Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle and relaxed nature, but their intelligence and playful side make them surprisingly receptive to training. If you’re looking for a fun new trick to teach your feline companion, training them to jump through a hoop is a rewarding experience. Our step-by-step guide uses positive reinforcement to make training fun and easy for both you and your Ragdoll.
Before you begin
- Gather your supplies: You will need a hoop (a child’s hula hoop is ideal but your can make hoop with your arms) and high-value treats or a favorite toy. A clicker can also be useful to precisely mark the desired behavior.
- Keep sessions short: Cats have a short attention span, so limit training to about 5–10 minutes per session to prevent frustration.
- Train in a quiet space: Choose a calm, familiar room with minimal distractions to help your Ragdoll focus.
- Check with your vet: If your cat is older, ensure it has no underlying health issues, such as arthritis, that could make jumping uncomfortable.
Step-by-step training guide
Step 1: Introduce the hoop
- Let your cat explore: Lay the hoop flat on the floor and allow your cat to investigate it at their own pace.
- Make it positive: Drop treats inside and around the hoop to build a positive association with the new object.
- Reward interaction: Reward your cat with a treat and praise for touching, sniffing, or stepping into the hoop.
Step 2: Lure your cat through
- Stand the hoop up: Hold the hoop so it is upright, with the bottom still touching the ground.
- Use a lure: Hold a treat or a lure toy on the opposite side of the hoop.
- Reward for walking through: Encourage your cat to walk through the hoop to get the reward. Once they walk all the way through, click and reward.
Step 3: Introduce the jump
- Lift the hoop slightly: Once your cat consistently walks through the upright hoop, raise it just an inch or two off the ground.
- Prompt for the jump: Use your lure to encourage your cat to step or hop over the raised hoop. Immediately click and reward once they are through.
- Use a verbal cue: As your cat begins to hop through, add a verbal cue like “hoop” or “jump” so they begin to associate the command with the action.
Step 4: Raise the hoop higher
- Increase height gradually: Slowly raise the hoop a few inches at a time. Never raise it to an uncomfortable height for your cat’s size.
- Reward successful jumps: Continue to use the verbal cue and reward every time your Ragdoll jumps cleanly through the hoop.
- Troubleshoot hesitation: If your cat tries to go around or under the hoop, simply reset the hoop to a lower height and start again. Only reward successful jumps through the center.
Step 5: Fade the lure
- Depend on the cue: After many repetitions, your cat should be consistently jumping through the hoop on your command.
- Wean off the treat: When your cat begins the jump based on the cue alone, delay the presentation of the treat. Your Ragdoll should still receive the reward after completing the jump.
- Alternate rewards: Over time, you can begin to mix up the rewards, using praise and affection in addition to treats.
Can all Ragdolls be trained to jump through hoops?
While many Ragdolls are predisposed to playing games such as jumping though hoops, not all will. It’s important to respect your cat’s individual personality.
About Wiseacres Ragdoll Kittens
At Wiseacres Ragdolls, we know that our kittens’ intelligence and friendly temperament make them wonderful companions. We are a small boutique breeder and a TICA Outstanding Cattery located outside Booneville, Arkansas. For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to raising beautiful, healthy, and socialized Ragdoll kittens for sale to families who will love them. We raise a limited number of litters each year to ensure every kitten receives the individual care and attention they deserve.
