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Disciplinary cats | What to do instead | Cat behavior alliance

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This is what you should do instead

Disciplinary cats require less discipline and more reverse psychology, guiding them to make the “correct” decision when it comes to their behavior. Let’s explain.
By Rita Reimers, multi -cat behavior expert

If you have ever caught your cat drawing something from the counter with the precision of an experienced bowling player, scratching the furniture as if they were training for a WWE match or launch an ankle surprise attack, your first instinct could be disciplined.

But this is what happens with cats: they do not operate in the same system we do. In fact, disciplining your cat can be counterproductive, worsening unwanted behaviors and damaging the link between you and your overginous lord, that is, we refer to a friend.

Why do you not respond to discipline

Disciplinary cats is to punish them by doing things that are naturally and necessary when they are outside. They need to build things to keep their nails and legs for hunting. They mark things for other cats to know that the territory has been claimed.

These are natural instincts that do not disappear just because Kitty lives inside. Shouting or other types of punishment will not stop your cat are instinctive actions.

Because? There are two main reasons why disciplining your cat will not work in the way you want.

Cats do not understand punishment

Cats do not associate punishment with their actions such as human or dogs. If the rocks with water, they do not think: “Oh, I shouldn’t do that.” Instead, they think: “Wow, my human is rude. Better plot revenge at 3 am.”

Create fear, not learning

Disciplinary cats does not workPunishing a cat teaches them to be afraid of you, which leads to stress, anxiety and even more behavioral problems. Once we had a client who asked seriously “Do you mean I can never hit my cat?” No sir, it’s never good to hit your cat. It will be confused and will become fearful, if not aggressive.

And that is exactly what was happening. His cat was slowly learning that he could no longer trust his human, and became aggressive in an effort to protect himself from damage.

Negative reinforcement can increase bad behavior

Some cats are frankly daring. If you try to discipline cats, you can double behavior. Instead of discouraging unwanted action, punishment could reinforce its determination to continue doing so. Cats are independent thinkers, and if they feel threatened or challenged, they can retaliate acting in new ways, such as greater aggression, excessive scratch or avoid it completely.

Disciplinary cats can lead to aggression
Angry punk

The negative reinforcement, such as shouting, hitting, rubbing the nose in pipí/peanut outside the sand box, or even spraying water can make you associate with fear instead of learning an alternative behavior. Instead of correcting the problem, you can encourage them to find more furtive ways to continue their mischief while avoiding detection.

If you have ever caught your cat drawing something from the counter with the precision of an experienced bowling player, scratching the furniture as if they were training for a WWE match or launch an ankle surprise attack, your first instinct could be disciplined.

But here is the thing, the cats? They do not operate in the same system. In fact, disciplining your cat can be counterproductive, worsening unwanted behaviors and damaging the link between you and your overginous lord, that is, we refer to a friend.

What to do instead of disciplining cats

Disciplinary cats
No-no, honey, cake!

This is where reverse psychology comes into play. Our task is to find acceptable alternative behaviors and teach your cat to use them instead.

There are 5 steps that are really effective in helping their kitten to the transition to more acceptable actions.

1. redirect unwanted behaviors

For example, instead of punishing a cat for scratching furniture, provide a resistant cat scratch pole. Place the post near your usual scratch points and wear catnip or sweets to be more attractive. Cats scratch to mark the territory and stretch the muscles, so offer an appropriate alternative helps satisfy their natural instincts.

2. Use positive reinforcement and rewards

(Image credit: Getty images)

When your cat does something good, such as using your scratching instead of your sofa, you immediately reward them with a gift, caress or a favorite toy. As Linda likes to say: “Review them as if they had simply cured cancer!”

Consistency is key for cats to repeat behaviors sought and stop the “bad.” Strengthening the right behavior will each time help your cat to establish the connection and repeat it willingly. Cats have a very short attention capacity, so the reward must arrive immediately after the sought action is performed. Otherwise, Kitty will not associate the reward with its actions.

3. Eliminate temptation or do it unpleasant

Use cat deterrent as double -sided tape or aerosols activated by movement as SSCAT in furniture or counters to discourage unwanted behavior. They will not like sticky sensation on their legs and start avoiding those surfaces. Providing alternative climbing points, such as trees or shelves of cats, scrapers and many toys can also help direct your energy to acceptable activities.

4. Understand the root cause of behavior

Linda and Galway Grands

Many behavioral problems come from boredom, stress or unsatisfied needs. When they get bored, cats can decide to chew their plants, get into things that should not or direct their energy towards one of their feline foothills.

Make sure your cat has a lot of mental and physical stimulation with toys, scratched posts and interactive game time. If they show aggressive or destructive behaviors, consider factors such as changes in routine, lack of socialization or underlying health problems.

