How Can I Punish My Cat For Killing My Hamster?

Question

I bought a hamster a couple of weeks ago called Mrs. Jellybean and my stupid stupid cat ate her. Aaaargh I am soo angry.

What can I do to punish Cornflake (my cat) and show this behavior is unacceptable

I guess it means no cupcakes for her birthday next month

Answer 1

ok...you should of had the hamster in a better environment, and you should of known this was a possibility.

it was in the cat's instincts.

i wouldnt punish my cat for that, i would blame myself

Answer 2

Awwr! Get her a dead fish, but poison it first.

Answer 3

Well...something similar happened to me. The thing is, you can't really punish a cat. They won't understand what you're punishing them for like a dog would. So, you're either gonna have to forgive Cornflake or get rid of him. And give Mrs. Jellybean a nice burial, it will make you feel better.

Answer 4

You can't punish a cat for it natural instincts. Next time make sure the cage is secure and use a spray bottle to let the cat know that it's an off limmits area.

Also you shouldn't be feeding your cat cupcakes(unless they are made for them by a pet bakery).

Answer 5

You can't punish her.  firstly cats have very short memories and she won't associate your anger with the killng of the hamster.

Secondly the cat was only doing what is perfectly natural to it.  It may be a hamster to you but to the cat it is just a rodent and cats kill rodents.

My cat also killed my hamster, many years ago,  because I didn't shut the cage properly and the hamster got out.  Get another hamster and keep it away from the cat.

Answer 6

You don't punish her.  She was being a cat.  If you want a hamster, make sure it's secure in it's cage or roller ball at all times when the cat is near. Secure the cage so it doesn't tip over.  I have 8 cats and a hamster.  They love to watch him but his cage is secure so they can't get to him.  Your cat didn't need cupcakes anyway. Good idea, punish her by not giving her cupcakes. That will work.

Answer 7

The cat should not be "punished."  It is a natural instinct for a cat to hunt rodents.  Whomever left the hamster out where the cat could get to it is the person who needs "punished."  The cat doesn't know any better.  The person who left the hamster accessible to the cat is the one who should have known better.  I suggest you chalk this up to a learning experience and if you ever get another hamster, make sure you keep it in a room where the cat can't get to it.  If you want to let the hamster out for exercise, buy one of those plastic balls that the hamster can roll around in on the floor.  Otherwise, keep it in it's cage.

Answer 8

lol, thats what cats are supposed to do, btw i love hamsters too

Answer 9

I  think it's too late for punishment now.   Cats can be predators.   I had hamsters, too, but one time when one got loose, the cat was just running around after it and didn't try to eat it.   I think it's safe to say:  don't buy anymore hamsters.

Answer 10

Your cat is not stupid. Your cat is a PREDATOR. It's their instinct to kill rodents. You should have been more careful.

By the way... you don't punish cats. They don't understand it and it only makes them fear and resent you.

Answer 11

there is nothing you can do...

it is there instinct...

you could only do something about it RIGHT when it happens, otherwise if you punishe her she wont know what she did wrong

i hope this helps

Answer 12

You really can't punish a cat for this. I hope you did not smack her because that will just make her scared of you. Sorry about Mrs. Jellybean, though. )=

Answer 13

predator - prey   Cat - rodent.you can no more punish a cat for eating a rodent then you can punish a human for breathing.  Its just what we do and what they do.    

Answer 14

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Cornflake isn't the one who should be punished...

As the owner/caretaker/parent of these animals, it's your responsibility to keep them safe, healthy and happy.  This includes keeping your hamster in a secured cage away from curious cats.  

Do not punish your cat.  Change your behavior and be more responsible.

Answer 15

you can't.  

There is no way to train a cat to avoid its natural predatory instincts.  Not to sound harsh but you're partly to blame for either letting the cat get to the hamster or not having a secure enough cage to keep the cat out.  

Answer 16

you should have had the hamster where your cat couldn't have gotten to it.

at this point punishing your cat will do no good, she will not associate the punishment with the crime if you had caught her doing it then that was when you should punish, if it is more than 15 seconds time past between the act and the punishment a cat won't associate the two she will just think that you are being mean.

Answer 17

I have four hamsters and no cats.

That being said, no, you should not punish your cat. Because it did nothing wrong. Your cat was doing what cats are supposed to do. Cats are not people...they don't understand the concept of pets. To your cat, the hamster is one of two things: A potential toy, or potential food.

Whoever gave your cat access to your hamster is who you should be blaming, not your cat. If you hamster was in a secure cage, it would not have been killed.

If you get another Hamster, make sure it stays in a place your cat cant reach.  

Answer 18

Is a normal cat behavior you should be aware ....guess what ? is really your fault ..you got to keep them separated !!! never heard of cat likes to eat the mouse..?

Get Mr. Jellybean 2 or any rodent or bird and always keep them separated....