How to Teach a Cat to Play Fetch: A Step-by-Step Training Guide

It is possible to teach a cat to play fetch, though not all cats will be interested in this activity. We’ve had a few cats ourselves, but only one of them would play fetch. Another cat that I “pet sit”, will only fetch if I throw her toy (in this case an elastic hair band) onto the cat tree. Then she will bring it back to me.

Here are some tips for training a cat to fetch:

Cat playing with Smokey's Stash Rabbit Fur Mouse Cat Toy

Start with a cat toy that closely resembles prey, like a small stuffed mouse or feather toy. Something that triggers their natural instinct to "hunt."

Get their attention and interest by swinging the toy around and letting them chase it. Drag it along the floor to simulate it running away.

Once they enthusiastically chase and pounce on the toy, praise them verbally and give them a treat. This reinforces the behavior.

Pick up the toy and throw it a short distance, 3-4 feet away. Encourage them to run after and pick it up. Praise again when they do.

Gradually increase the distance you throw the toy as the cat learns to run after it. Use treats and affection as positive reinforcement.

When they pick up the toy in their mouth, say "bring it here" and offer an enticing treat when they return to you. This associates "bring" with returning the toy.

With time and consistency, the cat will learn to associate chasing, fetching and returning the toy with rewards and your praise. Not all cats take to fetching, but those with high prey drives often take readily to this game.

The key is being patient, using enticement and finding toys that appeal to your cat's natural hunting urges. With the right motivation, you can teach your cat to retrieve just like a dog!

I’d love to hear if your cat(s) like to play fetch… leave a comment!