What Behaviors Are You Reinforcing in Your Cat?
Sometimes the reason a cat continues to display the very behavior we don't like is because we, as owners, reinforce it. Of course, we're certainly not doing it on purpose but the bottom line is that the cat is receiving a message that says keep doing what you're doing.
Think about the times you've given your cat a treat, his meal or even some attention to quiet him because of his ongoing vocalizations. You're sitting at the computer and he's meowing and meowing for attention and you pet him as he meows or maybe you even pick him up, put him on your lap and cuddle him. What message have you just sent? Meowing repeatedly will result in a reward.
You're asleep in bed and kitty starts meowing and walking back and forth across your chest in the wee hours of the morning. Do you pet him to quiet him down? Do you talk to him? Or, maybe you just get up and put some food in his food bowl so he'll let you sleep. Again, the message received by the cat is that the behavior he engaged in will result in a reward.
It's important not to send mixed messages in order to effectively train. Instead of giving attention to the cat for unwanted behavior, ignore him and reward him for displaying desired behavior. If your cat is meowing constantly, reward him with a treat, praise, play or petting when he's quiet.
The other part of rewarding positive behavior is to set your cat up to succeed. If he's meowing at you whenever you sit down to work on the computer, maybe he's not getting enough environmental enrichment and interactive playtime. Before you sit down to work on the computer, engage him in a quick play session or set out a fun food-dispensing toy or other puzzle-type toy.
If he meows in the wee hours of the morning because he wants food, set out some puzzle feeders during the night or use an automatic timed feeding bowl.
Reward positive behavior, don't send mixed messages, and set your cat up to succeed.
For more specifics on training, refer to the book Starting from Scratch.
Pam Johnson-Bennett is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and owner of Cat Behavior Associates, a private veterinarian-referred behavior practice in Nashville, TN
