Why on earth are we still spraying cats with water like we're trying to grow catnip? Diving into the depths of the internet and chatting up fellow feline aficionados, it's baffling to see that the squirt bottle tactic for disciplining cats is as popular as ever. Even shelters and the so-called experts are pushing the agenda of squirt guns and spray bottles. With the mountain of knowledge we have accumulated about cats, their learning capabilities, and behaviour, it's high time we retire this outdated method of attempting to teach Mr. Whiskers right from wrong.
Alright, so the proponents of the mighty spray bottle do have one point—using it might indeed alter your cat’s behaviour, but probably not in the superhero way you're imagining. Ever heard those tales where a fairy or a genie grants wishes, but they always come with a twist? Well, squirt bottle training your cat can end up in a similar plot twist. Your cat might stop scratching the sofa... only to take up a new hobby of shredding your favourite armchair the moment your back is turned. Or perhaps they cease snacking on your houseplants... until you're not looking. Or they might stop their counter-surfing adventures... until you leave the room. Spotting the trend here? Your cat doesn't connect the dots between the behaviour and the spray bottle; they just learn that certain actions attract a watery surprise when you're in sight. But once you're gone, it's party time again.
And let's be honest, the effectiveness of squirt bottles is as questionable as a cat's obedience. I'll confess, in my less enlightened years, I wielded a squirt bottle against a cat with a penchant for kitchen counter exploration. The first few squirts sent her scampering, mission accomplished. But soon, she’d just sit there, soaking wet, giving me a look that said, “Is that all you got?”
At that point, the spray bottle was as useful as a chocolate teapot, leaving me feeling like a villain for dousing her, and all for what? A brief counter visitation.
Conversations with fellow cat owners have echoed this sentiment, with some even reporting their cats mistook the squirt bottle for a new game. So much for the old wives' tale that cats despise water, huh?
To truly influence feline behaviour, either punishment (like our controversial spray bottle) or reinforcement (to celebrate good behaviour) must be consistent. This is when cats start putting two and two together, making the connection between their actions and the consequences. Positive reinforcement turns this into a fun game for everyone – kitty does something commendable, and you get to play the hero with a treat, encouraging more of that good behaviour. But punishment, like the dreaded spray bottle? Not so much. Without consistent punishment (which, let's face it, isn't going to happen unless you're some sort of omnipresent cat deity), your cat just learns to fear and distrust you, leading to more stress and, ironically, more of the behaviours you're trying to stop.
So, what happens when the spray bottle becomes your go-to? Your cat begins to see you as the bringer of unwanted showers, not connecting their actions with the consequences you intended. They just become sneakier, waiting for you to leave before resuming their mischiefs. The result? A cat that fears and distrusts you, an increase in stress levels, and a cycle of the very behaviour you were trying to correct.
Alright, enough doom and gloom. What CAN you do? Understand that most naughty cat behaviours are just attempts to meet a biological need. Cats need to scratch, so provide a suitable scratch post. They jump on counters because there's food or they're curious. They might try to dash outside because they're bored. The solution isn’t turning your home into a water park but finding out what your cat needs and meeting those needs in a mutually acceptable way.
Spraying cats with water is punishment, not reinforcement. Giving your cat choices and rewarding the behaviours you want to see is the key to a happy, well-behaved feline. The undesirable behaviour will naturally fade as you strengthen your bond through rewards and understanding, rather than fear and mistrust. So let's put down the squirt bottles and pick up the treat bags! Your cat will thank you, probably not verbally, but with more purrs and fewer glares, which is a win in any cat owner's book!!