How to Control Cat Behavior
Many people believe cats are ideal pets because of their independence and playfulness. Cats are born with instinctive predatory activities and behavior that can create problems for their human families. Fortunately for pet owners, they also have flexible qualities that allow them to adapt to their domestic environments. Cats are intelligent animals that can be trained, and destructive behavior can be rehabilitated. Some common cat issues include scratching, using the litter box and aggressive behavior. Learn how to stop bad behavior from your cat now.
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Instructions
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Scratching
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Provide your cat with two or three scratching posts, including one that the cat needs to climb and one that lays flat on the ground. Teach your cat how to use them, including physically showing where to place its paws.
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Place treats on top of the scratching platform, add or hang toys on it, and rub it with catnip. Reward and praise the cat every time the scratching post is used. Many cats like to scratch after waking, so call your cat to the scratching post after a nap to begin conditioning.
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3
Use a water gun to spray your cat every time furniture or carpet is scratched. Spray the cat during the scratching episode. This will teach the cat that scratching the post is fun and rewarding, while scratching the sofa is unpleasant.
Not Using the Litter Box
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Clean the litter box four to five times a week, not just once or twice a week. Dirty litter boxes are the most common reason for cats urinating outside of them.
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Visit the veterinarian to check if your cat has a urinary tract issue.
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Confine your cat to non-carpeted areas with a clean litter box until the behavior returns to normal (using the litter box). Praise your cat when it uses the litter box properly.
Aggressive Behavior
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Play with your cat in a gentle, play-fighting game. Increase the excitement in the game. Observe when your cat begins to expose teeth and claws. Stop playing immediately and freeze in your position.
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Resume the game if your cat calms down and the claws retract. Yell "Ouch," and walk away from your cat if you are bitten or scratched. Ignore your cat to teach him or her that aggressive playing is not going to get attention.
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Give your cat prey toys that he or she can bite and scratch. Schedule 15 minutes of interactive playtime with your cat at least twice a day. When your cat is given positive attention and is allowed to use its predatory instincts, the aggressive energy is released in a controlled environment.
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