Cat getting close to going back to the Pound!

[yola]

Shadowdh - not sure I understand your post - are you comparing disciplining a child with disciplining a cat??

Fundemental difference; children have a congiscent understanding of right and wrong and an ability to learn to a far greater extent than a cat. A cat can't understand action (peeing on something) and reaction (slap) and the relationship between the two. A child can have this explained to him/her and can quickly grasp the concept.

Therefore this kind of punishment, that causes pain to an animal is pointless, will usually exacerbate the problem and will cause confusion and maybe an angry reaction from the animal.

The original post made me quite cross as the person has obviously little or no understanding of their pet. Ok, they're taking time to post and find out but the whole tone of the post is rather aggresive. I am concerned for their cat to be honest and maybe it would be better off rehomed to someone who will take care of it and show it some tenderness and affection.

[Shadowdh]

Not really, just questioning a post or two regarding discipline... but I also have doubts about your suggestions regarding learned behaviour in animals... are you suggesting that animals cant learn..?? Just a query... and lastly (before I must go off to Uni) I also wonder if the tone is intuited by the reader rather than the writer... did they really mean a hard smack or more of a tap... and is there a better solution to training (if animals can be trained) their pet to behave...??? Cheers

[charliebubs]

I have to say that I agree with Yola that the original post came across as agressive and the tone gives the impression that she is really smacking the cat and placing it for "time out" - what on earth is that!?!?!

It's not that animals can't learn, clearly dogs can and cats can to some extent.........but not in the same way that we can as humans, which is why punishing a child should not be compared to punishing a cat. They are two totally different things.

Animals can indeed learn behaviour, but by "punishing" a cat you will only teach it to be scared of you and therefore probably make the problem worse.

[yola]

Of course animals can learn - but we need to adopt a different method of teaching, that's all!

I can explain to my toddler that I have asked him 1/2 a dozen times not to do something and he continued to do so, hence he received a spank on the backside. I can also tell him and he will understand, that if he does something one more time, he will get a spank. It then becomes his choice whether he bears the consequences of his action. You can't rationalise in that way with a cat.

Yes, you can punish an animal but not in such a way that causes pain and bewilderment. There is standard methodology for pet training . . . I'm no expert but a quick google should bring up many options - some of which I'm sure have been discussed on this forum.

As for the tone of the original poster? Well, obviously it is subjective - but I think a few others read the same into the post as I did and responded in a similar manner. Of course I could be wrong, but there were just a few comments in there that rang alarm bells that's all!

[Moli]

Very good post Yola, I am horrified anyone would even think of hitting a cat.....I do not believe hitting any animal be it cat or dog will do any good.....Like other posters, I really feel this poor cat would be better in a home where someone understands it and can help it with its prolems, which sound stress related to me...

[random]

**************

[charliebubs]

Originally Posted by random

**************

HAHAHA!!! did you swear and it's been edited out?!?!?! lol

[Jac]

Quote So, I have resorted to punishing him. Good slaps on the rear and putting him in "time out" for about 15 mins un quote!!!!!

I know who would be getting the "good slap" if they were near me!!!!

I think this stinks of Troll (3 post) If not then you should be totally ashamed.

[RRR]

Crikey I cant believe anyone would want to hit a cat My kittens can be real nightmares at times (well at least once a day if I'm honest!!) like climb the curtains, pull things off the sides, throw things down the stairs, wake me up at 4am playing with my toes, they even completely smashed my phone on Sunday but I would never dream of smacking them.

I cant imagine time out would work with a cat either, it works well for ferrets but I dont think my kitties would appreciate it one bit!

[jenny]

i think we need to remember that there are still alot of people out there that thing punishing animals works. maybe through their ignorance, or advice they were given from a friend.
I know i still hear alot of people saying to smack them when they mess, use water pistols or rub their nose in it.

Im not saying its acceptable, but to perhaps take into account that this person may simply just not know due to bad advice being given.

it is fact that cats do not respond to punishment. you cant train them in the same way you can a dog. not saying u should punish a dog.

all i can say in response to this owners post is that perhaps you should have done your research before getting a cat. I think any cat owner needs to be prepared for damage to their house, whether it be scratching furniture or playing with water. If this is not something you can cope with, then i suggest you rehome the cat.
If not, then you need to stop punishing him and give him things to do and interact with, such as climbers, scratching posts, toys etc and keep his mind occupied.
The behaviour you are talking about is due to stress, and this is most likely been caused by you punishing him.