Hey Meow, I’ve been drafting a detailed, step‑by‑step plan for training cats to do tricks—no shortcuts, just pure, methodical practice. Want to break it down together?

First, we start with the classic “sit” because it’s the foundation for all future tricks. Here’s the exact, no‑shortcut procedure: pick a high‑value reward, place it just in front of the cat, then lift it slowly behind the cat’s head to encourage a natural sit. Wait until the cat’s rear touches the floor, then give the reward and a firm verbal cue. Repeat until the cat sits on cue without you having to lure it. Once that’s nailed, we can layer in the high‑five, but only after the cat consistently sits within a three‑second window of the cue. No half‑hearted “just try it” here.

Go with a small piece of chicken jerky or a sweet spot of tuna. It’s dry, highly palatable, and won’t overload the kitty’s stomach. Keep the treat size to about the thickness of a pencil so it’s quick to bite. After the first sit, pause for a brief “purr‑stop”—just let the cat settle, maybe a quick belly rub—before moving on. Now grab that treat and let’s see if the kitty will sit before you even say the word. If they balk, we’ll reassess the angle and speed of the lure. Ready?

Hold the jerky about an inch behind the cat’s nose, lift it slowly so the cat’s head follows naturally. Watch for the moment the back touches the floor—then give the cue, reward, and a calm “yes.” If it’s hesitant, angle the jerky a little higher, maybe closer to the ear, and keep the movement smooth. Once the sit clicks, pause, let the kitty calm, then we’ll move on to the high‑five. Ready to try?