How to Correct Bad Behavior in Cats

Bad behavior in cats can manifest in various ways. Correcting this behavior is often difficult, and ignoring it won’t make it any easier in the long run.

Some punishment can make this problem worse, so redirecting the behavior in a positive way can solve your problems without harming the feline. Today, I'll explain more about how to correct bad behavior in cats.

Types of Punishment in Cats

There are different ways we can correct bad behavior in felines, but not all are as effective as others. Some can even engender negative emotions, harming both the well-being and the health of our cat.

Punishment is one form of behavior modification, but even this can be carried out in different ways. The two main types of punishment in cats are:

1. Positive Punishment

This type of punishment involves adding adverse stimuli, such as shouting or hitting something, which generates negative emotions.

It is called positive because you add a stimulus, even though the stimulus itself is undesirable. This form of punishment is not recommended, as it can harm your relationship with the cat.

2. Negative Punishment

This involves removing a pleasant stimulus, such as stopping play when a cat bites. By associating biting with the removal of fun, the cat learns to avoid the behavior. Offering an alternative toy or accessory to bite is a good way to encourage appropriate behavior.

Negative punishment can be useful in specific situations, such as when the cat bites cables, tries to eat something toxic, or bites us during play. It is essential to act correctly to avoid hurting the cat and to reinforce the desired behavior without generating stress.

When to Punish a Cat

Punishment should not be used to suppress instinctive behavior, such as marking or escapism, which can be mitigated by early neutering. Punishment is also not recommended when the cat urinates or defecates outside the litter box.

In these cases, it's preferable to reward them when they use it correctly. Behaviors such as biting or attacking may be dangerous for the cat or for others, so they must be corrected.

It is also essential to correct the cat immediately. If you scold your cat hours after the perceived bad behavior, they will not associate the action with the punishment, making them no longer feel safe with you.

How to Correct Bad Behavior in Cats

The key to properly training a cat is not only to correct their behavior but also to redirect it by offering suitable alternatives.

1. Stop the Activity

Don’t resort to aggressive physical or verbal punishment; simply interrupt the activity, such as stopping play when they bite. If you are consistent, they should understand that this behavior does not bring rewards.

2. Provide a Suitable Alternative

If you stop the activity, you need to teach your cat how to behave appropriately. If they bite you or other inappropriate objects, give them a toy to chew, demonstrating that these objects are the correct ones to satisfy their needs.

3. Reinforce Good Behavior

Reward your cat every time they perform the desired behavior. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment, as it motivates your cat to repeat the correct behaviors.

4. Avoid Encouraging Bad Behavior

Training should begin when the cat first arrives home. Often, our own actions encourage behaviors that we do not like in other situations.

For example, if you encourage a kitten to chase your hands or feet, they will feel like this is appropriate behavior as an adult. Avoid reinforcing behaviors that you do not want to see once they mature.

5. Enrich Their Environment

Finally, remember that many destructive behaviors arise from excess energy and boredom. Enriching your feline's environment with toys and accessories is essential for their well-being. It is also important that you spend time playing with them and pampering them.

Final Thoughts

Do you punish your cat when they misbehave? I hope you can see why such punishment is both ineffective and harmful to the cat, but please share your thoughts in the comments. I’ll see you next time.