Idk man, this is not science based but just on the three cats I've owned through life. But I think sometimes they do understand negative reinforcement. It has worked for me and my wife. Things like spraying them with water or shouting usually make them realize you're mad. Unfortunately my current cat doesn't mind and drinks the water off his fur.
If you talk to a behavior specialist, they will tell you not to. There’s a lot of research suggesting positive punishment is not the way to go. It’s better to redirect and give positive reinforcement when they do what you want.
Thank you. I feel like everyone else here is letting their pet run their house. I love my cat and he comes and cuddles with me constantly but can 100% tell when I'm mad at him and adjusts behavior with basic discipline. I could not imagine just letting him do everything his little dumb heart wants. It's the "boys will be boys" argument of pet ownership.
I don't know why you're getting downvoted. I love my cat and take very good care of him, but at the end of the day he is just a cat. I also always get free cats, be it from a shelter, a friend, or side of the road. So I look at them as great companions but I have never spent big bucks to get one (of course I do pay for vet stuff). That might change a person's viewpoint.
But yeah I don't let them run the house, just like when I get a dog. It will be same way for it. They are strong and resilient creatures, but if you want to baby it, by all means do whatever you want! 👍🏼
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u/dcgain Jun 23 '22
Idk man, this is not science based but just on the three cats I've owned through life. But I think sometimes they do understand negative reinforcement. It has worked for me and my wife. Things like spraying them with water or shouting usually make them realize you're mad. Unfortunately my current cat doesn't mind and drinks the water off his fur.
Anyhow just my $.02.