” Cue

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Now it’s time to associate the action with a command. As you present your hand, just before they are about to touch it, say your verbal cue clearly: “High Five!” or “Gimme Five!”. When they complete the action, praise and reward them. Consistency is key here. By always saying the cue before the action, your cat will start to understand what the phrase means.

Step 5: Shape the Final High Five

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This is the final flourish. Gradually start presenting your hand in a more vertical “high five” position. This may take some time. You might have to go back to a flatter position if they get confused. Keep practicing, and eventually, they will lift their paw to meet your upright hand. When they do, give them lots of praise and a jackpot of treats! You’ve successfully managed to teach a cat to high five!

Troubleshooting & Final Tips

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• My cat uses its claws. Never scold them. Simply pull your hand back calmly. Only reward gentle touches made with a soft paw. They will quickly learn that claws out = no treat.
• My cat loses interest quickly. Your sessions are too long, or your treats aren’t enticing enough. Try a different, more exciting reward and keep sessions under 2 minutes.
• Patience is everything. This process could take a day for some cats and a few weeks for others. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and enjoy this wonderful bonding experience.

Learning new tricks is a fantastic way to keep your indoor cat stimulated and happy. Congratulations on becoming a pro at cat tricks training—what will you teach them next?