How to Train Your Cat to Shake Hands

Start the lesson in the right frame of mind. Don’t expect miracles on day one and if your cat is not in the mood, try again the next day.

Train before mealtime. A hungry cat motivated for treats will be more cooperative and eager to learn. As you teach, feed your feline their favorite tidbit and save this special food for training. When your cat sees the treat, they’ll know it’s time to train!

Select the best location for learning. Don’t train your cat beside the window where birds love to land on your prized rose bush. Do they have a cat perch? That may work. On the other end of the scale, some cats train best when pet and pet owner are both on the floor.

Keep it as alone time. If the family dog is bouncing around the room or another cat wants to see what is going on, it will only distract your four-legged student from the training. Wait until the dog is out on a walk or the other resident kitty is having a cat nap.

Have treats on hand within easy reach. Very small pieces of boiled chicken (no spices), tiny flecks of tuna, or yummy commercial treats will do.

Tell your cat to sit. Having this training command down pat is the ideal start. If not, when you ask your kitty to sit, gently push their hind end to the floor while giving the verbal command, “sit”.

Once your cat is sitting, use the command you plan to instill for this trick. “Shake a paw” or “shake hands” will do. Always stick to the same verbal instruction, so your finicky feline does not get confused.

As you give the command, put your hand (palm up) close to your cat’s paw. If your cat doesn’t place their paw on your hand, take the paw, hold it a few seconds, and give the yummy treat. Repeat this several times.

Soon, your cat will respond to the verbal command. Always make sure you have treats handy when in training mode. Eventually, you will be able to give the treat sporadically, and then not at all, if that is your choice. Always be ready with verbal praise, though!

Train your cat to associate treats with the clicker by using the clicker near them and instantly giving them a treat. This little bit of training should take place only 2 to 3 minutes a day because 5 minutes will seem way too long!

To begin the “shake hands” training session, click the clicker and give your cat a treat to remind them that the sound means time to train and time for a treat!

Take your cat’s paw (always use the same paw to keep the action clear). A gentle motion is the way to approach it, so they do not think you are grabbing them.

With the other hand, click the clicker. Say “shake hands” right after you click. Then reward with the treat. Let go of the paw and give verbal praise and a loving pat.

Repeat the training steps for less than 5 minutes. You can come back for another lesson later in the day. Keep the training short and fun.

Once your cat associates the “shake hands” with the reward, give the command and wait for their positive response. Once they give you their paw for a shake, click and give a tasty reward. As with the above method, you can eventually phase out the treats.