Cats can be know for bitting, attacking, and scratching the walls - the list of bad behaviours could be endless. Yet still, all advice recommended by experts is similar. Here, we explain how to scold your cat when he misbehaves. Rule number one: learn to understand his instincts!
Why is your cat misbheaving?
Before you can solve a problem, it is key to understand the reasons behind cats behaviour. Many of these so-called issues are normal cat activities that happen when he wants to express his instincts:
- Climbing
- Chasing things
- Playing
- Sharpening his claws
He may start “misbehaving” when you do not provide outlets for his needs. A cat can also have pent-up energy when not exercised enough. To release it, he may play aggressively with you or other animals.
The basics of cat training: cats versus dogs
Cats are very different from dogs in their behavior and response to training. Dogs are more eager to please, so they’re easier to teach than cats.
It doesn’t mean you cannot correct cat behavior, but the dog training techniques you know may not work on felines. For example, cats will not respond to:
- Being shouted at
- Being hit
- Being locked in a room
- Having something taken away
A cat may not also associate an action and training. For example, he may not get it if you scold him a few minutes after he pooped outside the litterbox.
Both positive and negative punishments commonly used on dogs may fail with cats. Worse, they may harm your relationship with them. For example, they will develop fear and run away whenever they see you. They will isolate themselves, making teaching them even more challenging.
Guidelines for success: how to discipline your cat
How do you succeed in disciplining a cat? Provide them with a positive experience and a better environment to express their instincts. These include:
- Feeding when well-behaved and using this as a reward
- Playing with them, which helps in improving bonding and exercise
- Talking to them gently, stimulating his brain
- Noticing the cat so they do not need to draw attention by doing something wrong
- Having an accessible scratching post so they don't use furniture or curtains
- Cleaning their litter tray, becausecats generallydo not like dirty litter
You can also use negative punishment but should tweak it to avoid instilling fear during training. Try the following ideas when your cat misbehaves:
- Not giving treats
- Not playing games
- Ignoring your cat
- Spraying water (Avoid direct contact with the eyes and don’t do it often to prevent the cat from developing negative feelings towards you)
Long-term cat training
The only effective way cat discipline works long-term is by not using any positive rewards when they behave badly. Unlike dogs, cats cannot easily be trained in the short term, although feeding very palatable treats to reward a behavior does work for some. Instead, use time and perseverance and the basic training ideas given above.
These suggestions are not specific to particular behavioral problems with cats. There are also some precise ways to tackle certain issues. However, since cats follow their instincts, certain behaviors are very difficult to change.
Try understanding how a cat thinks to know why he displays specific behaviors. For example, many cats bring dead birds or mice they have hunted and caught back into the house because hunting is instinctive.
Try to think like a cat to help you decide the best training and when to do it. When you cannot address particular problems, seek advice from a cat behavioural expert or a veterinarian.