Vet Tips 2025: How to Teach Your Cat to Go to a Mat—The Purr-fect Behavior 🐾🧘‍♂️

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

If your cat is constantly hopping onto your laptop 💻, darting out the door 🚪, or camping out on your freshly folded laundry 👕, you’re not alone! These common feline antics can be adorable—but also a bit disruptive. The solution? Teach your cat to “go to mat”! 🧺🐱

“Go to mat” is a versatile, enrichment-packed skill that creates a clear, positive behavior your cat can use instead of mischief. It also supports training for husbandry, carrier entry, and stress-free vet visits. Let’s explore how to train this fun and functional behavior in five easy steps. 😻✅

🎒 What You'll Need to Start

• 🖱️ A clicker or a verbal marker like “yes” (already familiar to your cat)
• 🍗 High-value treats (small, soft, and irresistible!)
• 🧺 A mat—this can be a fleece pad, bathmat, or small blanket, around 12–18 inches square

Keep sessions short and sweet—10 to 15 repetitions max. Always aim for enthusiasm and fun! 🎉

🪄 Step One: Get the Cat on the Mat

Start with your cat facing you, with the mat on the floor between you. Drop a treat right on the middle of the mat. As your cat steps onto it, mark with your clicker or say “yes,” then reward. ✅🍬

Next, toss a treat away from the mat to move your cat off. Repeat the process—place a new treat on the mat, and mark when your cat steps back onto it. This back-and-forth keeps the pace quick and engaging. 🎯

Practice until your cat eagerly runs to the mat and places all four paws on it eight out of 10 times. When that happens consistently, you're ready for step two. 🏁

🔄 Step Two: Mix It Up

Now it’s time to build versatility. Toss treats in different directions and at various distances from the mat. The goal is for your cat to reorient to the mat regardless of where they land. 📍

Continue clicking and treating only when all four paws are back on the mat. Once your cat does this correctly four out of five times, you're ready for a verbal cue! 🗣️🐾

🎤 Step Three: Add a Cue

Choose a word or phrase like “go to mat” or “place.” Use a happy tone of voice—cats respond better to cheerful communication. 😊

Each time your cat steps onto the mat, say the cue just as they cross the edge. Click and treat. After several pairings, your cat will associate the cue with the behavior—and the reward! 🧠🍖

📣 Step Four: Cue First, Then Reward

Now place the mat nearby and give the verbal cue before your cat moves. When they go to the mat, mark and reward as usual. 👏

• 🟢 Start with short distances and few distractions
• 📏 Gradually increase distance or distractions—but not both at once!
• 🚫 If your cat hesitates or misses 5 times in a row, go back to step three briefly

Celebrate every successful cue-followed-by-action with treats and praise! 🎊🐱

🏡 Step Five: Generalize the Behavior

It’s time to use this behavior all around the house! Set the mat in various locations and repeat the cue:

• 🪟 Window sill
• 🛏️ Bed or couch
• 🧳 Inside or near the carrier
• 🪜 Cat tree

Use location-specific cues if desired: “go to mat,” “go to perch,” or “go to carrier.” This builds a suite of helpful household commands! 📚

💡 Why “Go to Mat” Is So Valuable

Teaching your cat this behavior gives them a predictable, positive option in high-distraction moments. It’s useful for:

• 🖥️ Preventing counter surfing or keyboard naps
• 🚪 Redirecting from door dashing
• 🧺 Training for carrier entry and vet visits
• 🧠 Providing daily mental stimulation

It’s a foundation skill that improves your relationship with your cat and supports lifelong cooperative care. 🩺😻

🐾 Extra Tips for Training Success

• 🎮 Keep sessions upbeat and under 10 minutes
• 🔀 Alternate easy and hard repetitions to maintain interest
• 🧽 Use washable mats to keep things hygienic
• 🧼 Clean up training areas to reduce distractions

Progress may vary from cat to cat—but all cats can learn “go to mat” with time and consistency! 🐱⏳

Need Help? Ask A Vet! 📱🐾

Stuck at step two? Not sure which mat to use or how to troubleshoot behavior? Connect with a certified veterinary expert anytime on Ask A Vet. We’re here 24/7 to help you personalize your training plan and keep your cat thriving. 💬

Download the Ask A Vet app for real-time advice on enrichment, training, health, and more. Training your cat just got a whole lot easier. 🐾📲

Final Thoughts: Mat Magic for a Happy Cat 🧘‍♀️🐱

Teaching “go to mat” is one of the most fun, rewarding, and practical behaviors you can train. It offers structure, exercise, and empowerment to your cat—and convenience for you. 🎉

Try it today, and watch your cat master the art of calm, confident cooperation. For tips, tricks, or personalized help, visit Ask A Vet. Your perfect mat moment is just a few treats away! 🧺💙