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Cats exhibit a wide range of behaviors that are quite normal yet may be considered undesirable by the people with whom they share their homes. Most of these behaviors develop to satisfy an innate need. For example, cats routinely scratch objects as part of communication and grooming (see the handout “Cat Behavior Problems – Scratching Behavior”). Cats enjoy climbing and jumping and may inadvertently damage objects, such as curtains, during play. Free-roaming cats hunt to survive and are highly motivated to explore their environment. Since indoor cats live in a relatively confined space, they may hop onto counters searching for food or objects that might be used for playing.
Rather than trying to stop your cat from engaging in instinctual and naturally rewarding behaviors, it is essential to provide your cat with substitute behaviors and outlets that satisfy your cat’s needs. Otherwise, your cat is likely to become frustrated. Cats whose behavioral needs are not met can develop behavioral and physical illnesses.
"...It is essential to provide your cat with substitute behaviors and outlets that satisfy your cat’s needs."
Though each cat has her preferences, all cats benefit from an enriched physical and social environment. It is helpful to make a list of behaviors that you find undesirable and try to determine the reason your cat might be engaging in them. This way, you can provide appropriate and rewarding substitute activities within your home. (See the handout “Cat Behavior and Training – Enrichment for Indoor Cats”.)
For example, your cat might jump onto the kitchen counter in search of food. You may encourage her to explore places other than the counter by hiding food-filled toys in acceptable locations throughout the house. As another example, perhaps your cat is scratching your couch. Knowing your cat needs to scratch, you can provide her with a scratching post made of a fabric similar to your couch. It is important to place the post very close to the couch, as cats have specific location preferences for scratching.
Once you understand how the ‘misbehavior’ satisfies your cat’s needs, you can guide your cat to an appropriate activity. It is always helpful to consult a behavior professional with experience assessing cat behavior to help you design a customized enrichment program.
While your cat is learning new behavioral options, and once you have provided acceptable outlets, there are things that you do to prevent further damage. Double-sided sticky tape or Sticky Paws® can be placed on objects she inappropriately scratches. To deter your cat from jumping onto the counter, you can place some foil or carpet runner with the points sticking up. If your cat playfully climbs curtains, you could close off the room when you are unavailable to supervise and keep her engaged in an appropriate activity.
Scolding your cat is risky. Cats are very sensitive to any form of punishment, even verbal reprimands. Punishment can cause fear and permanently damage your cat’s trust in you (see the handout “Why Punishment Should be Avoided').
"Punishment can cause fear and permanently damage your cat’s trust in you."
If you catch your cat about to engage in inappropriate behavior, the best tactic is to distract her. A novel sound can be used as a distraction, or you may be able to lure your cat into engaging in a different, more appropriate behavior with a wand toy or treat trail.
Since cat bites and scratches can cause serious injury and infection, it is essential never to invite your cat to play with your hands or feet. Always have a toy for your cat to pounce upon or chase. If your cat does start to bat at your hand, signal to her that the game is over by giving a cue, such as ‘done’, and quietly disengaging. If your cat remains interested in your body, quietly walk away. Another option is to immediately toss a toy to remind your cat that toys are for pouncing on, not hands. (See the handout “Play and Predatory Aggression in Cats”.)
The best time to train desirable behaviors is when you bring your new cat home. Regardless of your cat’s age, supervise to learn her behavioral preferences regarding playing and scratching. Provide a variety of toys and scratching posts. If your cat starts to engage in a behavior you do not prefer, distract her and immediately offer a suitable substitute behavior. When you are unable to supervise, confine your cat to a cat-proofed area with toys, scratching posts, an assortment of resting places, a litter box, food, and water.
