Correcting Your Cat
At times, cats exhibit behaviors that we find undesirable, such as leaping onto tables or countertops, scratching furniture, or pouncing on our moving feet. Before addressing these behaviors, it's important to understand that they stem from innate feline instincts. Cats naturally seek elevated spots to rest and observe their surroundings, so providing your cat with multiple high perches throughout the house is beneficial. Additionally, cats have a natural inclination to scratch vertical surfaces to shed dead nail sheaths and mark their territory, so offering appropriate scratching posts and encouraging their use is essential. Cats also enjoy playing, and their play often incorporates hunting elements, sometimes targeting moving feet. Ensure your cat has plenty of toys and dedicate time each day to play with items like a ball or feather dancer.
Redirecting your cat to express these natural behaviors in designated areas and times is the most effective approach to addressing these issues. Nevertheless, there may be instances where you need to communicate to your cat that certain places or actions are unacceptable. The least effective way to correct unwanted behavior is through physical or verbal punishment. Such approaches only instill fear in your cat and teach them that these actions are only safe when you're not present.
A more effective correction method involves the environment administering consequences for the behavior. Environmental punishment is highly effective because an animal's behavior is influenced by the outcomes it experiences. If a specific behavior leads to an unpleasant outcome, your cat is less likely to repeat it. This approach also removes you from the role of the bad guy.
The idea is to associate something mildly unpleasant (but not harmful or frightening) with the unwanted behavior. Aversive textures, smells, tastes, or sounds can deter access to restricted areas or interrupt undesirable actions. Here are examples of each:
Textures: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, or a plastic carpet runner (with the knobby side up) can be placed in off-limit areas, as cats dislike walking on these surfaces.
Smells: Citronella, perfumes, citrus, eucalyptus oil, and oil of wintergreen are all aversive scents for cats. You can soak pieces of cloth or cotton balls in these aromatic substances and position them in areas you want your cat to avoid.
Tastes: Bitter apple, citrus products, hot sauces, or cayenne pepper can be applied to surfaces your cat is chewing on. They will associate the unpleasant taste with the object.
Sound: Strategically placed motion detectors that emit alarms or products like Ssscat, a can of compressed air with a motion detector on top that releases a burst of air when the cat approaches, can be useful. These events are intended to startle, not terrify, your cat. However, this may not be suitable for particularly sensitive cats.
To nurture a harmonious relationship with your pet, reinforce desirable behaviors. Remember to reward your cat when they are sleeping in an appropriate location, using the scratching post, or engaging with an approved toy.
