The behavior of the cat is very different from that of any other domestic animal, especially that of the dog. It does what it wants and when it wants, and all he asks for is attention when he needs it. Is he selfish? Maybe, but the truth is, we adore him. We love that carefree nature of his, and when He approaches us asking for cuddles…who can resist?
If we are lucky enough to have a rebellious cat, we can also laugh a lot. Although, yes, you have to know how to act if you do some mischief.
Have a lot of patience
When we decide to bring a cat home we must know that we have to be very patient. But if he has also gone rebellious ... more patient we have to beIn fact, we must bear in mind that the calmer we are, calmer/he will be there.
So if you do any mischief, do not yell or punish him, but simply breathe as many times as necessary, and prevent it from happening again. For example: if he bites the keyboard cable and breaks it, there's no point in yelling or hitting him, since he wouldn't understand. What we need to do in this case is buy a new keyboard, and use cat repellent to keep him away, or store it in a drawer when we're not using it.
Furthermore, the correction must be immediate and always in a positive way: redirect your attention towards a toy and reinforce with rewards when they do the right thing. Avoid scolding them minutes later because they will no longer associate the gesture with the behavior. Never force submissive behavior or hierarchies; cats don't work that way. they learn for mutual benefit and by pleasant associations.
Anticipate
To anticipate it is necessary to know what needs a cat has, which are: drinking, eating, doing its business, sharpen your nails, getting attention by asking for food or affection, playing and sleeping. Therefore, to cover them all we will have to buy a number of things to make you happy, namely: feeder, drinker, scraper, toys and bed.
But it is not enough to buy everything and show it to him, it is also essential to use his toys to play with him, let him come closer and/or climb on our lap to rest, give him affection every time we see him,… in short, you have to make life with him. Only in this way can we largely prevent him from doing something that we don't like.
It includes clear and consistent rules From the very beginning: where they eat, where they sleep, where they scratch, and what areas are allowed. If you allow something one day and not the next, it confuses them. Maintaining consistency prevents a chain reaction of minor disobediences.
Avoid common mistakes
- Shouting or losing your temper: only generates fear and worsens behavior. Use positive reinforcement and calm.
- Correcting too late: Intervene instantly by redirecting to the scratcher or toy, without punishment.
- Forcing yourself to smell urine or feces: doesn't understand this "punishment". Check litter boxes (one per cat + one extra), daily cleaning and quiet location.
- Punish natural behaviors (scratching, climbing): Provide stable scratching posts, varied surfaces and high areas.
- Lack of family discipline: Everyone at home must apply the same rules and rewards.
Rule out pain and seek professional help
A sudden shift towards “rebellion” can have medical originCats tend to hide pain and become unfriendly to avoid handling. Warning signs: fearful attitudesis hides, frequently whips its tailis rubs his head excessively or adopts defensive postures. Consult your veterinarian to rule out pathologies. If everything is okay, a feline ethologist can help you identify stressors and re-educate with a personalized plan.
Positive reinforcement, play and enrichment
Reward what you like with sweets, caresses or play. You can set limits with a “Oh!"Or"No."Neutral and redirect immediately. Avoid using your hands as a toy: prioritize reeds, feathers and balls. Schedule short play sessions daily and end with food or a break to reduce arousal.
Boredom fuels many problematic behaviors. It creates environmental enrichmentScratching posts in various rooms, shelves or climbing trees, hiding places, rotating toys, and window viewing points. This improves socialization, reduces tension, and channels the hunting instinct.
Contact and limits: respect their character
Not all cats are equally sociable. Learn their preferences and don't force contactAvoid: petting him if he doesn't want it, touching areas he doesn't tolerate, lift him up abruptly, move your face closer if he's intimidated, or handle him while he's eating. Watch for his cues (ears back, tail wagging, dilated pupils) and offer a safe escape. Your cat isn't "punishing" you, expresses stress or discomfort; your role is to understand and help.
With patience, anticipation, consistency and a lot of positive reinforcement, the supposed “rebellion” transforms into harmonious coexistence. Your cat learns what rewards him and you learn their language: so you both win.
