Kitten Play Commands

A list of commands and phrases used in kitten play.

A trained kitten is able to respond to cues or commands, or the performance of actions not necessarily natural to the kitten.

Sit Pretty
Sitting upright on legs tucked under, knees slightly spread apart (about shoulder width) with paws (hands) between open legs and paws touching the ground, head facing forward, chest up and out (as if proud to be seen). This is a classic kitten pose and used as a base for many other command words.

Paws up
From any position, this indicates kitten no longer gets the use of their fingers by making a paw shape with their hand by tucking their fingers under the palm on their hand. Arms should be bent up with paws up on display in a begging type position. This can be used as a position for rope bondage, applying cuffs or restraints, showcasing, encouraging kitten play headspace, or to encourage them to use their paws when with their Owner at that moment.

Tail up
This is a submissive position with the face to the floor, nose touching, and hands out above the head, palms down (unless in “paws up” mode), forearms touching the ground. However, their knees should be on the ground, slightly apart at about shoulder width, with the butt high up in the air.

Belly Up
What it sounds like…kitten lays on their back with legs bent and lifted off the floor. You may want them to cross their lower legs as an addition. Paws should be lifted off the ground and up in the air with the “paws up” position. This position is one that encourages fun for kitten. It’s their playtime starter position. From here, you can use this for tickling whether by hand or ticklish feather toys they can try and bat at, to using this position to apply restraints on both wrists and ankles, to belly petting, to giving them some of their favorite toys to play with.

Ears Down
This command tells kitten to lean their head down. Whether simply for the idea of submission or to apply a collar to lock it in the back, this can be a simple useful command word.

Crawl
A kitten version of “come”, this position tells the kitten to crawl forward to Owner on hands and knees. Owners can use this to their advantage in asking the kitten to either crawl sexily or slowly.

Show Kitty
This command is an extension of “sit pretty” and “paws up” combined. The only difference is the kitten is extended upright on their knees. A good position for when Owner wants a basic inspection of their kitten, wants them to beg, to clip on a leash for leash training, or simply to adore the kittens form. “Show kitty” is a position of pride for the kitten, showing off their beauty, grace, and willingness to be a pet. It has less functional purpose, but is a position of adoration the Owner can give to his pet by giving them their full attention. It’s a good position for an Owner to call right before a scene or other scheduled playtime.

Belly Rub
Similar to paws up, the kitten uses their paws to expose the belly and stretches it out for a good belly rub. Make sure the belly is fully exposed or any fabric on the belly is stretched to a smooth surface to ensure a good rub.

Expose
This is an extension to the “Tail up” command. The kitten now additionally uses one paw to lift up their tail and expose their private parts. This can be used in a lot of ways.

Knead
This is a “paws up” extension. Kneading for a kitten means, that it is using using their paws to knead at whatever their touching in this very moment or can touch without further preparations. That could be their Partner, the bed, pillow, blanket or a stuffie. This command can be used to help a kitten calm down, relax or get their thoughts off of something. It might also be a good ritual before bedtime.

Companion
This is a combined command of “sit pretty” and “paws up” in a location pointed out next to the dominant partner. The kitten will first go to the dedicated right or left side of their Owners legs (either the pointed out side, or the side it’s trained on or the side in reach) and then “sit pretty” with an immediately following “paws up” with the paws either wrapped around the dominant’s leg if standing or resting on the knee if sitting.

Hunt
This is a lower executed version of “crawl”. The kitten positions itself lower to the ground and crawls low and slowly in a hunting mode to catch or fetch the toy the dominant has presented them.

Tail Down
This is the command that indicates that the kitten should stay where it is right now, until it is released via the “come”, “companion” or a similar command. While the command lasts, the kitten usually sits or lies down.

Groom
This command is either a combination of “sit pretty” and “ears down” or an addition to the “companion” command. With their head tilted down, the kitten is in an ideal position to be groomed or pet. The dominant now can grab a brush, or a soft towel to wipe or groom the kitten. This can also be used to change accessories on the kitten or indicate, that a full or partial change of clothing will/should follow.