Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Cats fill our lives with joy, but they also tear up furniture, knock priceless items off shelves, bully other pets, and wake us up in the middle of the night. Small predators must entertain themselves, and most homes do not mimic their natural environment. Handling an unruly cat is difficult, but disciplining them like you would a child is usually ineffective.
Disciplining Cats
I agree with vets and behaviorists that hitting or yelling at cats when they misbehave is cruel. However, yelling at the top of your lungs is very different than raising your voice, and it’s hard to give gentle advice when your cat is being a jerk. I understand that cats have sensitive hearing, but I raised my voice more than a few times when Olga didn’t behave.
He enjoys diving through the blinds when he feels a sudden burst of energy, and I’m surprised he didn’t break them or break the window. He also likes to play hockey with toiletries when he jumps on the bathroom vanity. Saying “No” or “Stop it” worked temporarily, but unless I approached him, he would continue his mischief.
He runs away when I approach him, and this usually prompts him to engage in a game of hide-and-seek, which is preferable to previous antics. I can also divert his attention with a ball of paper or a silver vine. That is the extent of my disciplinary measures; no matter what I do it’s useless. Even though I lost a few pints of blood to Olga’s attacks and replaced a few things she broke, I don’t consider her a bad cat.
Ineffective Method
I have observed other disciplinary techniques used by friends and acquaintances that are not cruel but ineffective and slightly ridiculous. For example, I have a friend who used to time out her cat when she misbehaved. He would grab her, take her to her room, and close the door. Then, he lectures her in baby talk like a toddler.
I doubt he understands her unless he is smarter than I thought. Cats don’t respond to verses, and some don’t come when you call their names. Treating them like little kids is cute, in a way, but also absurd. Distracting Olga and limiting her access to her favorite things to destroy usually works, but sometimes, she finds a new way to irritate me.
Olga’s Thick Skin
He is not as needy or loving as my Siamese cat, but he is more forgiving. He doesn’t hold a grudge if I get mad at him or push him away. After finishing his destruction, he would still jump into my lap or take a nap at my feet. Conversely, My Siamese will turn away, try not to look at me, and scream as loud as he can after I criticize his bad behavior.
Olga doesn’t sulk or get stressed when I end her fun, probably because she knows I’m not a disciplinarian and she can always attack the blinds another day.
This article is part of a series by Christopher and Olga.
