When people think of cat training, they usually assume it’s impossible.

But let me introduce you to Freddie and Penny – my two mischievous little assistants behind Happy Tails.

Freddie is affectionate, slightly dramatic, and very food-motivated.
Penny is independent, observant, and likes to pretend she’s not interested… until treats appear.

And yes – they both clicker train beautifully.

If they can do it, your cat absolutely can too.

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What Is Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method where a small “click” sound marks the exact behaviour you want. The click is always followed by a treat.

The formula is simple:

Good behaviour → Click → Treat → Repeat

Cats learn quickly when they understand how to “win.”

Freddie learned almost instantly.
Penny took a few sessions… but once she realised she was in control of earning treats, she was hooked.

Keep sessions short – 3–5 minutes is perfect.

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🐾 1. Target Training (Freddie’s Favourite)

This is the foundation trick – and Freddie mastered it in one afternoon.

How to do it:

1. Hold out a stick (a pen or chopstick works).
2. The moment your cat sniffs or touches it – click.
3. Immediately give a treat.

Freddie now proudly boops the stick on purpose. Penny pretends it was her idea all along.

Why this matters: once your cat follows a target, you can guide them anywhere – onto a mat, into a carrier, even around a mini obstacle course.

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🐾 2. Sit on Cue (Penny’s Power Move)

Yes. Cats can sit on command.

Penny now sits and stares at me like royalty waiting for payment.

How to do it:

1. Hold a treat slightly above your cat’s head.
2. Move it slowly backwards.
3. As their head lifts, their bottom naturally lowers.
4. The moment they sit – click and treat.

Add the word “Sit” once they start offering it consistently.

Freddie sits enthusiastically. Penny sits elegantly.

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🐾 3. High Five (Instagram Gold)

This one is ridiculously cute.

Freddie paws dramatically.
Penny does it only when she feels like it (which somehow makes it even cuter).

How to do it:

1. Hold a treat in a closed fist.
2. Your cat will likely paw at your hand.
3. The second their paw touches you – click and treat.
4. Gradually change your fist into an open palm.

Soon you’ll have a proper high five on cue.

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🐾 4. Spin (The Show-Off Trick)

Freddie spins like he’s auditioning for a talent show.

Penny spins… but only clockwise. She has preferences.

How to do it:

1. Hold a treat near your cat’s nose.
2. Slowly guide them in a small circle.
3. When they complete the circle – click and treat.
4. Add the cue “Spin.”

Keep movements gentle and sessions short.

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🐾 5. Go to Mat (Life-Changing Trick)

This is one of the most useful behaviours I’ve taught Freddie & Penny.

It’s perfect for:

• Visitors arriving
• Mealtimes
• Calm moments
• Grooming prep

How to do it:

1. Place a small mat or towel down.
2. Click and reward any interest in it at first.
3. Gradually only reward when all four paws are on it.
4. Add a cue like “Mat” or “Place.”

Freddie now runs to his mat when he hears the cue. Penny walks there slowly… because she refuses to rush for anyone.

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Why I Love Clicker Training for Freddie & Penny

As indoor cats (with plenty of toys from Happy Tails, of course 😉), mental stimulation is just as important as physical play.

Clicker training:

✔ Builds confidence
✔ Strengthens your bond
✔ Reduces boredom
✔ Prevents unwanted behaviours
✔ Gives structure to curious minds

Freddie thrives on the attention.
Penny thrives on mastering something.

Both benefit enormously.

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Final Thoughts

Clicker training isn’t about making your cat perform.

It’s about communication.

When Freddie looks at me waiting for the click, or Penny confidently offers a sit without being asked, it reminds me that cats are incredibly intelligent – we just have to speak their language.

If you try any of these tricks with your own cat, I’d love to see! Tag Happy Tails and share your training wins 🐾💗