Teach the opening before asking for height.
Prepare to learn
Train one cat at a time. The Feline Veterinary Medical Association advises against training ill or painful cats, or those showing protective behaviour.
Use a marker your cat already associates with a reward.
Begin on the floor
Following the Cat Pawsitive guide, start with the hoop on the floor. Begin the lure on your cat's side, moving your hand through the opening so they follow to the other side. Mark the completed crossing, then reward.
Progress gradually
As crossing becomes confident, gradually lift the hoop off the floor, asking for a jump through it.
Battersea recommends small steps at the cat's pace. Return to the easier floor-level crossing rather than raising the challenge during hesitation.
Fade, then cue
Once the guided movement works, repeat the hand motion without holding food; mark and reward. When consistent, pair your chosen word with that gesture, then say it immediately before the gesture. Gradually introduce a pause. Remove the guiding motion only once the cue works.
Stopping at floor level is valid; no height target applies.
