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If you find yourself living with a mean cat, you know how stressful it can be for both you and your furry friend. But don’t worry, Beaconpet has many ways to train your cat to be better. Different cats exhibit different behaviors and some may be more prone to hissing, scratching or biting. Understanding the reasons behind your cat’s mean behavior is the first step to solving the problem. It could be due to health problems, recent life events, stress, or misunderstandings about your cat’s behavior. Once you determine the cause, you can make behavioral changes, create a stress-free environment, and work to improve communication with your cat. While it may take time and patience, with the right strategies you can make your mean cat look much better.
Understand Why Your Cat Is Mean
Living with a mean cat can be a stressful situation. The stress can be felt by you, your human family members, and the cat. The H.I.S.S. Test, which stands for health, instinct, stress, and symptom solvers, can be helpful to understand what’s going on with your cat and is a helpful first step in examining a mean cat.
Health—Examine Your Cat for Problems
Cats can become withdrawn when they don’t feel well. If you notice a change in behavior but cannot figure out why it may be stemming from an underlying health issue. A health check is always a good idea when a cat’s behavior changes suddenly. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and bring notes about specific changes, behaviors, or anything else that could be helpful to explain what is going on with your feline.
Instinct—Consider Recent Life Events
Cats are creatures of habit. They also learn what is safe and what is scary very early in life. Anything “new” such as a strange house or people, can put their tails in a twist when they feel uneasy or even frightened. If there have been changes in the cat’s life, think about how these may impact behaviors and how you can help your cat handle the changes.
Stress—Lower Levels for You and Your Cat
The stress of living in a new place, with strangers and an altered schedule, often can cause upset kitty feelings and a change in behavior. Cats that have a close bond with their human owners also can be sensitive to your feelings of stress and act accordingly. Examine stress levels in your household to see if this is having an impact.
Symptom—Re-examine Signs of Meanness
If you have what you think is a mean can, there is a chance you may be interpreting the cat’s behaviors in an inaccurate manner. Cats show love and affection in ways that humans don’t always understand. In a similar way, humans show love and affection in very distinct ways that cats don’t understand! Humans are primates. We hug, we touch and cuddle, we want to be near each other. But to a cat, a hug feels like being smothered! A hug is a confining and scary sensation to cats. Especially when a kitty already feels under stress, it will want to control the interaction. For example, a hiss actually is a warning and sign of fearfulness; a hissing cat wants you to keep your distance.
Training Your Cat to Be Less Mean
If you think you have determined the cause of your cat’s meanness, the next step is to make some behavioral changes. If it’s a health issue, hopefully, your vet has provided some insight and the behavioral problems are no longer present. If the meanness is due to an instinctual issue, you may have to focus on behavioral changes and retraining your cat. If the meanness is due to stress, try to keep your cat’s environment as stress-free as possible: Set up a safe room or safe area where your cat can retreat. Finally, if it’s a communication issue your cat needs to learn to understand what you are communicating and you need to learn some basic cat communication.
Behavioral Changes for Health Issues
If the root of your cat’s meanness is a health issue, it’s important to address that first. Follow the advice of your veterinarian and make any necessary changes to your cat’s diet, exercise routine, or overall healthcare. Once your cat is feeling better physically, their behavior may improve as well.
Behavioral Changes for Instinctual Issues
If your cat’s meanness is rooted in their instinctual behaviors, there are techniques you can use to help modify their behavior. For example, if your cat tends to scratch or bite when they feel threatened, you can work on desensitizing them to the triggering stimuli. This may involve gradually introducing them to the source of their fear in a controlled and positive way.
Creating a Stress-Free Environment
If your cat is exhibiting meanness due to stress, it’s important to create a calm and peaceful environment for them. This may involve providing them with a designated safe space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. You can also incorporate activities that help reduce stress, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and calming scents.
Improving Communication with Your Cat
If your cat is exhibiting meanness due to a miscommunication between you and them, it’s important to work on improving your understanding of each other. Learn to read your cat’s body language and vocalizations so that you can better anticipate their needs and respond appropriately. Additionally, consider enrolling in a cat training class or working with a professional cat behaviorist who can provide personalized guidance.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
A common error is that cat owners expect behavior to change overnight. Unless you have resolved a health issue, this is likely not the case. Give your cat time to change and focus on the positives. Getting angry with your cat for being mean will not help, and likely only add to the bad behavior. Keep trying, seek professional help, and have patience with your pet cat (and yourself). A feline behavioral specialist will be able to help with a seriously mean cat. They will likely meet the cat in its home environment, see its behavior, and then come up with recommendations to help your cat (and you) alter the behavior.
Expecting Behavior to Change Overnight
It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to changing your cat’s behavior. Remember that behavior modification takes time and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Instead, focus on the small improvements your cat makes and celebrate their progress along the way.