5. Be consistent and patient

Rita and Jet

This could be the most important key of all: cats thrive in the routine, so it is patient and consisting of training them. Sudden changes in response or expectations can confuse them. Give yourself with positive reinforcement training for cats and give them time to adapt.

Over time, they will learn the behaviors that make life happier to both.

Discipline Cats: Final thoughts

Cats do not behave badly to be “bad”, they are simply cats and do what comes naturally. Get to understand your needs so that you can provide appropriate points of sale for your instinctive behaviors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdyhbyla8

Do you need more help with cats and discipline?

If you want a pursonalized action plan for you and your cats, reserve a cat behavior session with Linda and Rita.

Cat Behavior

Is your stressed cat – 10 signs and how to help – Cat Behavior Alliance and Carolina Cat Sanctuary

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Defend his kitten today-believes our guide

By Rita Reimers, multi -cat behavior expert
Signs of a stressed cat that hides under a furniture
You love your cat. It provides gourmet meals, the best scratching publications and you even let them sleep his Bed (let’s be honest, possess it now). But despite all that, your cat can still be stressed in secret“And drawing your revenge.” 😼
Here are 10 subtle signals Your supreme lord can feel anxious and how to solve it, before They leave you a “surprise” out of the sand box!

1. Excessive Grooming: Blues bald

Signs of stress per cat
Kizzy was a stress hairdresser

Sign: Your cat is licking, chewing or taking fur as if they were preparing for a feline fashion parade … but with unfortunate bald points.

Why does it happen: Stress can trigger compulsive preparation as an coping mechanism. It is like when humans bite their nails, except that their cat ends with an unfortunate case of irregular fluff. This sign of stress in cats could also be a food allergy, fleas or other similar problem, so be sure to discard them first.

Overload is one of the signs of stress per cat
Meow Mist Plus helped Kizzy’s skin heel.

How to solve it:

  • First discard medical problems: on preparation it can also be a sign of allergies or skin irritation.
  • Identify the stressful: Did you move the sofa? three inches? Introduce a new pet? Do you start using a different laundry detergent? (Cats Note everything.
  • Try a soothing pheromone diffuser, a more interactive game time and provide hiding hides.

For the Council: Meow Mist more It will help with any skin condition that your kitten may have. It works in dogs and humans too!


2. Avoid the sand box: a smelly protest

Sign: Your cat, once a reliable bath user, now is urinating off the box or doubt before intervening. It is a safe sign of feline stress.

Why does it happen: Stress can make your cat feel uncomfortable using the sand box, especially if it is dirty, in a high traffic area or has the type of incorrect sand.

How to solve it:

  • Keep the box clean: goats hate a dirty bath as much as you.
  • Try different types of garbage and make sure the box is in a Quiet and accessible point.
  • Consider Multiple boxes For multi -cat homes.

For the Council: Clean any error with a safe enzymatic cleaner such as Anti -ilosy Poo. Both beautiful and I use this regularly, even in clothes!


3. Hide more than usual: the act of escape

Stress in cats
Brownie feels safe on her bucket

Sign: Suddenly, your cat is more difficult to find than your motivation to wash clothes. It is definitely avoiding something stressful.

Why does it happen: When cats feel stressed, they often hide to feel safe. If your cat used to hang out with you on the couch but now it is exclusively under the bed, stress could be the reason.

Legs in a cozy place

How to solve it:

  • Create safe areas With cozy beds or cardboard boxes in quiet areas where your cat can withdraw.
  • Let them go on their own terms, not the interaction of the force.
  • Reduce domestic stressors such as strong noises or sudden changes in your routine.

4. Random aggression: the humor changes of fatality

Sign: Your sweet tree has become a Small tornado and fed by anger of claws.

Why does it happen: Stress can cause a normally cold cat to behave aggressively, often because they feel cornered or overestimulated.

How to solve it:

  • Give them space, forcing hugs when they are not humorous A terrible idea.
  • Wear Positive reinforcement to reward quiet behavior with sweets and affection.
  • If they are attacking against another pet, do Slow reintroductions instead of a “find out” approach.

For the Council: See our article, CAT knows CAT, for more information about CAT’s presentations and stress signs by cat


5. Piting or restlessness: zoomies with one side of anxiety

Sign: Your cat is walking the house As a stressed CEO before a great presentation.

Why does it happen: Stress or boredom can cause rhythm. Your cat may feel that they are at a high -risk meeting, but it is only their internal anxiety.

