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.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HarePuppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More
Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More
Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
Pet |