Is using a spray bottle on a cat cruel?

This could cause the kids to become fearful of your cat, an adverse effect you do not want to happen. Don't use a spray bottle: There is an old myth about using a spray bottle to redirect a cat's bad behavior, but the truth is she likely doesn't associate being sprayed with the bad behavior.
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Is spraying cat with water cruel?

Spraying cats with water from a squirt bottle is not a reinforcement; it's a punishment. Giving your cat a choice of ways to express his behavioral needs and then rewarding his use of the choice you prefer is the best way to encourage your cat's “good” behavior.
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Is it wrong to spray your cat?

Spraying your cat with water can have long-term negative effects. On top of the physical discomfort, spraying your cat with water doesn't actually teach your cat better behaviors and could end up seriously confusing her.
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Can you use a spray bottle for cats?

A method that has become popular among cat owners when their cat is doing unwanted behaviors is to use a squirt bottle to shoot water at the cat to stop or deter them from the negative behaviors – like jumping up on counters and meowing in the morning to get attention.
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How do you discipline a kitten that doesn't listen?

Reprimand your cat gently.

Avoid screaming, as this can upset your cat. Simply say, "No" when it engages in a negative behavior. If your cat stops the behavior when you ask, reward it with treats, a toy, or praise. If your cat does not listen when you say "No," try adding a small clap as well.
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The Best and Worst Ways to Train Your Cat



How do you discipline a cat for attacking?

At the very least they tend to make the cat wary of your approach. Instead, whenever the cat begins to swat or play attack, immediately stop the play by walking away or by using some non-physical form of punishment such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, cap gun, hand held alarm or perhaps a loud hiss.
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How do you correct a cat's behavior?

Provide your cat with plenty of toys and spend some time every day throwing a ball or crumpled up piece of paper for your cat to chase. Redirecting your cat to perform these natural behaviors where and when you feel is appropriate is the best way to deal with these problems.
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Should I spray my cat for meowing?

Don't punish a cat for meowing. Hitting, shouting, and spraying cats with water rarely work to quiet a meowing cat in the long run, but all those actions will make your cat distrust or even dislike you. Don't give in.
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How do you make a cat obey you?

Defining Tasks. Training your cat to listen to you involves consistency, praise, and lots of affection. Keep training sessions short and sweet because cats get bored quickly and do not have the same attention span as a dog, for example.
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How do I establish dominance over my cat?

When dominating a cat, don't be rude to the cat. Don't mock the cat while doing it. Just be firm and loving as a cat-mom, and you will get across the message that the cat's not rejected. Time, patience, honesty, confidence and consistency are the best ways to establish enough trust that you can dominate a cat.
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How do you train a cat to stay off counters?

Keeping your cat off the counter
  1. Make counters unrewarding. If your cat is rewarded for jumping on the counter, the behavior will continue. ...
  2. Confine your cat during mealtime. ...
  3. Don't punish. ...
  4. Reward appropriate activities. ...
  5. Play with your cat at least once a day. ...
  6. Pick your battles.
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How do you teach a cat not to do something?

Use deterrents: Some cats dislike citrus smells, red pepper flakes, and commercially available sprays designed to keep cats away from certain areas. There are also special sprays that taste bad to deter pets from chewing on things. Use a water spray bottle: No one, including cats, likes to be squirted with water.
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How do you punish a cat for peeing in the house?

Any form of punishment is guaranteed to make the behavior worse. Commonly suggested deterrents, such as water pistols or tin foil, are only likely to divert the behavior elsewhere. There will always be an underlying reason, either medical or behavioral, for your cat peeing outside the litter box.
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Can I hiss at my cat when he bites me?

Good thought, but no, hissing will just confuse her because you're not a cat and you're not going to effectively communicating anything (expect that you're very confusing human and maybe a little scary). What you want to do when she is biting you is remove the fun, which is you. Get up and walk away.
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Do cats know when you're mad at them?

While cats may not distinguish their actions, they know when you're mad at them about something. They pay attention to their owners' emotions. Cats show different behaviors when their owners smile at them. So, they pay much more attention to a positive attitude than a negative one.
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What is the meanest cat breed?

The 11 Most Aggressive Cat Breeds:
  • Bengal.
  • Scottish Fold.
  • Pixie Bob.
  • Egyptian Mau.
  • American Wirehair.
  • Korat.
  • Singapura.
  • Cymric.
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Why do cats bite their owners?

Cats most commonly bite us to tell us they want to stop interacting. Cats have sensitive nerve endings on their bodies that can lead to them becoming overstimulated. If you miss other signs they want to stop interacting, they may resort to biting you.
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How do you teach a kitten no?

Say the word 'No' loudly and firmly. Then pick the kitten up by the skin at the back of her neck (as a mama cat would do) and gently - I repeat - gently, shake her, saying 'No' a few more times. Then direct her attention to something else.
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Do cats understand no?

Cats don't speak English – or any language, for that matter. This means that cats don't understand the word “no” unless they're trained to. Teaching your cat to know when to stop doing something is crucial if it: Scratches your furniture.
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At what age do kittens calm down?

At what age do kittens calm down? Generally, by 9 to 12 months old, the massive amount of enthusiasm has begun to settle, and a personality has become more apparent. Each cat differs individually with some being more playful and some lazier. However, these are some typical stages you'll see as your frisky feline ages.
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What smell do cats hate?

As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
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Why do cats follow you to the bathroom?

Cats also probably know that when we are on the toilet, we are a captive audience — nowadays we are so busy and distracted that many cats are probably looking for an opportunity to have our undivided attention!” Cats also might enjoy the “cool, smooth surfaces of sinks and tiles,” or even water, Delgado adds.
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How do you train a cat not to scratch furniture?

To prevent cats from scratching the furniture, follow these tips:
  1. Provide alternate scratching surfaces such as scratching posts or toys. ...
  2. Use positive reinforcement. ...
  3. Try furniture covers. ...
  4. Enrich your cat's environment. ...
  5. Regularly trim your cat's nails. ...
  6. Consider cat claw covers.
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How do I show my cat I am the Alpha?

Showing Your Cat Affection and Positive Reinforcement
  1. Petting and cuddling.
  2. Praise – use your voice, tell them that they're being well behaved.
  3. Giving treats or using catnip.
  4. Playing their favorite game or with their favorite toy.
  5. Encourage social behavior. Use treats if you must, to lure them out and socialize.
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