Training cats and other pets with a fear- or punishment-based approach has been almost universally discredited as a training method. Instead of focusing on discipline after displaying negative behavior, cat owners should instead seek to understand the source of the problem and use approaches that are not destined to cause further problems in the future. Read on to learn more about how discipline can affect your cat, the reasons behind certain behaviors, and the best ways to deal with them.
Don’t use punishment
Bad behavior, while frustrating for pet owners, should not be met with anger or aggression. It has been shown that cats and other pets do not respond well to punishment or other harmful approaches to correcting behavior and can actually cause more harm than good.
Yelling, using spray cans, clapping, and any form of physical punishment could lead a cat to display aggressive behavior towards owners and other people, as well as other behavioral problems. Additionally, abnormal behavior could be a sign of underlying problems or that your cat’s needs are not being met.
Why do cats behave that way
Understanding your cat’s behavior is essential to correct it in the most effective way. Your cat’s bad behaviors could be linked to a failure to meet basic needs, behavioral problems, medical conditions, and even just wanting your attention.
If they poop or pee outside the litter box, the causes can range from ineffective potty training to health problems such as urinary tract infections and even kidney stones or blockages. If they scratch the furniture in your home, they may not have a scratching post or horizontal scratching post that is right for them.
To determine what may be causing your cat’s abnormal behavior, we recommend visiting your veterinarian to rule out any health problems and a pet behaviorist if the problem is non-medical.
Better approaches to unwanted behaviors
Unwanted behaviors in cats can only be corrected with proper training. Whatever method you choose, whether voice command, hand signal or clicker training, it should be accompanied by positive measures that ensure its effectiveness. Effective measures include:
- Positive reinforcement: This approach focuses on pairing positive behaviors with rewards such as high-value treats and catnip.
- Deterrents: This approach involves making the unwanted behavior uncomfortable or unattractive to cats. For example, an owner can dissuade their cat from being on the kitchen counter by placing aluminum foil on it.
- Redirect: With this approach, cat parents take their cat’s attention away from the negative behavior and get him to focus on something else. In the case of cat scratching, owners can redirect it to the scratching post or scratching posts.
Frequently asked questions about how to discipline a cat
How to punish a cat for bad behavior?
You shouldn’t punish your cat for misbehaving. Find out why they exhibit certain bad behaviors and use non-harmful approaches, such as discouraging or redirecting them, and positive reinforcement of good behaviors.
Why is my cat behaving badly?
A misbehaving cat may be trying to communicate that something is not right. Since the underlying problem could be behavioral or a medical condition, we recommend consulting experts such as veterinarians and animal behaviorists.
Should You Clap Your Cat?
No, you should not applaud your cat when he misbehaves. Aside from being ineffective, it will only distress your cat since he generally doesn’t like loud noises.
Summary of Money’s guide on how to discipline a cat
- Understanding feline behaviors will help pet owners instill desired behaviors and correct negative ones more successfully.
- Your cat may be behaving abnormally due to medical and behavioral problems.
- Some proven methods for addressing bad behavior include positive reinforcement, redirection, and deterrence.
- Experts such as veterinarians and animal behaviorists could help identify the root of the problem and address it accordingly.