At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves." Ironically, a cat's bad act is usually quite normal behavior for her, but may have a result humans don't like or want. Screaming at the cat or physically punishing her won't alter negative behavior. The best way to change undesirable behavior is to eliminate the opportunity and/or distract the cat to an acceptable alternative.
Immediacy is vital: even seconds late may be ineffective. You must do it as soon as the cat starts misbehaving.
Distracting a cat away from an act is not very difficult. A loud, unfamiliar noise will quickly get her attention. Some cat owners use a low growling sound, others imitate the grating sound of a game show buzzer. Keeping the sound low-toned and harsh is important, because you want to save high-pitched sounds for praise and reinforcement of positive behaviors.
One well-known way to distract a misbehaving cat is to give her a blast with a spray bottle. While this works, it has some drawbacks. First, you must have the bottle in your hand at the exact moment the cat is about to act in a way you want to discourage. Unless you follow your cat around all day with a spray bottle in your hand, this is unlikely to happen. The second problem is that this technique seems to lose effectiveness after a while with some cats.
The best way to extinguish negative behaviors is to remove the opportunity. If your cat obsessively scratches the side of your couch, place a loose blanket or hard acrylic panel against it. Both techniques remove her access to the satisfying feel of the fabric. If she climbs your curtains, shredding them as she goes, fold or pin them out of her reach unless you are around to stop her. If she has accidents only when you are not home, only give her free run of the house when you are there. When you go out, close her in a room with food, water, litter box, scratching post and a couple of toys.
Avoid, at all times, any form of physical punishment. It doesn't matter if your vet or the "cat expert" down the street suggests it; physically punishing your cat will do more harm than good. Some people feel that a "little" tap on the cat's nose with your finger is an acceptable form of punishment because you are only using one finger. Humane group experts point out, however, that if you look at that finger in proportion to a cat's nose - a very sensitive body part - it would be like someone hitting you on the nose with a rolling pin.
You can try gently pushing the palm of your hand into the face of the cat. This is best used when discouraging something like biting. Don't hit the cat, simply push its face back gently.
Inflicting pain has a negative affect on your relationship with your cat. Even the most outgoing cat will back away from your hands, even if they are only reaching out to pet her. If your cat is shy to begin with, physical punishment can have even more deeply negative results.
Keep in mind, too, what you are communicating when you swat your cat. Swatting is one of the main ways cats fight with one another. When you swing your hand at your cat, she very well may take it as a challenge to fight. Constantly provoking her can create a serious aggression problem.
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in pet medication for flea and tick control, arthritis and lyme disease. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
best cleaning company Highland Park ..For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Pet |