Why Shouting at Cats Doesn’t Work, and What to do Instead
October 22, 2026
Many cat owners around North London speak to our team with concerns about their cat’s behaviour and are unsure of the proper way to manage it. At Elizavet, our veterinary team explain that many cats who appear to be misbehaving may be showing signs of stress, illness or fear, and many of these behaviours may even be normal and simply misunderstood.
In this article, our vets in Maida Vale are raising awareness and busting myths around punishing or ‘disciplining’ cats, and why it doesn’t work. With this guide, we aim to help cat owners understand the root cause of their cat’s behaviours and the appropriate treatments or redirections to get them back on track.
If your cat is acting out of character, it may be a health issue – book an appointment with our team at Elizavet right away to be safe.
Why people should never shout at cats
Our vets in Maida Vale explain that cats don’t understand punishment the way people often assume – they cannot link a reaction to their specific behaviour. Shouting at or punishing a cat will only cause fear and stress, which can lead to a chain of more perceived ‘negative behaviours’ such as toileting around the house, aggression and hiding. In the long run, this can damage the owner-pet bond, leaving the cat feeling unsafe at home.
Correcting a cat’s behaviour takes time and patience, but it can be done. Here is Elizavet’s list of things to do:
- Positive reinforcement: This is far more effective than punishment. Using treats, praise, a clicker, or a favourite toy or activity can help cats associate positivity with a desired behaviour. This can also work for redirecting their attention away from an unwanted behaviour.
- Enrichment: Providing cats with plenty of scratching surfaces, vertical space, toys and safe spaces can naturally address undesired behaviours such as scratching or jumping on furniture, as well as boredom-related behaviours.
- Cat-proofing: Sometimes the solution is simply cat-proofing the home. When a cat is playing with toilet roll, eating plants, scratching furniture or similar, it’s wise to move items out of their reach where possible and consider preventative measures such as furniture covers.
- Book a vet appointment: Some behaviours can be a sign of an underlying health concern. Cats are very good at masking when they’re in pain, so it’s best to rule out any medical causes – book at Elizavet now.
Common cat behavioural issues and their causes
Recognising the common patterns in Elizavet’s table below can help cat owners understand what might be behind their cat’s behaviour and what to do next.
| Behaviour | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| Scratching | Instinct to mark territory, keeps claws healthy and stretch muscles |
| Spraying urine | Marking territory, often triggered by stress, being in season, other cats nearby or changes in the home |
| Toileting around the house | Litter tray issues, stress or an underlying medical problem |
| Fighting with other cats | Territorial disputes, competition for resources or unfamiliar cats in the area |
| Aggression | Fear, pain, frustration or feeling threatened |
| Stress | Changes in routine, environment or household dynamics |
| Hiding | Seeking safety and security, possibly out of fear or stress |
Understanding a cat’s natural needs and instincts can take time and patience, but once there, it will lead to a strong and loving bond. If in doubt about your cat, the team at Elizavet are here to support you and them – book an appointment today.
