How to Train an Ornery Bad Maladjusted Cat

Training an ornery, bad, maladjusted cat requires plenty of patience, a whole lot of love, and a healthy sense of humor. All cats tend to be extremely independent, so do not expect to be able to train a cat as you would a dog. Your task is not so much to make the cat do what you want it to do, but to encourage the cat to behave in a manner more in line with your tolerance levels. You will need to learn how to compromise, cooperate, and use the "soft sell" when it comes to training an ornery, bad, maladjusted or otherwise naughty cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Ornery, bad, maladjusted cat
  • Cat food
  • Cat box
  • Rolled-up newspaper
  • Squirt gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish trust by learning how to approach and pet the cat. Most cats prefer to come to you, rather than the other way around. To get a cat to come to you, crouch in a relaxed position from a safe distance. This will allow you to present yourself in an non-threatening manner. Extend your hand and gently tap the floor. Continue until the cat either approaches you or walks away. Try again later.

    • 2

      Learn how the cat prefers to be touched. Does it prefer to sit on your lap while you pet it? How about on the furniture? Or on the floor? Does it like to be scratched behind the ears, or petted along the length of its back? Through a process of trial and error, find out what makes your cat purr and what makes your cat angry.

    • 3

      Do not pick the cat up until you have established familiarity.

    • 4

      If a cat scratches or bites you, consider how your behavior could have contributed to the attack. Did you do something to frighten the cat? Perhaps you rubbed the cat in an unkindly manner. Perhaps you picked the cat up without its cooperation. Take note of your actions and change accordingly.

    • 5

      Respond immediately if you or your guests are subject to unwarranted attacks. If the cat is sitting on your lap at the time of the unwarranted attack, pick him up with both hands. Grasp him around the torso and cradle him a little behind his front legs. Do not squeeze. In one smooth motion, toss the cat onto the floor, making sure the cat lands on its feet. Stand up to your full human height to show your superiority. Look the cat in the eyes, walk toward the cat, and say "No" firmly. The cat should run out of sight. It will understand your message.

    • 6

      Deal with all other types of attacks using a combination of squirt guns, rolled up newspapers, and a metal can containing a few solid objects as "annoyance" teaching tools. These tools should be kept on hand at all times. Squirt water at the cat if you are in range. Use a very loosely rolled up newspaper to gently swat the cat on the nose. Use the metal can as a noisemaker to bother the cat's sensitive hearing. Whichever method you choose, do it until the cat runs out of the room. Never hurt the cat. Just raise his awareness of the bad behavior.

    • 7

      Train the cat to use its proper litter box. Keep the box in one place in the house and do not move it. Scoop out any feces every day and dispose of it properly. Change the litter at least once every two weeks. Place newspaper under and around the box to catch any misses. This lays the proper groundwork for training the cat.

    • 8

      Every time your cat uses its new litter box, reward the cat with a special treat. Something chewy and meaty will do the trick. If possible, pet the cat to show further appreciation.

    • 9

      Every time a cat does not use its litter box, use the squirt gun, rolled up newspaper and/or noisemaker to annoy it. Some cat owners advocate rubbing the cat's nose in its doings, and then placing the cat in its proper little box. Use your best judgment, and observe any change in behavior when deciding the course of action that is best for you and your cat.