Disciplinary cats | What to do instead | Cat behavior alliance

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

Punishing 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.

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

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

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

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

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.