Stop Your Cat From Biting People In 6 Steps

3. The Power of Ignoring Undesirable Behavior

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Strategic use of ignoring is one of the most efficient, although sometimes disregarded, approaches of dealing with bad behaviour in cats. Rooted in behavioural psychology, this method can be very helpful in addressing attention-seeking behaviours like biting. This method's basic but effective idea is that, by ignoring even unwanted attention, you eliminate the incentive the cat searches for via misbehaviour. When a cat bites or exhibits other unwelcome behaviour, it's usually looking for a reaction from its owner. Whether good or unpleasant, this reaction provides a kind of attention that could unintentionally support the behaviour. You end this cycle of reinforcement by deciding to ignore the cat right after the bad deed. Ignoring does not mean dismissing the needs of the cat or letting destructive behaviour go unpackled. Instead, it entails a quick, calculated retreat of attention especially in response to the undesired behaviour. Ignoring as a behaviour modification tool is useful since it lets the cat know exactly that some activities will not provide the intended results. Intelligent animals, cats pick up fast to link their actions with results. The cat will finally understand that biting or other troublesome habits are not efficient means to reach their objectives when they regularly result in a lack of attention. Applying this method calls both constancy and patience. Ignoring the cat entirely for a brief period immediately following the bad behaviour is absolutely essential. This implies no physical interaction, no eye contact, and no communication. The degree of the behaviour and the character of the particular cat will determine how long one ignores. Though you may have to try to determine the ideal length for your particular circumstances, generally a few minutes is plenty. Just as crucial is being ready for a first escalation in the undesired behaviour. An extinction burst is this phenomena whereby the cat increases its attempts to produce the normal response. You have to be relentless in your ignoring during this phase. Giving in and paying attention even once runs the danger of perpetuating the very behaviour you're attempting to stop. Ignoring is used should also be reinforced concurrently with alternative, desired behaviour. This makes an obvious difference for the cat between behaviours that bring about good results and those that get no attention. If your cat usually bites for attention, for instance, teach and reward them for more subdued forms of interaction, such meowing or rubbing against your leg. Part of a larger, all-encompassing strategy for behaviour modification should include the ignoring technique. It performs best when all members of the house regularly apply it and when other positive reinforcement techniques are used in tandem. One should also take under account the fundamental causes of the cat's actions. Biting or other troublesome behaviour could be indicators of medical problems, stress, or anxiety. Should the behaviour continue even with constant application of the ignoring technique, it could be advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian or feline behaviourist to rule out any underlying issues.