3. The Power of Ignoring Undesirable Behavior
Strategic use of ignoring is one of the most efficient, although sometimes disregarded, approaches to dealing with bad behavior in cats. Rooted in behavioral psychology, this method can be particularly helpful in addressing attention-seeking behaviors like biting. The basic but effective idea behind this method is that by ignoring even unwanted attention, you eliminate the incentive the cat seeks through misbehavior.
When a cat bites or exhibits other unwelcome behavior, it’s usually looking for a reaction from its owner. Whether positive or negative, this reaction provides a type of attention that could unintentionally reinforce the behavior. By choosing to ignore the cat immediately after the bad deed, you break this cycle of reinforcement.
Ignoring does not mean neglecting the needs of the cat or allowing destructive behavior to go unchecked. Instead, it involves a brief, calculated withdrawal of attention specifically in response to the undesired behavior. Ignoring as a behavior modification tool is effective because it signals to the cat that certain actions will not achieve the desired outcomes.
Cats are intelligent animals and quickly learn to associate their actions with outcomes. When they consistently receive no attention following biting or other troublesome habits, they will eventually understand that these behaviors are not effective means to achieve their goals.
Applying this method requires both consistency and patience. It is crucial to completely ignore the cat for a short period immediately following the bad behavior. This means no physical interaction, no eye contact, and no verbal communication. The duration of ignoring will depend on the severity of the behavior and the individual cat’s temperament, but generally, a few minutes is sufficient.
Be prepared for an initial escalation in the unwanted behavior. This phenomenon, known as an “extinction burst,” occurs when the cat increases its efforts to elicit the usual response. It is essential to remain steadfast in your ignoring during this phase. Giving in and providing attention even once risks reinforcing the very behavior you’re trying to eliminate.
Ignoring should be accompanied by reinforcing alternative, desired behavior. This helps the cat clearly distinguish between actions that result in positive outcomes and those that result in no attention. For example, if your cat typically bites for attention, train and reward them for more acceptable forms of interaction, such as meowing or rubbing against your leg.
The ignoring technique should be part of a broader, comprehensive approach to behavior modification. It works best when all household members consistently apply it and when used in conjunction with other positive reinforcement techniques. Additionally, it’s important to consider the underlying causes of the cat’s behavior. Biting or other problematic behaviors may indicate medical issues, stress, or anxiety. If the behavior persists despite consistent application of the ignoring technique, it may be wise to consult with a veterinarian or feline behaviorist to rule out any underlying problems.
