Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Dr. Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD
As a cat owner, I’ll be the first to admit that disciplining cats is not always easy. In fact, my cats pretty much rule the roost around my house. They get on the counters and tables, and there’s one loveseat that they just won’t stop scratching.
But I have to be honest: that’s on me. I haven’t really tried very hard to discipline them. They do know what the water bottle is, though, and they always stop what they’re doing when I bring it out.
The number one rule of disciplining a cat is no hitting. It just doesn’t work, and it will damage your relationship with your cat.
Every once in a while, I forget and will, for example, tap my cat on the butt to make them get off the table. But my cat always quickly reminds me of rule number one by swatting me back: no hitting allowed!
Now, let’s learn how you can discipline your own cat effectively, without resorting to any physical punishment.
Understanding Your Cat’s Behavior
Sometimes, cats do things we don’t like, such as jumping on the table or counters, scratching furniture, or attacking our feet when we walk by. But before we even think about “correcting” these behaviors, it’s important to understand that these actions are often driven by natural feline instincts.
Cats seek out high places to rest and survey their environment. This is why you might find your cat perched on the highest shelf, table, or even your kitchen counter.
Cats also naturally scratch on vertical surfaces to mark their territory. It’s a normal part of their behavior, just as much as it is for them to play, which often involves hunting instincts—sometimes at the expense of your toes.
And of course, they have an instinctive urge to hunt, and your moving feet make perfect targets. They don’t mean to be “bad”, they are just doing what cats do!
Redirecting Natural Behaviors
The best way to deal with these problems is to redirect your cat’s natural behaviors to more appropriate places and activities.
For example, if your cat loves to jump on high surfaces, provide them with several high perches around the house. Invest in a good scratching post (or multiple!) to give them a designated spot to scratch.
Make sure they have plenty of toys to chase, pounce on, and bat around. Spending time every day engaging your cat in play will help satisfy their hunting instincts, making them less likely to target your feet or furniture.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
One of the most effective ways to discipline your cat is through positive reinforcement. When your cat does something desirable, like scratching their post instead of your furniture or using the litter box instead of your favorite rug, reward them immediately with a treat or praise.
This helps them make the connection between their good behavior and the positive outcome, encouraging them to repeat the behavior.
Remember, your cat is not a child or a dog. Lectures, scolding, or displays of displeasure won’t work and will likely stress them out or cause them to associate you with negative experiences. Cats don’t see themselves as part of a pack, and they won’t respond to dominance or verbal reprimands the way a dog might.
Instead, think of discipline as behavior modification. Your goal is to help your cat associate an undesirable behavior with an undesirable consequence, while still allowing them to express their natural instincts in appropriate ways.
Here’s an example of how I use positive reinforcement with my own cats. They have learned to exit certain rooms in my house that are not cat-safe (laundry room, storage room) on command.
I don’t want them in these rooms, so rather than try to outsmart them as they try to dodge past me or chase them around the room to make them get out, I instead reward them for leaving the room voluntarily with lots of pets and praise. It didn’t take very long before they learned that leaving the room when asked is a very positive thing.
The occasional time they don’t listen, I calmly pick them up and deposit them outside of the room without pets and praise. I can absolutely see the look of disappointment on their faces when they realize they aren’t getting their pets!
Remote Correction: Let the Environment Do the Work
If you’re trying to correct a specific unwanted behavior, one of the most effective methods is remote correction. This involves using the environment to create a negative association with the behavior, without you directly being involved in the correction process.
This way, your cat learns that certain actions lead to unpleasant experiences, and you’re not seen as the “bad guy.”
Here are some strategies for remote correction:
- Aversive Textures: Cats dislike certain textures under their paws. Placing sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic, or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) in areas you want to be off-limits can deter them from climbing or scratching there.
- Unpleasant Smells: Cats are also sensitive to strong smells. Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, vinegar, and citrus are all aversive to cats. Soaking a piece of cloth or cotton balls in these substances and placing them where you don’t want your cat to go can keep them away. Do NOT use essential oils as many of these are highly toxic to cats.
- Bad Tastes: If your cat chews on something they shouldn’t, like furniture or cords, applying bitter apple or citrus products can make the item unappealing.
- Startling Noises: To stop your cat in the act, a sudden loud noise can be effective. Blowing a whistle, ringing a bell, or tossing a penny can in your cat’s direction can startle them enough to stop the behavior. The key is to not say a word—let the noise do the work.
These methods should be used to create a gentle aversion, not to scare or traumatize your cat. For particularly sensitive cats, you may need to be cautious with startling sounds, as it could create anxiety rather than correction.
What to Avoid When Disciplining Your Cat
As tempting as it might be when frustration mounts, never physically reprimand your cat. Hitting, shaking, or otherwise physically punishing your cat can create hand-shyness, fear, and even aggression.
It can also harm your bond with your cat, making them more distant or even causing behavioral issues to worsen. Similarly, yelling at your cat can stress them out, overemphasizing the attention to bad behavior rather than correcting it.
Handling Aggressive Behavior
If your cat displays aggressive behavior, the first step is to understand what might be triggering it. Cats may become aggressive for various reasons, such as territorial disputes, fear, or pain. If the underlying cause is not eliminated, it is unlikely the aggression will significantly improve.
Sometimes, aggression can stem from environmental changes, like the introduction of a new pet or person in the house. In such cases, gradual acclimation is key. For example, if your cat is hostile toward a new person, try leaving an unwashed piece of that person’s clothing for your cat to explore. This can help your cat get used to the new scent in a non-threatening way.
If your cat starts to show signs of aggression, such as tail lashing, ears flattening, or growling, it’s important to redirect their focus:
- Interactive Play: Use toys like feather wands or laser pointers to redirect your cat’s hunting instincts onto appropriate targets rather than your hands or feet. Engage them in active play sessions to help burn off excess energy.
- Distraction Techniques: If your cat is on the verge of attacking, distract them with a sudden noise, like clapping your hands or shaking a can of coins. This interruption can break their focus and allow you to redirect them to a more appropriate activity.
- Learn to recognize and respect your cat’s limits: If they start showing signs of irritation during petting or play, stop the interaction immediately. Over time, you’ll learn what your cat’s tolerance levels are, and you can adjust your behavior accordingly to prevent triggering aggression.
Know When to Seek Help
Finally, if your cat’s behavior is out of the ordinary—like suddenly refusing to use the litter box or becoming aggressive for no obvious reason—always consider their health. Changes in behavior can sometimes indicate underlying medical issues. A visit to the veterinarian can help rule out any health concerns and provide you with additional tips tailored to your cat’s needs.
Disciplining a cat takes patience, understanding, and a willingness to try different approaches until you find what works best for your furry friend. Remember, the goal isn’t to punish your cat, but to guide them toward behaviors that make life enjoyable for both of you.
By reinforcing positive actions and gently discouraging unwanted ones, you’ll create a happy and harmonious home for you and your feline companion.
