How to Handle a Cat That Misbehaves
📝 Summary
Scolding or hitting a cat teaches nothing and only builds fear—cats don't grasp 'guilt.' Instead, manage the environment (close doors, add scratchers, lid trash), use gentle automatic deterrence, and patiently retrain bed and bad habits.
1 Dealing With a Misbehaving Cat
Some owners misunderstand how to handle a cat’s mistakes—like scolding loudly, which only frightens the cat without teaching right from wrong; hitting, which makes it fear the owner; caging as punishment, which builds aversion to the crate; or physical punishment, the worst, harming the cat and damaging your bond. The cat must learn what it may and may not do, which takes skill and patience.
To stop a behavior, best build an environment with no chance to err: close the kitchen door, cover walls or add a scratching post where it scratches, and lid the trash. Over time the cat learns these are wrong and stops. Automatic penalties also work—double-sided tape around a table repels the cat; or simply refuse its demands, like ignoring an early wake-up call. These tips help, but stay patient.
Some cats love sleeping in the owner’s bed. To change this, give a warm, cozy bed—warmer in winter so it won’t seek warmth elsewhere. At first, cover the bed so it can’t escape; once it adapts, remove the cover. If it won’t quit, be firm—show displeasure each time it jumps up, but avoid scaring it. If it always feels your disapproval, it will stop.
Cats are gentle, if proud and willful; with patient teaching they obey. If you have other related questions, you can also consult an online veterinarian.
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