Although cats have a reputation for being independent, your kitten's curiosity and intelligence means she can learn some simple commands.
Sit on command
Getting your kitten in the habit of sitting before getting what she wants will help to remind her that you are in control.
Step one
Have a treat available, such as a few kibbles of kitten food.
Step two
With your kitten in a standing position, hold the food in front of her nose. Avoid holding the food too high over your kitten's head or she will stand up instead of sit.
Step three
In a steady, slow motion, move the food over your kitten's head. Your kitten's nose will point up and her rear end will ease down to the floor, taking your kitten into the sit position.
Step four
Say "Sit" as your kitten's rear end touches the floor, and give the food. Say "Good kitty" as your kitten takes the food from your hand.
Step five
Before long, you'll notice your kitten will go into the sit position when you sweep your hand in an upward movement, even without food. Gradually phase the food out, but continue to say "Good kitty" when your kitten sits.
Tasty Tips
Come when called
This command ends with your kitten sitting quietly in front of you. It should be practiced with many different people so your kitten learns that the proper way to approach a person is to run up to them and then sit.
Step one
Stand approximately 3 feet away from your kitten. Say your kitten's name so she turns and makes eye contact with you.
Step two
Holding a kibble of kitten food, extend your hand toward your kitten. Wave your hand with the food toward you and say "come" as your kitten runs to you.
Step three
Give the food to your kitten and say "Good kitty."
Step four
Take a few steps back. Show your kitten a second kibble, say her name, and repeat the call for food.
Step five
Gradually repeat the exercise from farther and farther away. Once your kitten is doing well, begin calling her when she is looking away from you. Again, keep your training sessions short and stop before your kitten tires of the game.
Fetch
This command can result in hours of fun play sessions with your pet, and is an excellent source of exercise, too.
Step one
Choose a small, light-weight object for your kitten to fetch. This might be a toy or a crumpled ball of paper.
Step two
Say "Fetch" and extend your hand as you toss the object.
Step three
When your kitten picks up the object and looks at you, slowly back away from her and say "Fetch" and move your hand toward your chest in a "Come here" type of motion.
Step four
Take the toy and repeat the above steps. Keep your training sessions short and stop before your kitten tires of the game.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, they can still be concerning. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options for URIs.
How to Care for an Injured Cat
Cat injuries require special attention—earn how to recognize a cat injury, details about cat wound care and recommendations for helping cats heal at home.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Pain Relief for Your Cat: Dangerous Medications to Avoid
Know the risks of giving your cat over-the-counter pain medications, and how to properly care for their pain.
Knowing Your Cat's Special Anatomy
To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
Choosing the best food for your cat, starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Cat Zoomies: Why Your Cat Gets Them & When to Call the Vet
Learn why your kitty gets cat zoomies, random bouts of energy that cause them to race through the house, and when zoomies could indicate a health issue.
Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
How to Make Your Cat Feel Safe on Halloween
Heart Disease in Your Cat: How Nutrition Can Help
Heart diseases can manifest in cats similar to humans, so it is important to catch the warning signs early and consult your vet. Learn more now.
Choosing the Best Kitten Food: What to Look For & Avoid
Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.
Cat Heart Health and Feline Heart Disease
Learn more about the causes of feline heart disease and the signs you can watch out for to promote heart health in your cat.
The Importance of Drinking Water for Your Cat
Discover why water consumption is so important to your cat's overall health, and how you can encourage your cat to drink more water.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out?
They look super cute when doing it, but why do cats stick their tongue out? Read on to find out what it means!
Diet Considerations for Pregnant & Nursing Cats
Learn what your female cat needs for proper nutrition when pregnant or nursing, so you can make sure you are feeding her properly.
Should I Get My Cat Groomed by a Professional?
Cats often do a lot of grooming themselves, but learn some sticky situations where consulting a professional groomer might be the right call.
The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells
Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell
Preparing Your Nervous Cat for Large Gatherings at Home
Having a large group over? Learn some helpful ways to prepare your nervous cat and keep her from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.