How to Fix Disobedience in a Cat

Cats have a reputation for doing as they please. Though it is true that they don't have the instinctive desire to please an owner that a dog has, it isn't true that cats cannot be encouraged to change their behavior. It's usually fairly easy to handle common cat disobedience.

  1. Not Using the Litter Box

    • One of the most distressing yet common issues cat owners face is a feline refusing to use her litter box. The first step when your cat refuses to use her box is a trip to the vet to rule out health issues. If everything is okay, it's time to think like a cat. Many cats won't use a box that isn't clean, so scoop at least once each day. If you have more than one cat, you might need to provide separate boxes. A recent change in brands of litter might have confused or dissatisfied your cat, especially if the litter has a strong fragrance. Make sure the cat box is in a quiet spot where children, other pets or household traffic isn't a problem. Keep Kitty's food dishes in a separate area away from her box.

    Scratching Furniture

    • Scratching is instinctive behavior for cats, necessary to their well-being. Scratching removes the old, outer layer of the nail, sharpens the claws, stretches Fluffy's muscles and leaves an odor that marks the territory as her own. Your first step is providing at least one scratching post, preferably more. Carpet, wood, corrugated cardboard and sisal are all cat-appealing surfaces. Cats usually prefer scratching vertical surfaces, so provide a post that lets Kitty stretch to her full height, and put it near the furniture she favors. Scent the post with catnip and show Kitty her new scratching spot. You can gently rub her paws on the post to give her the idea. Praise your cat when she uses the new post. If Kitty still returns to the furniture or drapes, a quick shout, noisy rattle or even a small squirt from a water bottle will remind her to leave the furniture alone.

    Walking on Counters

    • You wouldn't walk on your kitchen counters with dirty feet or shoes, and you shouldn't let Kitty do so either. Cats' feet harbor germs from their litter boxes, and you risk food poisoning when Kitty walks where you prepare meals. Jumping up to counters and other high places is instinctive behavior, however, letting Kitty feel safe and survey her domain. Satisfy this need with cat perches in your windows, or cat furniture that has multiple levels so Kitty can nap up high. Once alternatives are in place, discourage counter walking by shaking a jar of pennies, clapping your hands or giving Kitty a small squirt of water from a bottle whenever she jumps up to investigate.

    Eating Houseplants

    • Not only is snacking on houseplants destructive, it is potentially deadly. Many popular houseplants such as Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Dracaena and Schefflera are toxic to cats. Nibbling on plants is very common feline behavior, though the cause is not certain. It could be that Fluffy is attracted to the dangling leaves, needs certain vitamins or just has a stomach ache. If your cat likes to eat greenery, provide her with a small pot of her very own grass. Grass seed sprouts quickly and is easy to grow, and most cats enjoy a nibble now and then. Keep your favorite plants up and away where Kitty cannot reach them, and avoid toxic varieties.