Thread: Instilling some discipline

In my view that pets have no concept of good and bad behaviour - naughty and nice are purely human ideas. So is the idea of discipline. Whilst it is possible to train a dog because they desperately want to please you, I have doubts about training a cat - hence the phrase to describe an impossible task 'like herding cats'.

Animals behave in a way that seems natural to them - they don't understand that this may be seen as 'bad'. They pick up the vibes if you are angry but instead of making them understand your reasoning you may simply make them afraid or aggressive. For instance if you play rough with them they either think that's what you expect or they become afraid - either may lead to biting and scratching.

I would reward good behaviour but divert their attention to other things if they are doing things I don't want them to do. Perhaps play with a toy until they forget what they were doing that you didn't like. When they're young I block off areas where they could hurt themselves or damage things I value - just like I did when my children were little.

I would recommend several cat trees with scratching posts and high perches - MCs love being up high. If they are scratching furniture get them something else to scratch and if that doesn't work, protect the furniture until they grow out of it (they probably will).

Above all enjoy the kitten days - they are over all too soon!

I have never used squirt bottles for fear of ending up with a bunch of scaredy cats. Likewise I never fancied the idea of drugging them up with feliway – and reading Jackie’s story just confirmed it to me.
What works best for my crew is a sharp loud “No!”, if necessary picking them up gently and put them somewhere else, or diverting their attention with a toy and a few cuddles.

Originally Posted by Wivelspiker

hence the phrase to describe an impossible task 'like herding cats'.

Actually, I *do* herd my cats… when they’re out in the garden and I want them to come inside I walk up to them and point at the back door. Four out of five times they get the message and hop inside, waving their tails in the air which looks ever so cute. (The fifth time however I have to chase them around the garden and finally carry them inside. )