How to Discipline a Kitten

Kittens can become destructive when they're playing or exploring a home, especially if they're left unsupervised. You don't need to monitor them at all times to stop unwanted behaviors, though. Through remote punishment, a kitten learns to associate undesirable outcomes with certain behaviors. It's important that you refrain from yelling or smacking the kitten for discipline; this creates fear and can lead to aggression. You want the kitten to think its own actions affect its environment, regardless of whether you're there.

Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Water
  • Scratching post
  • Treats
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mist water from a spray bottle near the front of the kitten when it misbehaves. Stand as far away from the kitten as possible and try to stay out of its line of sight when you do this.

    • 2

      Make a loud noise to startle the kitten if you see it approaching something it shouldn't touch. For example, if it tends to claw the corner of your couch, clap your hands loudly whenever you see it stretch its paws toward the fabric. Again, try to stay out of the kitten's sight when you do this.

    • 3

      Toss an object in the kitten's direction to startle it without hitting it.

    • 4

      Redirect the kitten to an appropriate activity whenever you stop it from doing something destructive. Move it to a scratching post after scaring it away from your couch, for example, and then reward it with a treat.

    • 5

      Stop playing with the kitten if it starts biting you, and yelp loudly if it does. Dangle a toy at its mouth to redirect its focus. If the kitten bites when it wants to play, say "no" and walk away for a few minutes.