What's the most effective non-physical way to punish a mischievous cat?

Question

My vet gave me a training guide that says to squirt him with cold water and tell him "no", but even though he doesn't like it much he's still a trouble-maker (i.e. un-decorating the Christmas tree, getting into the toilet, even with the lid down). He's a great cat, very loving and vocal but he's a brat too.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The spray bottle of water works wonders. Be consistent with the disclipine. Cats love Christmas trees. You just brought the tree of his dreams home for him to climb. And, you decorated it with lights that swing, balls, ornaments, etc. What a wonderful owner you are! Enjoy your cat...his mischievious ways just tell you he's intelligent and curious. He's wondering how everything works, it's when he figures it out....you're in trouble!

Answer 2

How old is your cat? If he's still a youngster under 3 yrs keep up the squirt gun and firm no routine. I've had cats for about 30 years and as they get older they tend to get more sedate. As for undecorating the tree - well it's just so tempting you know. We put unbreakable ornaments on the bottom 1/3 of the tree, don't use tinsel or garland (unfortunately) and all of our brats have turned into fine friends and pets. Be patient and your hardheaded pal will eventually get the idea (hopefully) some cats, like people are incorrigible. Good luck and Merry Christmas.
LL

Answer 3

The squirting of water on cats is usually the most effective non-physical way to punish cats but then it also has to do with their age and their personalities. some cats just can't be left alone near a christmas tree because they are too tempted to explore the tree. At night you may have to have the cat stay with you in your bedroom or possibly in the garage.

Answer 4

He's a male so will be quite vocal and yes more loving.

I've always clapped my hand together just the once and called out 'no' or 'get down' or what ever is appropriate, they soon learn

And beside climbing plants/ curtains and rearranging the Christmas tree is all part of a young cats life!

with luck they grow out of that by the time they are a year or so old.

Answer 5

Hon, you probably did not say how previous the cat is, or what you concentrate on naughty. If that is a very youthful kitten, it does not comprehend this is being punished. And, if this is jumping up the position you do not opt for it to, a sprig bottle of water ought to artwork. you ought to be more advantageous certain and we'd be able to grant you some ideas. And, I positioned my 14 week previous in a room even as i'm cooking. That bugger jumps up on counters so quickly. And the considered my decrease back being became when I only took a pan off a burner and him operating for the period of it only provides me shivers. each and every so often this is for his or her personal good to be put in a room even as we are busy and ought to't be there TO discipline. yet, he receives sprayed when I see it. That bottle is sweet the position i am going to snatch it in a hurry. He receives down in a hurry too. yet, it takes a lengthy time period and alot of sprays till eventually they are going to get the conception.

Answer 6

Is he a Siamese? Those are very curious, intelligent and vocal. You might just have to get used to it, and enjoy having an intelligent cat. Maybe you could teach him to do simple tricks. That way, he would be getting "cerebral" excercise, and be less likely to get into mischief. Otherwise, you could maybe get an empty can, put some dried beans into it and tape it shut. When you catch your kitty in the act of naughtiness, shake the can at him. Cats hate loud, sudden noises. He will associate that noise with doing something forbidden, and might think twice about it next time. Good luck.

Answer 7

I tried everything!!!!! Your cat sounds like mine! ergh!

I know you said non-physical way, but i ended up having to get my cat a "Zone System"...

He was jumping up onto the kitchen bench and stealing food & also our dogs food & just being a sh*t head.

The zone system works by a collar that the cat wears & 2 small devices that look like smoke alarms, put them where you dont want the cat to go & set the distance that the cat is allowed at.

The cat gets a warning beeping noise when they get too close & if they keep moving towards it then they get a small electric zap.
Its not a cruel thing, i bought mine from the vet. My cat has learnt & doesnt even get zapped anymore, as soon as he hears the beeping - HES OUTTA THERE!!!!!
Plus, he is a much more placid, quiet cat now!

Answer 8

I taghy my kitties from the time they wer little the word no. They know what it means and they listen. I taught this by picking them up when they were being playful and told them no and removed them from the source of the interet. The xmas tree thing you are kinda on your own. It is a cat thing to take all the stuff off the tree. I never hit yell or use a water bottle on my cats. Thye are well behaved(for cats)

Answer 9

Why would you want to punish? Enjoy it... Mischievous cats are the GREATEST... sounds like hes got a great personality... try training him to do tricks ( I BET HE COULD DO A GREAT BACK FLIP OFF THE CHRISTMAS TREE! that is always a crowd pleaser) check out clickertraining.com for some hints on clicker training cats!

Answer 10

Sadly (and this is very frustrating) cats are more responsive to a reward system than a punishment system. If you reward them with treats or affection when they are doing something good, they are more likely to do the good thing. However if they do something bad, they tend to see the bad behavior as something that still got a response. Cats aren't particular about good or bad responses. Either way, they are entertained. Water bottles do work on occasion, but depending on the cat, you may have alot of work ahead of you. :(