Focusing on the Positives
Instead of dwelling on your cat’s mean behavior, try to shift your focus to their positive traits and actions. By rewarding good behavior and providing plenty of praise and affection when your cat acts kindly, you can reinforce the behaviors you want to see more of. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in training and can help your cat learn new behaviors.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’ve tried various techniques and strategies but are still struggling to improve your cat’s meanness, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. A feline behavioral specialist or a veterinarian with experience in behavior medicine can provide expert guidance tailored to your cat’s specific needs. They may be able to shed light on the underlying causes of your cat’s meanness and provide effective solutions.
Related Topics
Basic Training
Learning the basics of cat training can be incredibly helpful when it comes to addressing meanness in your cat. From teaching them to come when called to walking on a leash, basic training can help establish a bond of trust and cooperation between you and your furry friend.
Do Cats Cry When They Are Sad or in Pain?
Understanding how cats express their emotions can help you better understand their needs and address any potential sources of distress. While cats may not shed tears like humans, they have other ways of communicating their emotions, including through changes in behavior and vocalizations.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Snoring
Snoring in cats can be a sign of an underlying health issue or simply a quirky habit. If your cat’s snoring is accompanied by other symptoms or seems excessively loud, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any potential medical concerns.
The 9 Best Calming Aids for Cats of 2023
If your cat is prone to anxiety or stress, there are various calming aids available on the market that can help promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. From pheromone diffusers to herbal supplements, these products can provide comfort and support for your furry friend.
Why Does My Cat Keep Knocking Over Their Water Bowl?
Cats can exhibit a variety of puzzling behaviors, including knocking over their water bowls. This behavior could be a sign of playfulness, boredom, or even a preference for running water. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help you find solutions to prevent spills and keep your cat hydrated.
18 Warning Signs That Your Cat Is Crying for Help
It’s important to be able to recognize when your cat is in distress or experiencing a health issue. By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs, you can intervene early and seek appropriate veterinary care to ensure the well-being of your feline companion.
What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?
Cat licking is a common behavior that can have various meanings. From grooming to social bonding, understanding the reasons behind your cat’s licking behavior can deepen your connection and strengthen your bond with them.
Why Your Cat Is Meowing So Much—and Other Ways They Seek Your Attention
Excessive meowing in cats can be a sign of various needs or desires, from hunger to boredom. By deciphering your cat’s meows and addressing their underlying needs, you can help reduce their meowing and create a more harmonious living environment.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a condition that can cause cats to exhibit heightened sensitivity and unusual behaviors, including aggression and self-mutilation. Understanding this syndrome and working with your veterinarian to manage its symptoms can help improve your cat’s overall well-being.
Dementia in Cats
Cognitive decline and dementia can affect cats as they age, leading to changes in behavior and personality. By recognizing the signs of dementia and providing appropriate care and support, you can help your cat navigate this challenging stage of life with compassion and understanding.
Cat Humping: Reasons Why a Neutered Cat Still Mounts
Cat humping, even in neutered cats, can be a puzzling behavior for many pet owners. From dominance displays to sexual frustration, there are various reasons why cats engage in this behavior. Understanding the underlying motivations can help you address it effectively.
How to Train Your Cat to Eliminate Fear Aggression
Fear aggression is a common issue in cats, and it can manifest as hissing, scratching, or biting. By implementing positive reinforcement techniques and gradually desensitizing your cat to the triggers of their fear, you can help them overcome their aggression and feel more comfortable in their environment.
How to Keep Your Cat Off the Kitchen Counters
If you’re tired of finding your cat on the kitchen counters, there are strategies you can use to discourage this behavior. From providing alternative surfaces for climbing to using deterrents, you can create an environment that encourages your cat to stay off the counters.
How to Train Your Cat to Be Less Anxious
Anxiety in cats can be caused by various factors, from environmental changes to separation anxiety. By employing relaxation techniques and creating a calm and secure environment, you can help your anxious cat feel more at ease and reduce their negative behaviors.
Lethargy in Cats
Lethargy can be a symptom of an underlying health issue in cats. If your cat is exhibiting prolonged periods of inactivity and lack of interest, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Understanding why your cat is mean is the first step towards finding solutions and improving your relationship with your feline companion. By examining their health, considering recent life events, managing their stress levels, and re-evaluating the signs of meanness, you can begin to address the root causes of their behavior.
Training your cat to be less mean requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of their needs. By implementing behavioral changes, creating a stress-free environment, and improving communication, you can help your cat develop new behaviors and reduce their meanness over time.
Remember that behavior modification takes time, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. Celebrate the small victories along the way and seek professional help if needed. With dedication and understanding, you can help your mean cat become a friendlier and happier companion.
