Cats are adorable and cute pets. However, sometimes they can also make us angry with their behavior that is naughty or not according to our expectations. For example, cats like to scratch furniture, pull curtains, climb on tables, or mess up cardboard and other items.
When cats do things like that, we might feel like scolding them to make them stop and not repeat it again. However, did you know that scolding cats is actually ineffective and can even have negative effects on their health and your relationship with them?
Here are 5 reasons why you should not scold your cat and what you should do instead.
1. Cats Don't Understand Human Language
One of the main reasons why scolding cats is useless is because cats don't understand human language. Cats can only pick up our tone of voice and body language, but they can't understand the meaning of the words we say.
So, when you yell or nag at your cat, they will only feel fear, stress, or confusion without knowing what they did wrong. Cats also can't distinguish between praise and criticism from our voice.
Instead, you can use a communication method that is easier for cats to understand, which is by giving rewards or punishments that match their behavior. Rewards can be food, toys, or attention that are given when cats behave well. Punishments can be ignoring or distancing yourself from cats when they behave badly.
2. Cats Don't Have Long-Term Memory
Another reason why scolding cats is ineffective is because cats don't have long-term memory of their behavior. According to a 2006 study, cats only have short-term memory of hidden objects and remember the location of objects for only up to a minute¹.
So, if you scold your cat after they do something wrong, chances are they already forgot what they did and can't connect it with your reaction. Cats can only learn from the immediate consequences of their behavior, not from delayed nagging.
Instead, you should give a quick and consistent response to your cat's behavior. If you want to stop your cat's bad behavior, you should do it while they are doing it or right after. If you want to praise your cat's good behavior, you should do it while they are doing it or right after.
3. Cats Can Behave Worse
The third reason why scolding cats should not be done is because it can make them behave worse. This is because of several reasons, such as:
- Cats can feel challenged or want to get attention from you when you scold them. They might repeat their bad behavior to see your reaction again.
- Cats can feel stressed or scared when you scold them. Stress and fear can cause other behavioral problems in cats, such as aggression, anxiety, or physical illness.
- Cats can lose trust or security towards you when you scold them. This can damage your relationship with your cat and make them avoid or reject interaction with you.
Instead, you should find out the reason behind your cat's bad behavior and try to solve it in a positive way. For example:
- If cats like to scratch furniture because they want to mark their territory or take care of their nails, provide them with an attractive and comfortable scratching post near the furniture.
- If cats like to pull curtains because they want to play or see outside the window, provide them with interactive toys or interesting views outside the window.
- If cats like to climb on tables because they want to look for food or high places, make sure their feeding place is separate from the table and provide them with other high places that are safe and comfortable.
4. Cats Can Hide Their Bad Behavior
The fourth reason why scolding cats is not recommended is because it can make them hide their bad behavior rather than stopping it. This is because cats are smart and adaptive animals.
Cats might realize that their bad behavior will make you angry and try to avoid confrontation with you. But this doesn't mean that they have changed for the better.
Cats might do their bad behavior when you are not around or in places that are hard to find by you. For example:
- If cats like to pee outside the litter box because they don't like the litter box or have a medical problem, they might pee in hidden places like under the sofa or behind the closet.
- If cats like to steal food from the kitchen because they are hungry or bored, they might steal food when you are sleeping or out of the house.
- If cats like to attack other pets because they are jealous or territorial, they might attack when other pets are alone or unprotected by you.
Instead, you should try to find and address the root cause of your cat's bad behavior rather than just focusing on the symptoms. For example:
- If cats pee outside the litter box, make sure the litter box is clean, comfortable, and accessible by cats. Also check your cat's health condition with a veterinarian to find out if there is a medical problem that causes it.
- If cats steal food from the kitchen, make sure to feed them enough and balanced food according to their nutritional and energy needs. Also provide enough physical and mental activity for cats so they don't get bored or stressed.
- If cats attack other pets, make sure to give equal attention and affection for all your pets. Also provide separate beds, toys, and feeding places for each pet so they don't fight or compete.
5. Cats Can Become Traumatized
The fifth and final reason why scolding cats is very discouraged is because it can make them traumatized. Trauma is a psychological condition that is characterized by excessive fear of something that has caused a bad experience for someone or an animal.
Scolding cats harshly or even doing physical violence against them can make them traumatized by their own owner or other things related to the bad experience.
Trauma in cats can cause serious behavioral problems such as:
- Becoming very fearful or aggressive towards people or other animals
- Becoming very apathetic or depressed
- Becoming very restless or obsessive
- Showing abnormal behavior such as licking fur excessively, biting themselves, or meowing non-stop.
Instead, you should give extra support and love for cats who experience trauma. You can do things like:
- Give your cat a safe and comfortable hiding place, such as cardboard boxes, bags, or blankets.
- Give your cat time and space to calm down and adapt to the new environment.
- Give your cat gentle and patient attention, such as stroking, petting, or talking with a calm tone of voice.
- Give your cat toys or activities that can distract them from their bad experience.
- Take your cat to the veterinarian to get appropriate examination and treatment if there is a physical or mental problem underlying their trauma.
Conclusion
Scolding your cat is something that should not be done because it will not bring any benefit for your cat or yourself. Scolding your cat will only make them confused, stressed, scared, traumatized, or behave worse.
As a responsible and loving owner, you should find out the reason behind your cat's bad behavior and try to solve it in a positive and humane way. You should also provide your cat with a comfortable environment, enough stimulation, and sincere love.
By doing so, you can help your cat become happier, healthier, and tamer. You can also improve your relationship with your cat and enjoy your time together more pleasantly.
That's the article about Why You Should Not Scold Your Cat? explain. I hope it's useful and thank you for reading.
0 Comments