It’s surprising to see the spray bottle method for training cats still hanging around, even in some shelters and among certain experts. With all we’ve learnt about our feline friends—their unique personalities, learning styles, and needs—it’s time we rethink this approach to helping our cats understand boundaries.
Yes, it’s true that a quick spray might momentarily stop a behaviour, but it’s unlikely to achieve the long-lasting change we’re hoping for. Imagine a genie granting wishes with a twist: your cat may pause the sofa scratching when you’re around, only to shift to a different piece of furniture the second you’re out of sight. Or they might stop nibbling your plants but only when you’re watching. You get the idea—the spray bottle becomes less about training and more about creating a “hide-and-seek” dynamic that’s bound to backfire.
Speaking from experience, I tried the spray bottle once upon a time. The initial squirts may have seemed effective, but it quickly lost its power. Soon, my cat was sitting there, drenched and unfazed, giving me a look that clearly said, “Really? That’s it?” In the end, all I felt was guilt for my soggy cat and frustration over a momentary victory that didn’t last.
In talking to other cat owners, it turns out I’m not alone. Some have even found that their cats think of it as a game—so much for the myth that all cats despise water! While consistency is the key to any training, it’s hard to achieve that with punishment techniques like the squirt bottle unless you’re there constantly. Instead, these approaches can often lead to cats associating their owners with stress, not security, and inadvertently create even more of the behaviours we’re trying to avoid.
So, what can we do instead? Often, what we see as “naughty” behaviours are just our cats trying to meet a natural need. Scratching helps them keep their claws in shape, jumping on counters often stems from curiosity or seeking a vantage point, and dashing to the door might be a sign they’re a bit bored. By understanding these motivations, we can redirect their behaviour in ways that work for both of us—like adding scratching posts, cat trees, or engaging toys.
Reinforcing positive behaviour by rewarding the good stuff, rather than punishing the missteps, makes training a rewarding experience for everyone. It strengthens trust and encourages our cats to keep up the good behaviour, ultimately leading to a happier, more harmonious home. So maybe it’s time to put down the spray bottle and reach for the treat bag instead! You’ll be rewarded with purrs, happy head-bumps, and the comfort of knowing you’re meeting your cat’s needs with kindness.