How to solve it:

  • Add more Vertical spaces As cats of cats or shelves, where they can perch and feel safe.
  • Increase the interactive game, especially with the puzzle toys that challenge your mind.
  • It remains in a routine: the caps thrive in predictability, and anxiety often comes from the lack of consistency.

For the Council: Make your own cat tree! Linda shows you how
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnrvnm0xuoc


6. Sudden changes of appetite: buffet or boycott?

Sign: Your cat is Eat either reject food in total. Reject food is one of the classic stress signs per cat

Why does it happen: Stress affects appetite, as in humans. If your cat is stressed, you could eat excessively as a mechanism of coping or reject food completely.

How to solve it:

  • Keep food time consistent“Cats Love Rutine.”
  • Make sure the food plate is in a Quiet and quiet area With minimal distractions.
  • Underlying health problems are off: if stress is the cause, the rejection of food often occurs during changes in their environment.

7. LEVER OR COVERED EARS: WARNING SIGNS

Sign: Your cat’s tail is Twitching as if receiving radio signals from spaceor your ears are flattened back.

Why does it happen: A blinking tail and stuck ears are clear signs that your cat is upset, overestimulated or feeling anxious.

How to solve it:

  • Respect its limits. If they show signs of irritation, stop caressing or interacting with them.
  • Learn to recognize your body language: crushed ears = “I have finished with this.”
  • If your cat is overestimulated, reverse and let them get off your anxiety.

8. Excessive Mawing or Tosing: The priest seeking attention

Signs of stress per cat
Boo-Boo seeks comfort when stressful

Sign: Your cat is winning without stopping, especially at night when you try to sleep.

Why does it happen: Cats vocalize when they are stressed, trying to communicate their needs. They can feel insecure, anxious or simply want attention.

How to solve it:

  • Make sure they have a lot of stimulation During the day, play with them before bedtime to be tired.
  • Keep your predictable and quiet routine, especially around bedtime.
  • If the icurito persists, verify medical problems such as dental pain or an urinary tract infection.

9. Tame things or destructive behavior

How to say is that my cat exhibits stressed cat signsSign: His cat suddenly becomes a small demolition ball, eliminating the things from the shelves or scratching everything in sight. Another of the classic signs of stress and/or boredom.

Why does it happen: Stress can lead to attention search behavior. Your cat may be trying to get your attention when destructive.

How to solve it:

  • Provide appropriate outputs for your energy, such as scratching posts or cat trees.
  • Increase recreation And make sure they have many toys to commit.
  • If the destructive behavior is happening while you are out, try to use a soothing diffuser or puzzle toys full of sweets.

10. Changes in sleep habits: stress frog

Stress in cats
Abby hidden

Sign: Your cat is sleeping more than usual Or it seems restless during the naps.

Why does it happen: Stress can cause sleep alterations. If your cat is awake all night or seems excessively sleepy, it may be due to anxiety or fear.

How to solve it:

  • Provide a Quiet and comfortable rest area Far from home interruptions.
  • Keep the peaceful environment, especially at night, avoid strong noises or sudden movements.
  • Keep a regular schedule, since predictability helps reduce stress.

Final thoughts: Is your cat plotting revenge?

Signs of stress in your cat
Simba says that revenge is sweet, ha ha ha ha

If you recognize any Of these signs of stress in your cat, it does not scare. Some small adjustments can make a big difference. Cats love a Without stress, predictable Environment, so give them the real treatment they expect.

Do you need help with those signs of stress per cat?

Do you want expert help to find out what is stressing your cat? Reserve a session with the Cat Behavior alliance today!

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Cat Behavior

The importance of aroma: how your cat shapes

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When it comes to aroma, we often think of how important it is for dogs, but most people do not consider their importance for cats. Like dogs, the sense of a cat smell is very important in his daily life, which influences everything, from his sense of security to his curiosity.

The meaning of a cat smell

Do you ever wonder what makes the meaning of a cat smell so powerful? Cats not only have about 200 million olfactory cells in the nose, but also have special adaptations that make their sense of smell exceptional.

  • The organ of Jacobson: This organ is made up of 2 bags that sit at the top of the back of the mouth. It is connected to both the nose and the mouth. When a cat breathes an aroma, open its mouth slightly to pull the aroma and move its tongue to the roof of its mouth. This sends the aroma to the organ of Jacobson where the aroma and information are sent to your brain.
  • Flehman reaction: We have all seen cats lift an aroma and sit there partially open while processing the aroma. What we are observing is known as Flehman’s reaction. During the reaction, what we could not notice is that the cat breathes quickly, which accelerates the aroma process that is sent to the Jacobson organ. This allows the cat to quickly identify the aroma and respond according to their instincts.

