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Cats are hard to change, but human nature is fickle.
Please don’t say, “My cat doesn’t need to be ‘well-behaved.’” (Unless you spend countless hours interacting with it—so much that even without intentional training, it builds trust and understanding of you on its own. Then maybe it will learn to be “good” naturally.)
That kind of love—claiming they don’t need to be well-behaved—goes too far. If you don’t teach them, guide them from a young age, or help them understand you (all of which require time, learning, and interaction), that indulgence is just self-satisfying love: deep, but never received. It may “ruin” them through spoiling—leading to labels like “ungrateful,” “untrainable,” “biting you or your family,” “picky eaters,” or “destructive nuisances” that erode happiness. One day, when your patience runs out, society will end up “teaching” them instead.
Stray cats’ “good behavior” is often society’s harsh lesson: some are sent to the “rainbow bridge,” some lose all trust in humans, and a tiny few learn to be cautious through cruelty yet still choose to trust, approaching those they deem kind and turning their lives around. Very, very few.
If you’ve just gotten a cat, please teach it to be “well-behaved.” Being well-behaved is essentially a high-level survival skill—though many learn it through pain, love can also be a teacher.
Here are essential interaction tips to guide them:
1️⃣ Daily 10-Minute Cuddles (No Escaping!)
Spend 10 minutes every day petting them thoroughly—every inch—holding them even if they try to squirm away. If you’re busy, cradle them while scrolling through social media, only letting them go once you’re both content. Over time (3+ months), they’ll associate this with comfort and security. The result? A cat that 主动求抱抱 (actively seeks cuddles), nuzzles you, and sticks by your side, showering you with affection.
2️⃣ Zero Tolerance for Biting
Kittens bite partly to teethe, which is understandable—but it still needs correction. Offer chew toys to satisfy their need, but respond firmly to biting:
- For any bite (light or hard), say “No!” loudly and walk away, ignoring them (cold turkey).
- If they break skin, gently flick their forehead (never the nose, which is sensitive) with enough force to get their attention. Then remove their food temporarily and keep ignoring them.
Start this young, and they’ll learn biting loses them attention and treats. Bonus: While they’re teething, gently brush their teeth daily. If they resist, say “No”—they’ll soon let you handle their mouth without nipping, even in stress.
3️⃣ Ditch Automatic Feeders (Before Age 1)
For kittens under 1 year, hand-feed them portions of kibble, letting them see you as the source of food. When giving treats, call their name—soon, they’ll sprint to you at the sound, linking their name to happiness. This builds trust and respect: they’ll learn you provide for them, fostering a bond that curbs picky eating or defiance.
Other habits depend on your tolerance, but these basics matter. A well-behaved cat isn’t just “easy”—it’s a cat with security. Even if they get lost, their gentle nature makes them more likely to be helped, not feared.
Cats don’t “misbehave” out of malice—they act on instinct. With patience, your love can guide them to thrive, not just survive. After all, the best relationships—with humans or cats—are built on mutual understanding.
Teach them to “be good,” not to suppress their nature, but to coexist with yours. That’s love that both of you can feel. 🐾
