is it good to hit your cat when he behaves badly?

Question

my mom says i should hit my cat larry or lucy whenever they spill anything or go onto places they shouldnt but i mean i dont hit them abusively hard i just slap them is that a bad way to discipline them or schould i try something else i dunno n e thing else to try

Answer 1

Try a squirt gun filled with water. Most cats HATE water and they will associate what you don't want them to do with getting wet. You have to catch them in the act for this to work. Please don't hit them anymore. Love them.

Answer 2

By the way, I like the color's of your hair in you pic.

No hitting allowed!

Hitting will only encourage them to keep doing those naughty things they're doing.

Pick the cat up (if you can catch Larry or Lucy) and say a firm "NO." They will soon understand what that word means. As a matter of fact they understand a lot of words. It's called habit, a way of discipline. If you are unable to pick the cat up just shout the same "NO."

My cat is not allowed on the kitchen counters. I will tell her to get down. She may be a little slow, because she really doesn't want to, but she understands exactly what I mean and does get off the counter's.

You would be teaching you cat's words that they will soon understand. Makes for a happier life with your cats.

If "fish" (and they can) be trained, Larry and Lucy can be trained without the hitting.

Do a quick read on cat behavior and discipline. You could learn a lot. We all could.

Rather train properly than hit. Will take time, but you can do it. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

You should never be abusive or cause injury to a cat.

I tell them NO! about 3 times so they know what they are doing that is wrong, then I give them a light paddle on the butt. After they realise what it is for, then give them some cuddles. You do that so they are not afraid of you which can happen if you punish them and they don't know what for and don't love them after.

A lot of people don't agree, but it works for me, and usually they will come up and rub against my legs as if to say 'I'm sorry'. And NONE of my cats are afraid of me. When they get paddled they KNOW what it's for. Just make sure it's intentionally misbehaving and not an accident.

Some cats are too sensitive to punish. But some are brats that will keep pushing to see what they can get away with. You have to know your cats personalities. They are 4-legged kids. And just like some kids they need a paddling once in awhile, which is a long way from abuse.

Answer 4

No, it is not a good idea. All hitting does is make an animal fear you. It's not even a humane option for dogs. Just do a firm "NO!". Use a water pistel too, but only use it sparingly. I suppose you mean kitchen shelfs and counters when it comes to places they shouldn't be. Putting duct tape on counters and adding some citrus scented stuff near the places you don't want your cat on are some other valid options. Cats hate the feeling of duct tape on their paws and hate the smell of citrus fruit. Good luck. Your mom needs to know that hitting an animal is unacceptable by the way. Teach her about modern training methods for dogs and cats.

Answer 5

Everyone is basically telling you the same answer here. A spray bottle of water. Most cats hate to get wet. So this is why they act scared when the spray bottle comes out.

A hard slap is cruel to a cat. Try training them with love and telling them "No" , or "down" if on a couch or table they are not allowed on. Make a noise like pssst! or clap your hands and say "No". this will get their attention.

Soon all you have to do is say no. Reward them when they are good every so often with Temptations cat treats. These are good for their teeth too!

Good luck and God bless.

Answer 6

That's probably the worst thing to do when your cat is being a bad boy.
Cat's aren't like dogs. Their not always going to run away or stop what they're doing when you come after them with a raised hand. Heck, they might even attack if push comes to shove.
When you say your cat spills anything, do you mean he knocks over your drinks or tips his own dish? If he knocks over your drinks, my advice is to keep a better eye on it. Cat's are very nosy especially when the smell is strong. If he tips over his own bowl, I suggest you buy a more sturdy bowl.
They also have the "spray the cat with water" punishment, but that's a last resort thing.

Answer 7

OK, think about it, they accidentally spilled, or went in the wrong places, they don't know better. what you do is any time they do something wrong, say NO once, kind of loud, and put her/him in a place they don't like, (but don't be cruel) if they like being with you, you put them away from you, like in a bathroom or something, for like 20min, and then take him/her out, note, don't put your two cats together in time out, or there going to learn that when there bad they get to play together. this way they learn there not supposed to go there or spill that. PS praise them when there being good, not to much because when you leave you cant praise them and they will think its a punishment, good luck!

Answer 8

Dont ever hit an animal they will eventually get mean and it is just wrong. But you can put a little bit of Vinegar in a bottle with some water and give them a little squirt when they are bad! Please dont hit them anymore!

Answer 9

Never hit an animal. A reprimand in an assertive voice without yelling get's the picture across to them. If you hit them, that won't stop the behavior, and it will only make them fear you. Hitting anything and anybody never solved a problem- remember, these creatures love and trust you.

Answer 10

No, they don't understand hitting at all.
Try clapping several times and shooing them away from the area you don't want them in.
Cat's are curious, so they do like to check things out.
It may take several times, but they will eventually get it.
As far as spilling, don't allow them on tables or countertops.