Living with a cat is partly about learning an important rule: just because you can pick up the fluffy creature does not mean the fluffy creature has approved the transaction. Respecting a cat's choices and natural behaviour can make home life considerably happier.
Never Punish Or Frighten Them Do not hit, shout at or deliberately frighten your cat to correct unwanted behaviour. Cats Protection advises that punishment does not solve the underlying reason for behaviour and can increase stress.
Instead, work out why the behaviour is happening and provide a suitable alternative.
Never Force Physical Attention If your cat moves away, allow them to leave. Do not repeatedly restrain a cat for cuddles or pursue them around the house for affection.
The RSPCA advises giving cats choice over interaction and learning to recognise their body-language signals.
Never Use Your Hands As Prey A kitten attacking wiggling fingers can seem adorable. A fully grown cat launching the same hunting sequence at your hand is considerably less charming.
Use appropriate toys that allow stalking, chasing and pouncing without teaching your cat that human hands are targets.
Never Ignore Sudden Behaviour Changes A cat that unexpectedly starts hiding, biting, avoiding touch or toileting outside their usual area may not be “naughty.” Pain, illness and stress can all affect behaviour.
Cats Protection recommends contacting a veterinarian when behaviour suddenly changes so medical problems can be considered.
Never Remove Their Basic Choices Cats need suitable places to rest, hide, scratch, play and toilet. In households with multiple cats, make sure one animal cannot routinely block another from food, water, litter areas or safe spaces.
Finally, never assume that advice applying in one country automatically applies everywhere. Laws concerning animal welfare, veterinary treatment, identification, outdoor access and procedures such as declawing vary internationally. Check the rules where you live and use a locally licensed veterinarian for medical decisions.
For general feline welfare and behaviour, recognised primary sources include International Cat Care, Cats Protection and the RSPCA. The simplest principle travels well across borders: give your cat safety, appropriate resources and the freedom to say, in unmistakably feline fashion, “not right now.”