How to Stop Bad Cat Behavior

Bad cat behavior can often arise from cat owners not realizing how a cat's behavior is formed. Cats cannot be trained in the same way as dogs are and do not respond to a "master/servant" relationship. A cat cannot be disciplined with violence as its bad behavior is likely to intensify or the cat may run away to avoid you. Yelling at a cat will also not work as it will usually perceive it as attention rather than intimidation. However, it is possible to train a badly behaved cat to become more docile and obedient.

Things You'll Need

  • Microchip
  • Treats
  • Cat toys
  • Foul-tasting liquid
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bring your cat to the veterinarian to check it for any medical problems which may be causing bad behavior. Have the cat checked for bladder problems or emotional problems if it is "spraying" (coating walls or furniture with urine) and to eliminate aggressiveness. Have the cat micro-chipped and let it out regularly to urinate and to play. Boredom can alter a cat's behavior for the worse.

    • 2

      Reinforce good behavior with treats such as food or toys. It is easier to train a cat using positive reinforcements than negative ones. When your cat does something good, make a fuss over it and give it a treat. As the cat's behavior improves, reduce the amount of treats given but keep praising it. If you are using food treats, try to give them before a cat has eaten. The cat will respond better when it is hungry. However, do not underfeed your cat to train it as this may increase its bad behavior and is cruel.

    • 3

      Ignore bad behavior. If your cat is biting you during playtime or scratching you, remove it from your lap if necessary and walk away. If the cat follows you, continue walking until it stops. Do not speak to it or yell at it as this is giving it attention. Do not play with the cat or give it any attention soon after ignoring it or the cat will become confused.

    • 4
      Chewing electrical cords can cause electrocution or fire.

      Deter the cat with a negative response when it is not possible to ignore its behavior. If the cat often chews on electrical cords or other objects, coat these with a foul-tasting liquid such as bitter orange or nail-biting liquid. Use a "hiss" to deter it from other bad behaviors like ripping upholstery or defecating on the carpet. A cat will not expect you to hiss and will be surprised into ceasing that behavior. Do not hiss at the cat unless it is misbehaving or it will become anxious in your presence and distrust you.

    • 5

      Flick water at the cat if all other steps have failed. Do not use a spray bottle as you may not always have this on hand and the cat will associate discipline with it and not you. Only flick water when unavoidable--you may have to bathe the cat in the future and you do not wish to increase the cat's natural aversion to water.