Is this EVER acceptable?

Question

My cat did his "business" outside the litter box. This was the first time, and the ONLY time he's done it so far since he was litter trained, and he's about 6-7 months old. And he's neutered.

My brother found it before I did, and insisted on sticking my cat's nose in it and then throwing him in my room and closing the door. (My room is where the litter box is.) Now, I know this is how you house train a puppy, but with a cat it just doesn't seem right.

(Btw, I know that it was my fault he didn't use the litter box. I didn't clean it the night before. He's picky about his litter box, and usually, I'm pretty good about keeping it clean.)

Answer 1

Firstly it would be best not to punish him/her (as tempting as this can be!) as it only increases anxiety and does nothing to correct the behavior.

Try sticking to the following - clean litter tray regularly, stick to one brand of litter, try to provide privacy and keep litter tray in same area

Answer 2

What your brother did was terrible and abusive. Cats are naturally clean animals, they hate that kind of treatment. Tell your brother not to touch the cat ever, the cat will likely have a severe problem now and be quite frightened. I suggest you get a paintball gun or a slingshot and fire it at your brothers face whenever he goes near the cat.

Answer 3

Hi Nik,

Sadly to say there are far too many people out in the world that think that when a dog has had an accident, or is not house broken, that rubbing its nose in it's business, is the right thing to do.  

The fact of the matter is that your brother is probably one of those people as well. He, like others, need to be educated that this is not the proper way to treat any animal. Our goal is to have our pets respect us, but never to be fearful of us.

You are probably correct in your assumption that having a nasty litter box is an invitation for a kitty to avoid the box, and it is great that he is fastidious in his "toilet" habits, but I would keep an eye on the situation, and if it happens again, and the box is clean, it may be something that needs further attention.

Cats are creatures of habit, and if litter is not to their liking, or the box, or the placement of the box, they will let you know. Also medical conditions frequently cause cats who are always using the box to stop.

Since this is the only time it has happened, chalk it up to a box that was not to his liking, but do watch for any further occurances. And please ask your brother to never treat the kitten in this manner. Correct training methods can be found on the internet, if he doesn't believe you.

Hope this helps,

Troublesniffer

Owned by cats for over 40 years

Free Lance Blogger for  http://www.petside.com/

Answer 4

You should never rub any animals nose in it. It isn't good for them at all and they most likely have no idea why your even doing it.  

Answer 5

Cats think different than dogs.  By you putting his nose in it and yelling at him he doesn't understand that you're yelling because it was outside the litter box-he thinks you're yelling because he used the bathroom.  So now he might go and hide to p**p outside the litter box because he thinks you're yelling cause he used the bathroom.  Next time just make sure the litter box is clean, and keep your brother away from him.

Answer 6

It's never acceptable to treat any animal this way. You don't train a dog that way either. Cats will not use litterbox if its dirty. They can't be punished for it. However if you are keeping cat box cleaned out daily and you see that he is doing his business elsewhere then you might want to consider a vet. Cats as well as humans/any other animals also have mental anxieties. But I'm sure as long as you keep box cleaned and kept in same place your cat should use it just fine.  

You can try telling your brother to stay away from your cat but it may do no good. And I don't reccomend you upset yourself more by getting physical with him.  Good luck with both dealing with your brother and Taking care of the Kitty :)

Answer 7

Well thats not how you really train a dog either.  but cats can be more sensitive about being yelled at.  the cat may be scared or nervous but should come around as long as it is safe to do so.

Slap your brother upside the head and say " how did you like that "

Answer 8

well.... its really not to acceptable. but just talk to him in a loud voice and tell him that what he did was wrong. Then tell him to use the litter box and only the litter box.and if he does it again then you'll have to do something else. And if hes really picky about his litter box then try to make sure its clean so that doesn't happen again.

Answer 9

Sticking any animals nose in it teaches them nothing except possibly to fear their owner.  Animals aren't disguted by the smell of their own urine or faeces so they wouldn't understand why you are doing this.

Perhaps you should stick your bother's nose in the litter tray and next time he'll get the hint it needs cleaning (lol).

Answer 10

He prob didn't go in it because like you said he's picky. My cat barely ever does tat but when she does we know tat's why! No i wouldn't do tat to my cat!!!