How to Train Your Cat to be Gentle

As with all training methods, keep a positive attitude. Your cat should not be punished, even on the occasion their rowdiness gets out of hand. As mentioned before, you can also ignore the behavior instead.

For this method, you’ll make a loud noise each time your cat isn’t gentle. Redirect the behavior by distracting your cat when they are being rough via a noise.

The noise of choice is a verbal one. Choose a consistent phrase to use when diverting the behavior. Try “Halt!” “Enough!” or “Youch!” to make your cat stop. They may be in the pounce and play zone, and essentially what you will do is alert them to the need to change their behavior. Keep your voice calm, but firm.

Issue the command, such as “Halt!” and leave the room to signal that the behavior isn’t acceptable. Return a few minutes later and continue whatever you were doing, whether it’s grooming or playing.

The substitution method will work in certain instances. If you are petting your cat and they change from docile to rambunctious, using a toy for diversion is a good remedy.

If your cat tends to treat your hands and feet like toys, teach them to be gentle by replacing your hands and feet with a toy. This will signal that your hands come into play for petting, grooming, medication administration when necessary, and picking them up for affection or a task.

Never use your hands as a way to play or roughhouse with your cat. Offer a toy instead. Keep a basket of toys on hand and play with your cat often.

When you exchange your hand for a play session, this will train your cat to be gentle when you pat them, and ready to play when they see the toy.

Every pet parent wants to see their cat frolicking and doing what cats do. It’s never ideal to always attempt to quell your cat’s playful personality. Instead, nurture it with the body language method.

Watch for hints of your cat’s mood. Is their tail swishing? Are you petting them and their ears are beginning to lay flat? Watch for signs and stop what you are doing if you sense your cat has had enough.

Petting your cat on the belly or continually massaging and roughing up their fur near the tail may lead to them becoming rowdy. While it is okay to pat your cat in these areas, innate cat traits may come into play after a bit.

Along with knowing your cat’s body language for play or aggressiveness, it’s also important to recognize signs that they may be unwell. If your feline friend being not gentle is something new, consult the veterinarian for a checkup. Underlying medical issues like arthritis or diabetes can bring about a change from gentle cat to one who scratches or bites.