Tabby Cat

    1. Never Use Violence

　　Forcing a cat to lick water with its nose is a famous example of violence; never do this. This practice severely harms the cat and can cause urinary incontinence. Also, do not hit the cat with newspapers or other light objects; it will always remember and immediately avoid you the next time it sees you. If there is indeed a reason for punishment, such as forbidding the cat from climbing on the dining table but it does so anyway, you cannot just stand there smiling. You must clearly indicate that it is not allowed. Chase it off or spray water on it with a plant sprayer; this is enough to show that something is forbidden. If the cat scratches your hand, you can howl in a cat-like way. It may seem funny, but this is a clear, unmistakable signal.

　　2. Intervene Immediately When Doing Something Bad

　　If the incident has already passed, punishing the cat afterward is absolutely meaningless. The cat does not understand why its owner is so angry. This causes anxiety and confusion, and it does not know how to interact with people. This may lead to other bad habits like being untidy, unsanitary, or scratching everywhere.

　　3. Praise as Often as Possible

　　Praise only has a truly positive effect if it is immediately followed by good results. Only then will its effect be strengthened. Even if there is no immediate effect, at least it will not be harmful later. Using praise, rewards, and encouragement has achieved great success in training cats. Unfortunately, most cat owners often neglect to praise their cats. For example, when the cat uses the litter box well, uses the scratching post, learns to sleep and eat in the basket nest, or is very quiet in the car, it should be praised appropriately.

　　4. Be Consistent

　　Exceptions are always full of humanity, but cats may only feel confused. Without certainty, even a single exception may have such consequences. The cat will act according to its own will rather than human will.

　　5. Keep Your Distance

　　If saying “no” loudly or similar methods still cannot change the cat’s bad habits, deterrence therapy can be used. That is, startle the cat suddenly when it misbehaves, such as with a suddenly popping mouse trap or the sharp whistle of a horn. However, you must not let the cat feel that its owner is the mastermind behind the scare. Such things can happen at any time, so the fifth principle is if you want to use deterrence therapy to correct your cat’s bad habits, you must stay out of it.

　　6. Patience, Time, and Willpower

　　If you want to change a cat or help it adapt to something it fears, you must have great patience and give the cat time. Once it shows a bit of courage, immediately praise and encourage it. Do not mind setbacks, and especially do not show irritation. Therefore, the sixth principle is to have enough patience, time, and strong will. (Source：PetsZone)