Cats can be destructive. Knocking things off the counter, chewing on wires, scratching furniture – you know how it goes. Just like humans, cats can be disciplined to not do certain things. While there might be difference in how long or how much each cat learns the discipline depends on the cat.
It can be hard to discipline a cat especially if you have never done it before. However it is doable. Allowing your cat to get away with a bad behavior will only encourage it more as it will think their actions have no consequence. But it is also important to know that human corrective measures do not work for animals. So yelling at your cat after they did something bad is not going to deter them but make them confused.
Here’s how you discipline your cat.
Start from a young age
Disciplining kittens work better than adult cats mostly because adult cats are already developed. Start the training as young as you can. Helps the disciplining to sit better.
Train your cat
Cats are smart. Use that memory to reward your cat like food, attention or toys when they listen to you. The treats act as an incentive to listen to you or not do certain thing as they associate the incentive with the behavior.
Cover surfaces with double sided tape or aluminum
Got scratchy cat who love scratching surfaces? Use these to cover them as they do like those textures.
Do not, ever, be physical while training
Never ever hit your cat as a part of the training. Cats are intolerant of physical punishment and will only destroy the bond you have with the cat. They do not associate physical punishment with bad behavior and may make it to lash out.
Don’t allow biting
Especially with kittens, if the playful biting and swatting gets too much, stop playtime immediately. That way they will relate it to their behavior and stop eventually.
Use loud noise to stop when your cat is doing something wrong
If your cat is on the verge of doing something bad, use a loud noise, even a loud “Hey, stop it” will make them stop right away. You can use a can with coins to rattle it to startle your cat.
Spritzing water works
See your cat scratching furniture again? Keep a spritz bottle nearby. Spray it on your cat. It will not only stop the bad behavior but can even be used to deter future attempts.
