Problem Behaviors in Cats
This article addresses behavior, problems, and a possible solution for the indoor cat only as we believe that all domesticated cats should live indoors, especially all beloved Persians. :-0
Obviously, dogs and cats are different. Inasmuch as dogs are pack animals and form hierarchies and cats are solitary and more territorial than dogs. Therefore, dogs respect the pack leader or "alpha", while cats respect territory. Cats only form social groups out of necessity. Usually when cats live in a group that arrangement is based on each cat respecting the others' territory. I can not stress enough that your acting like the "top dog" will not work with cats and therefore, physical punishment will not work as that will only teach the cat to fear you and quite possibly other people as well.
An effective "punishment" is to utilize the cat's natural avoidance of surprise and sudden noises. Use a spray bottle with water in it, clap your hands, make a hissing sound, and other such noises will startle the cat and stop bad behavior. Your "correction" has to be as soon the cat exhibits the unwanted behavior or it will not be effective. Below are a few of the more common behavioral problems seen in cats.
There are two schools of thought on discipline for biting. Personally, I have tried both of the suggestions below and I believe it depends on the cat as to whether or not you feel comfortable allowing it to attack you. You can also gently place your hand on the cat's face and push it back while saying "no" firmly. Hissing at the cat also may act as a deterrent. Do not hit the cat.
Some people believe that you can train the cat not to bite by (1) allowing it to attack or bite, (2) crying out, (3) pulling the hand back, and (4) offering a toy as a substitute. Others believe that as soon as the claws come out, you should (1) cry out, (2) pull hand out of strike zone, and (3) offer a toy as a substitute. A cat that is trained not to use you as a toy will be more trustworthy around babies and small children.
We have been very fortunate to have the guidance of several people who have provided us with an enormous amount of information, but more importantly, their time. A big thanks to all of you!
Always provide your cat with a scratching post or other acceptable scratching area. If you observe your cat scratching on an unapproved scratching area firmly say "no" and/or hiss at it. You can also use Bitter Apple or Bitter Orange on furniture and items you do not want the cat to use as a scratching post. Usually, I spray the item and then spray a small amount on the cat's tongue so it will associate the smell and taste of the Bitter Apple when it gets close to the item you don't want it to use. You can also put pepper (white, black or cayenne) on the unapproved item. Different cats like different kinds of scratching posts. Some like scratching posts that lie flat on the ground rather than vertical. In general, cats seem to like natural fiber rope that is tightly wrapped around the post. Do not use plush carpet or other fibers that the cat's nails get stuck in. Cats will either love their scratching post and use it all the time or never use one at all.
If you have a cat that prefers your carpet for a scratching post and you have a carpeted scratching post, you may want to get a scratching post that is not carpeted and retrain your cat to use the "new" post.
Many people do not want their cats on their furniture, including tables and countertops. I have found a few things that seem to discourage this behavior. Again, utilize the cat's natural avoidance for loud noises and surprises by using common kitchen utensils, cookie sheets, and/or empty aluminum cans with a few pennies in them. Place these items on the furniture, counter, table, etc. but slightly off-balance so that they will easily fall when the cat jumps or climbs up. Sometimes using double-sided tape (or tape with the gummy side up) on the item you don't want the cat on will discourage it from being up there. If you happen to catch the cat in the act, spray it with the water bottle and hiss at the cat.
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