How to Teach Your Cat to Spin

Melina Grin / Cats.com

Have you ever wanted to teach your cat a fun, easy new trick in a few minutes with minimal effort?

Felines are intelligent animals and can learn many cat tricks with a bit of patience and positive reinforcement.

What Is This Trick?

“Spin” is a fun, engaging cat trick you can enjoy with your feline friend. It’s one of our favorite clicker training cues because most cats learn it quickly. During the spin, your cat will turn in a circle, either to the left or the right, eventually facing the same direction they started from.

What Is the Verbal Cue?

“Spin” and “Round”

Gather The Right Tools

You’ll need some treats, food, or toys your cat loves, a quiet space free of distractions, a clicker, and a target stick.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Cat to Spin

1. Start by getting your cat’s attention when they are calm.

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2. Either place a treat in your hand or prepare the target stick for those cats who already know how to follow a target.

Melina Grin / Cats.com

3. Slowly lure your cat with the treat at eye level or place the target stick in front of your cat’s nose and slowly move it to lead them into a circle. When the circle is completed, remove the target stick, click and treat.

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4. If your cat doesn’t follow the treat or target, or is unable to complete a 360-degree turn, break the movement into smaller steps:

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• Slight head or neck turn – click and treat.
• Leaning into the direction of the turn, then click and treat.
• Paw lifting – click and treat.
• Quarter of a turn – click and treat.
• Half of a turn – click and treat.
• Three-quarters of a turn – click and treat.
• Entire circle – click and treat.

5. Once your cat has completed a full circle several times, start fading the target stick or make it shorter.

6. Continue fading the stick and replace it with your finger.

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7. Now that your cat understands the finger command, add the verbal cue: “Spin” or “Round.”.

8. When they have learned the cue, you can start giving fewer treats and practice in different locations around the home.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the training sessions short – limit practice sessions to between 2 and 5 minutes for kittens and 10 minutes for adults.
2. Be patient – Some cats pick up things fast, while others may need a few days to weeks to adjust.
3. Best time for practice – Train before mealtime when your cat is active and food- or toy-motivated.
4. Encourage them to turn both ways – Once your cat learns to spin in one direction, teach them to spin the other way to provide mental stimulation.
5. Have fun – End the training session on a positive note and have fun bonding with your cat.

Once your cat masters this easy trick, you’ll both be addicted. Follow us for additional trick tutorials.