In fact, removing your attention from your cat may be one of the most effective methods for getting your point across and stopping negative behaviors such as biting, chewing and pouncing. Redirecting her attention to something else is a great way of reinforcing good behaviors and stopping bad behaviors.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method of training, and is key to ingraining positive behaviors in your cat. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding your pet for good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior.
On top of the physical discomfort, spraying your cat with water doesn't actually teach your cat better behaviors and could end up seriously confusing her. What you think is just a bad behavior, like hissing, is actually something she's doing because she's afraid or stressed.
House soiling, aggression and scratching are the most common cat behavior issues. Most of the behaviors that people consider issues (e.g., chewing, biting and scratching) are actually normal cat behaviors. Unfortunately, they are unacceptable to many of us.
A cat may become aggressive for all kinds of reasons, including illness, overcrowding, lack of socialization, maternal protection, even simple play. To help you deal with aggression between cats: Discuss your cat's aggression with your vet.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praising good behavior can work wonders with your cat. When you see them doing something desirable such as scratching their post instead of your furniture, or using the litter box rather than your shoe, reward them with a treat immediately.
Stressful conditions —Any incident that causes your cat stress can result in inappropriate elimination. This can include being tormented by another house pet, house guests, or home renovations. You will need to resolve the stressful situation before you can expect them to return to their litter box.
Reprimand your cat gently.
Avoid screaming, as this can upset your cat. Simply say, "No" when it engages in a negative behavior. If your cat stops the behavior when you ask, reward it with treats, a toy, or praise. If your cat does not listen when you say "No," try adding a small clap as well.
You shouldn't hiss at your cat because they might perceive your hissing as a threat and become scared. Since cats use hissing as a defensive mechanism to express discomfort, stress, or fear and to avoid confrontation, you should also avoid using hissing to discipline them.
Cats are juniors until the age of 2, and like human children, may start to show a different temperament between 6 months and 2 years old, even progressing from the (sometimes) defiant 'Terrible Two's' to becoming a stroppy teenager!
The fact is, the only way to change your cat's behavior is to change YOUR behavior. This can include making changes to your cat's physical environment, establishing new habits for yourself (for example, setting up a scheduled play time for each day), or changing the way you interact with your cat.
House soiling or feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners. The problem may be urine and/or stool deposited outside of the litter box, or marking behaviors.
Use clicker training.
Cat's respond best to positive reinforcement rather than punishment. If you see your cat on the counter looking for food, offer a treat or other reward such as throwing a toy on the floor near the counter, to entice them off. Once they jump off, pair the reward with a clicker that makes a sound.
To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out.
Pushing or throwing your cat in frustration can harm her, both physically and in spirit. Always handle your cat with gentle care, and your cat is more likely to respond to your wishes.
Pay close attention to your cat's body language. Signals include flattened ears, tail twitching, rippling skin and low growling. She may also start to fidget or tense up. If you see these behaviours, stop petting her right away!
If a cat bites you and breaks the skin, be sure to wash the wound immediately. Look for any swelling, pain or redness that spreads. If you see any of these, see your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.