CONTROLLING UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIOR IN CATS - THE ROLE OF PUNISHMENT
Punishment
Punishment is the application of a stimulus that decreases the chance that
a behavior will be repeated. It should coincide with the undesirable behavior,
and must be unpleasant enough to deter the cat from repeating that behavior
Keep in mind that you are punishing the behavior not the cat. Punishment should
never be considered unless the pet has the means to satisfy its nature and its
needs. For example, the scratching cat should be provided with an appropriate
scratching post, before any attempts to punish undesirable scratching is initiated.
What is the best way to physically discipline my cat?
One of the most frequently utilized and least successful forms of punishment
is where the owner uses a smack or hit. Hitting a cat can lead to hand-shyness,
fear of the owner, and potential injury for both the owner and the cat. The
cat will continue to perform the undesirable behavior in your absence since
it learns that it can perform the behavior without punishment when you are out
of sight. Physical punishment is therefore ineffective, potentially dangerous,
and totally unnecessary.
How can I punish my cat for rough play?
Perhaps the only place where interactive punishment might be successful is
for the cat that swats or scratches the owners during play. Even here, species
appropriate punishment such as "hissing" is better than using any physical techniques.
Before punishment is considered however you must ensure that the cat has ample
opportunity to play. Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be
provided. Realize that if you give any form of attention (including physical
punishment) to a cat that is swatting, or attacking in play, the behavior may
inadvertently be rewarded and encouraged further.
Whenever the cat begins to swat or play attack, immediately stop the play
by walking away or by using some non physical form of punishment such as a loud
hiss. Under no circumstances should a cat ever be punished unless it is caught
in the act of performing the behaviorRemember, physical punishment should
never be used as it is generally ineffective, and could cause harm to your relationship
with your cat, or to the cat itself.
How can I punish my cat for other behaviours?
The key to successful punishment is to associate an unpleasant consequence
with the undesirable behavior not with a person. However, unless the owner remains
out of sight while administering punishment the cat may learn to cease the behavior
only when you are present. Punishing the cat remotely, while you remain out
of sight, is an effective means of deterring undesirable behavior It takes a
great deal of preparation, time and forethought. Another effective means of
punishment is to booby-trap an area, so that the cat learns to "stay away".
How does remote punishment work?
For remote techniques to be successful there are two key elements. First,
you must monitor the cat so that you know when the problem begins even in your
absence. For this a video camera may be necessary. The second element is that
the punishment must be delivered while the inappropriate behavior is occurring
(preferably while you remain out of sight).
When the owner is not around to supervise and monitor, the cat needs to be
left in a room or area that has been cat-proofed and supplied with a litter
tray, bedding area, toys for play and areas for scratching or climbing.
How can I booby-trap the environment to punish the pet?
Booby-traps are a way of teaching the pet to avoid the area or the behavior
itself. The most practical devices are those that are unpleasant enough to deter
the behavior, and reset themselves, or remain active should the pet return to
the area. One of the simplest ways to discourage a cat from entering an area
where an undesirable behavior is likely to be performed (scratching, eliminating)
is to make the area less appealing (or completely unpleasant) for scratching
or eliminating. If the cat is scratching furniture, a large piece of material
may be draped over the furniture. A small pyramid of empty tin cans or plastic
containers could then be balanced on the arm of the chair on top of the fabric
so that it topples onto the cat when scratching begins. Mousetrap trainers and
shock mats should only be used as a last resort and under expert guidance. Motion-detecting
sprinklers are also available to keep other cats or animals off property.
Most of these same booby traps would also be effective for destructive behaviours
focused on particular objects. Taste deterrents might also be helpful, provided
they are unpleasant enough to deter the behavior Products such as bitter apple,
bitter lime or Tabasco sauce are often recommended, but many cats quickly learn
to accept the taste. A little water mixed with cayenne pepper, oil of eucalyptus,
any nontoxic mentholated product often works. To be effective, the first exposure
to a product must be as repulsive as is humanely possible, so that the cat is
immediately repelled whenever it smells or tastes that product again. Never
leave any objects or areas untreated until the cat learns to leave the object
or area alone. Once the cat has learned to avoid the smell, a more dilute solution
can be used to deter the cat from other areas.
Perhaps most importantly, punishment whether interactive or remote should
never be a substitute for good supervision and the opportunity to engage in
the proper behavior This is vital for kittens that are learning what is acceptable
in a new home.
For very active animals, a room that has been "cat-proofed" and supplied with
toys, and objects to scratch and climb, is a good solution when owners are unable
to supervise.
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