The pheromones speak

In the world of a cat, they use pheromones to communicate everything, from marking their territory to forming mother and kitten ties and even marking their humans. Maybe he wonders, what is exactly a pheromone? A pheromone is a chemist that is released by a cat through the glands located throughout his body and helps communicate with other cats and the environment in which they live.

  • Cats have glands on the forehead, chin, lips and lower part of their front legs that produce pheromones. When a cat touched your head, rub your cheek, press your lips against your finger or knead you, you are leaving your aroma behind. This is his way of marking you as part of his group.
  • You can notice a cat rubbing the head and body along the objects of your home or patio. This is how they marks those areas as their territory, and the pheromones that leave behind communicate this to other cats. Similarly, when a cat scratches objects such as furniture or a scraper, it is not only preparing its claws, but also marks the area with its aroma.

How can the enriching smell?

Not only can the smell of communication be used, but it can also provide mental enrichment for a cat, especially those who live inside. It is always important to provide daily enrichment for your cats, but you may not have considered the enrichment of smell. Here are some ideas to incorporate the aroma into your cat’s enrichment routine:

  • Catnip: Most people have offered their cat grass, but they never realized that it is enrichment. Instead of placing the cat grass in front of your cat, you can hide the cat grass in areas of the whole house so that your cat will find it, which can be exciting and stimulating for your cat.
  • Smell enrichment kit: You can buy an aroma enrichment kit that is full of safe botanists for your cat to enjoy. By placing a small amount of a few types in bowls, you can offer your cat a smell enrichment buffet.
  • Bring outdoors inside: Collect plants, sticks, grass, flowers and safe cats for cats and put it in a shallow cardboard box for your cat to explore. Each element not only has its own aroma, but the aroma of the outdoors adds an additional impulse of stimulation.

Understanding how the meaning of a cat’s smell works can help us take care of them better and provide an environment that stimulates their natural instincts. Incorporating aroma enrichment in your cat’s routine can offer new levels of mental stimulation and joy. By taking advantage of the power of the aroma, you can improve your cat’s quality of life and strengthen the link you share with them.

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Cat Behavior

Discovered: the surprising reason for the reason of the cats scratches the furniture, and how to stop them, modern cat

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Image presented in publication

A new study reveals the true reason why cats scratch furniture, and what to do about it

Last update: January 22, 2025

Read a subtitle

Tatiana/Adobestock

Like anyone with to grated couch can attest, cats lined furniture is to common complaint. Is also a innate behavior-cats need a exit to satisfy his desire To scratch. What should a frustrated cat lover do?

A new study published in the magazine Veterinary borders Science It reveals secret motivations behind scratch and suggests friendly forms to handle behavior.

The study reveals secret motivations behind scratching

“Our findings can help caregivers administer and redirect scratch to appropriate materials, which could It helps to promote A more harmonious Life environment For both cats and Your caregivers, “he says Dr. Jasmine Sall it Demíbbas, a veterinarian researcher in Universidad de Ankara and author of The study.

The researchers surveyed more than 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily habits of their cats, personality traits and scratch behaviors. What they discovered were significant links Between scratch behavior and factors such as the presence of children at home, cat temperament and activity levels.

“We see a clear link between certain environmental and behavioral factors and greater scratch behavior in cats “.

Environmental and behavioral factors to search if your cat scratches furniture

“We see a clear link between certain environmental and behavioral factors and greater scratch behavior In cats, ”explains Dr. Salgirli Demirbas. “Specifically, the presence of children at home, as well as high levels of play and night activity contributes significantly to an increase in scratches. The cats described as aggressive or disruptive also exhibited higher levels of scratch. ” Stress, such as that caused by young children in he home, was found to be to major cause of unwanted Scratched He study also found that cats that exhibited high level of play and night activity lined further.

Photo Natalia Duryagina/Bigstock

Adapting game sessions and strategically placing scratch posts can help reduce and redirect your Cat is scratching.

What to do: How to make your cat stop scratching furniture

Good news is There are strategies that It can help stop behavior.

Aim to provide multiple scratch publications in Your cat favorite areas (generally indicated by Where they They are already scratch). Reduce Your cat stress by provided that vertical space and hiding place they It can withdraw to. Feromone aerosols and diffuser have It has been shown to promote calm. AND play sessions aid Your cat spend Energy, alone Be sure to leave Your cat Catch your “dam” To avoid creating frustration. Multiple shorts play sessions throughout The day that mock successful Hunting scenarios They are the best, according to SALUGE AMIRBAS SALUGE.

Although the link Among children and the increase in scratches is It is not totally understood, realizing this as a possible cause of stress and providing your cat for ways to escape unwanted care can help save your furniture!

This article originally appeared on the award -winning Modern cat magazine. Subscribe today!

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