Tips to Stop Scratching

Laying out unpleasant textures can work for furniture scratching too, but be mindful of using materials that can damage textiles. You can purchase tape specifically designed to deter cats from scratching furniture. Climbing and scratching are natural behaviors for a cat, so don't punish her for following these instincts. Instead, offer her alternatives, such as a cat condo, which combines height and rough surfaces, or try an easy DIY scratching post.

An option to deter bad cat behavior is to use a spray bottle filled with water, with which you can mist your kitty when she exhibits a bad behavior. Motion-sensor air canisters that emit a loud noise can do the trick, too, as Vetstreet points out, especially for cats who aren't deterred by the water sprayer. "For the more determined cat, you can look at harmless automatic devices that discourage counter cruising by making sounds cats dislike when they trigger a pressure pad or electronic eye by jumping up."

Your feline friend is very intelligent and will catch on quickly when you reach for your spray bottle or air canister, which can back-fire because she'll figure out she can go on counters or scratch the couch when you aren't home. But when these tools are used in conjunction with other methods, this cat training tip can work well.

Marking or Spraying

If you notice your cat urinating outside of her litter box she is not trying to get back at you. Instead it's likely due to some sort of health problem. One common cause for cats spraying is a urinary tract infection. If you notice that your cat is exhibiting this behavior, it is best to take her to the vet to get checked out. Once healthy, she should return to normal and use the litter box again.

Howling or Excessive Noise

If your cat is much more vocal than she has been in the past she is likely experiencing some discomfort. Similar to spraying, howling can be a sign of a urinary issue or some other health problem. If your cat is more vocal than normal, it is worth a visit to the veterinarian to have her checked out. The vet can help clear her of any health issues or provide you with treatment options. If your vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, you might just have a vocal cat that is looking for more attention. Providing her with exercise and stimulus to keep her mind active is a good way to keep her entertained. Also, lots of love is a good remedy for a cat that feels like you're not giving her your full attention.

Aggression

If your cat is acting more aggressive than normal like hissing, bearing her teeth, hair standing up or biting, it is best to ask yourself if anything in her environment has changed. Cats can be come territorial, so a new cat or pet could make her feel threatened. This can be true of new family members too like children. Aggression can also be a symptom of her masking her pain. Cats are great at hiding their pain but may become defensive if they are experiencing discomfort. It is a good idea to discuss her new aggression with your vet to rule out any health problems here too. If none of these factors seem to be contributing to her aggressive behavior, training can help correct this bad behavior. Rewarding her for good actions will reinforce the good and stop the bad.

Be Patient

Deterring bad cat behavior takes patience and time, from weeks to even months, and can be frustrating. Resist the urge to shout at your animal. It is not an effective or productive method of training and instead raised voices can harm your relationship with your cat. She'll begin to associate you with hostility.

Reinforce good behavior constantly and consistently — start with cat treats then switch to non-food treats such as extra pets, snuggles or a new toy. In time, your fur baby's bad cat behavior should decrease or disappear, keeping your relationship and your home peaceful.