What happens if you spray a cat with water?

Yes, when you spray your cat with water, chances are she'll stop what she's doing and run away. With a playful kitten, this quickly becomes a game: “I jump on the counter, you give me a squirt, I run away, then I jump back on the counter and the game begins again.
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Is it abuse to spray a cat with water?

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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Can I spray my cat with water when it bites me?

It's simple — when your cat bites or scratches, squirt him with a spray bottle or small water gun. The only problem: It needs to be done consistently and directly following the incident, or the cat will not learn to associate the two events.
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How do you punish a 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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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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The Best and Worst Ways to Train Your Cat



Should you hiss at your cat?

You shouldn't hiss at your cat because they might perceive your hissing as a threat and become scared. Since cats use hissing as a defensive mechanism to express discomfort, stress, or fear and to avoid confrontation, you should also avoid using hissing to discipline them.
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Is it OK to spray your cat?

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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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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Do cats forgive their owners?

Cats don't hold grudges and will quickly forgive and forget one-off incidents. They want to forgive human transgressions as an act of self-preservation, as much as anything else. Make this easier for your cat by providing a welcoming, comforting environment.
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Do cats hold a grudge?

Cats don't hold grudges like humans do because they don't have the same spectrum of emotions as humans. Instead, cats associate certain actions and behaviors with bad events and good events. Based on this association, they react differently. Many cat behaviors remain mysteries, and their memory is no different.
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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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Can I squeeze my cat?

If you've witnessed the average cat being hugged, you've probably seen squirming, meowing, panting, and eventually, claws. Don't take it personally—most cats view hugging as a form of human-induced torture, pleasurable to the human part of the equation only.
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How do you teach a cat not to do something?

Correcting Unwanted Cat Behavior
  1. Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. ...
  2. Smell: Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil and oil of wintergreen are all aversive smells to cats.
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How do I dominate 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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Can you scruff a cat?

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and International Cat Care, as well as many cat-only veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists do not recommend scruffing. Instead, they recommend cat-friendly, low stress, and fear free handling techniques.
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Do cats watch TV?

Cats are curious creatures that are highly responsive to visual cues and interesting sounds. They require mental stimulation, which is what television provides cats. Some cats love watching TV. Their brains process images much faster than ours, so they see television screens as a flicker, piquing their interest.
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Why do cats hate water?

One suggests that because the species evolved in dry climates and had little exposure to rivers or lakes, water (except for drinking) is an element they are unfamiliar with and thus avoid. More likely, however, cats don't like getting wet because of what water does to their fur.
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Is yelling at your cat abuse?

Never shout or scream at a cat and never hit or physically reprimand your cat. It's sometimes said that 'you just need to show them 'who's the boss'. This is not true. Cats do not respond well to negative reinforcement and it is a very ineffective way to reprimand your cat.
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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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Is using a spray bottle on a cat cruel?

It's widely believed that spraying a cat with a water bottle when they're doing something you don't want is an acceptable and effective means of disciplining and teaching them to stop unwanted behaviors. This is totally wrong! In fact, spraying your cat with water does nothing but harm your relationship with your cat!
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How do you tell if a cat is abused?

Signs of Animal Abuse
  1. Tucked tail, flinches at human contact.
  2. Unexplained fractures or limping.
  3. Unprovoked aggression, whining, or whimpering.
  4. Overly submissive (rolling onto back, tail tucked, urinating)
  5. Suddenly avoiding any physical contact.
  6. Attempts to bite or scratch when petted.
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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 do I do when my cat hates me?

“Always be patient with a cat,” advises Smith. “Sit with them quietly without invading their space. They need to accept you first and want to interact. Try 'nice treats', gentle play and massage until they engage with you.”
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Can you hurt a cat's feelings?

Shouting at the TV when your cat is curled in your lap is a guaranteed way to hurt your cat's feelings. Don't be surprised when they get up and leave. Making loud noises shows you don't always respect your cat's sensitivities, and it could cause your cat to avoid spending time with you.
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