How to Discipline a Cat: Dos and Don'ts When Teaching Your Kitty

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Cats are adorable companions, but sometimes their behavior can be difficult to manage. They may scratch furniture, jump on counters, or refuse to use the litter box. If you have ever felt frustrated and wondered how to discipline a cat, you are not alone. Many cat owners face the same problem and search for ways to correct these behaviors without harming their pets.

Unlike dogs, cats are independent and sensitive animals. They do not respond well to harsh punishment or yelling. Instead, they learn best when treated with patience and positive reinforcement.

If you want to know how to discipline a cat, you come to the right place. In this article, we will share some tips to change your cat's behavior. We will also talk about how to talk about things you shouldn't do when trying to teach your kitty. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (9/10/2025).

Teaching your cat good behavior takes time and patience. Here are the best methods on how to discipline a cat that work.

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your cat when they do something good. Give them treats, praise, or extra playtime immediately when you see good behavior. For example, when your cat uses their scratching post instead of your couch, give them a treat right away. When they use the litter box correctly, say kind words to them. This teaches your cat that good actions bring good results. Cats will repeat behaviors that make them happy.

2. Make Bad Surfaces Unpleasant

You can stop unwanted behavior by making certain areas uncomfortable for your cat. Put double-sided tape on furniture where your cat likes to scratch. Place aluminum foil on kitchen counters where they jump. Cats don't like the feeling of these materials on their paws.

3. Provide Better Alternatives

Cats scratch, climb, and explore because of their natural instincts. Don't just stop bad behavior - give your cat something better to do. Buy scratching posts for cats who scratch furniture. Place cat trees or perches near windows for cats who jump on counters. Get water fountains for cats who play with sink water. When you provide these alternatives, reward your cat for using them.

4. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents

These special devices spray air when your cat comes near. You can place them on counters or other areas where cats shouldn't go. The device surprises the cat without connecting the negative experience to you. This helps your cat learn to avoid certain places. These products are available at pet stores and work well for keeping cats away from specific areas.

5. Remove Yourself During Aggression

If your cat becomes aggressive, leave the room immediately. Walk away and close the door behind you. This teaches your cat that rough behavior ends all fun and attention. After a few minutes, return to your cat. If they are calm, give them a reward. This method works well for cats who bite or scratch during play. It shows them that gentle behavior keeps you around.

6. Try Pheromone Products

Special sprays contain chemicals that cats naturally produce. These pheromones can be sprayed on furniture or used in diffusers around your home. They signal to your cat that an area is already marked, so they don't need to scratch it. Products like Feliway are popular and effective. Use these along with scratching posts to redirect your cat's scratching behavior.

7. Check for Medical Problems

Sometimes bad behavior happens because your cat feels sick. Cats may urinate outside the litter box due to bladder infections or kidney disease. They may become aggressive when they feel pain. Sudden changes in behavior often mean something is wrong. Take your cat to the veterinarian before trying behavior training. Your vet can find and treat any health issues that cause problem behaviors.

8. Increase Playtime and Attention

Bored cats often misbehave to keep themselves busy. Spend at least 15 minutes each day playing with your cat. Use toys that move and make your cat chase them. This exercise helps your cat use their energy in positive ways. Regular play also strengthens your bond with your cat. A tired, happy cat is less likely to cause trouble.

When you learn how to discipline your cat, there are several things you should avoid. Here are some of them:

1. Never Hit or Use Physical Force

Don't hit, kick, or shake your cat for any reason. Physical punishment scares cats and damages your relationship with them. Cats who are hit become fearful and may develop aggressive behavior. They will try to avoid you instead of learning from you. Physical discipline doesn't teach cats what to do differently. It only creates fear and stress.

2. Don't Yell or Make Loud Noises

Shouting at your cat doesn't work. Cats have sensitive hearing, and loud voices stress them out. They won't understand why you're being loud. Yelling only teaches your cat to fear you. It doesn't show them what behavior you want instead. Stay calm and quiet when dealing with unwanted behavior.

3. Avoid Spray Bottles

Many people spray water at cats to stop bad behavior. This method seems harmless, but it creates problems. Your cat learns to misbehave only when you're not watching. They connect you with the unpleasant water spray, which makes them wary of you. Water bottles don't address why your cat is doing the behavior. Find better solutions that work all the time, not just when you're present.

4. Don't Scruff Your Cat

Scruffing means grabbing the loose skin on a cat's neck. Some people think this is a natural way to control cats because mother cats carry kittens this way. However, scruffing adult cats is painful and causes stress. It can make behavior problems worse. If you need to move your cat, wrap them gently in a blanket instead. This keeps both you and your cat safe without causing pain.

5. Never Rub Their Nose in Accidents

If your cat urinates or defecates outside the litter box, don't rub their nose in it. This old method doesn't work and only frightens your cat. Cats don't understand this punishment. House soiling usually happens because of stress, medical problems, or dirty litter boxes. Clean the area and look for the real cause of the problem. Work with your veterinarian to find solutions.

6. Don't Ignore the Root Cause

Bad behavior always has a reason behind it. Your cat might be stressed, bored, sick, or following natural instincts. Punishment doesn't address these underlying causes. Before you discipline a cat, try to understand why they're acting this way. Are they getting enough exercise? Is their environment enriching? Do they have health problems? Solving the real problem is more effective than just stopping the behavior.

7. Don't Compare Cats to Dogs

Cats and dogs learn differently. Dogs often want to please their owners, but cats need clear rewards for their cooperation. Training methods that work for dogs may not work for cats. Respect that cats are different animals with different needs. Use training approaches designed specifically for cats. Understanding these differences will help you discipline your cat more effectively.