Punishment through a cat’s eyes

Punishment through a cat’s eyes


When your cat does something you don’t like, punishment — even as gentle as you can make it — may seem like the most direct way to change her behavior. But before you swat her off a table, grab a sprayer bottle or otherwise show your displeasure, remember that it can backfire.

Punishment is often a sure-fire way to break the bond you’re building with your cat. In the end, she’s much more likely to associate any discomfort with you rather than her behavior — and she may start avoiding you because of it.

So, before continuing down the punishment path, try to figure out what’s causing your cat’s behavior. Does she need more stimulation? Is she stressed out by a change in her environment?

Giving your cat what she needs goes a long way toward resolving problems — both hers and yours.

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