Cat training spray bottle is often used to change the cat’s natural behavior and help it become an obedient pet. Basically, it is a simple plastic bottle that is filled with water and fortified with a spraying mechanism.
Whenever the owner of the pet cat deduces the animal indulging in an inappropriate behavior, a spray of water is unleashed onto the cat. This deters the cat from behaving in a manner that is not acceptable by its owner.
In this article, we shall discuss whether spraying water on the cat is an ideal way to train it or not. So well, here goes!
>>> Check Out How to Train Your Cat without Spraying Cold Water on Them <<<
Cat Training Spray Bottle Article Contents:
1) How do Most People Train a Cat Using a Spray Bottle?
2) How would I Train My Pet Using Cat Training Spray Bottle?
3) Is Spraying a Cat with Water Considered Bad?
4) What are the Advantages of Spraying Water on a Cat?
5) FAQ on Cat Spray Bottle
6) What is the Best Alternative to Cat Training Spray Bottle?
7) My Opinion on Spraying Water on Cats to Make them Obedient Pets
How do Most People Train a Cat Using a Spray Bottle?
Training cats to behave using spray bottles is an age old method. It has been followed widely by cat lovers throughout the world. Well, here is how most people follow this method:
Getting Hold of a Bottle & Topping it Up:
This point is self-explanatory. You get hold of a plastic bottle that has a spraying mechanism attached. This is similar to the bottle that you use for cleaning your windows with – as it has a special spraying mechanism.
The bottle needs to be clean and preferably unused. Fill it with water that is slightly colder than room temperature. There should be no inclusion of any sort of solution or gel. The bottle should have plain water and that’s all.
Taking Action when it Becomes Necessary:
After the spray bottle is ready, you need to keep it handy. Basically, store it at a place wherein you can reach for it easily. This is when you manage to get hold of it in a jiffy.
The next step is to watch out for any behavior that is deemed unruly in your cat rule book. Simply put, if the cat is entering your toilets or is trying to sneak inside your kitchen area, it is termed unacceptable behavior.
When such an act is in progress, simply spray a jet of water onto the back of your cat. This shall stop it from doing so again. Nonetheless, spray the water only when the cat’s behavior is unruly. Do not spray water for fun.
Praise & Offer a Goodie:
Once the cat has done the needful and stopped behaving in an unruly fashion, you should definitely praise the animal. Thereafter, you need to give the cat a treat.
When the cat stops stepping inside your toilet, you can praise and offer the animal a treat. So, what the spray started is backed by praise and goodie. This stops the cat from entering your toilet again. (Please note that entering your toilet is just an example of unacceptable cat behavior).
The Element of Surprise:
You need to spray jet of water onto the cat’s back. This is done so as to ensure that the animal does not get hurt in the act. For example, if the water is sprayed in the ear or nose, the cat can feel uncomfortable.
Moreover, the spray bottle needs to be kept hidden at all times. Make sure that you never display the bottle to the cat. Never spray on the cat when it is watching you. Doing so shall instill discomfort in the animal and distrust in its owner.
How would I Train My Pet Using Cat Training Spray Bottle?
Well, I would do things slightly differently if I had my way with the spray bottle. Here is how I would train my cat:
Using Voice Commands and Treats
First and foremost, I would spend quality time using voice commands to attract the attention of my feline pet. These could include coaxing commands as well as stern ones. If the cat listens to my commands and responds aptly, she gets a treat and vice versa.
Caught in the Act and Sprayed Upon
Whenever I see my cat doing something I deem inappropriate, I allow it to do so. In simpler words, if the cat climbed up my kitchen slab and was munching through my chicken pie, I would allow her to eat.
Nonetheless, this shall last just a few seconds and no more. Thereafter, I would offer a stern warning command to my cat. I am sure she would respond and at least, look back at me. If she slides down the slab, all is good.
If on the other hand, the cat decides to continue on her eating spree, I shall immediately fire away a small burst from the spray bottle. The cold water is sure to scare her off the slab.
Wait & Watch
The next step is to observe how often the cat tends to behave going forward. If it is repeating the same ill behavior then, use the spray liberally. Stop once the cat learns to withdraw from the ill-behavior via your voice command.
The point I make is to reduce the usage of spray. I primarily focus on my voice command. Once the command has been given, the cat should withdraw. So, my idea is to slowly but steadily withdraw the usage of spray bottle and instead, control the cat via my verbal commands.
Rinse and Repeat
If my cat has not started to listen to certain commands but is paying heed to others, I shall continue using the spray bottle. Basically, I shall spray a small spurt of cold water on my pet’s lower back to enable her to obey to commands she is not adhering to.
Thereafter, I shall observe my pet as to how she behaves without the aid of a spray bottle. If all is well and the cat behaves via my verbal warnings, I am a happy owner. If not then, I shall continue to use spray bottle on my cat.
The Fear Factor Leads to a Vet
In case my cat is fearful of the spray bottle and responds with sheer disgust whenever I spray water on her, I need to reconsider my current training method.
I would try using verbal commands, treats and other methods but not spray bottle. This is because my cat seems to have a scare factor linked with spray bottle usage. If the problem persists and I am unable to control my cat’s unruly behavior, a visit to the vet is definitely on the cards.
Is Spraying a Cat with Water Considered Bad?
There are mixed reactions from cat lovers and cat owners regarding the use of cat spray bottle. Some are of the opinion that spraying water on cats makes them obedient. Others on the contrary, claim that it is the silliest and a cruel way to tame cats.
Well, here is why spraying jets of cold water from a bottle is considered bad for your cat:
Lack of Mind and Spray Connection:
Well, your cat is not educated like you are. So, it cannot perceive a positive punishment from a negative one. For the animal, a punishment is a punishment.
So, when you spray water onto the cat, she gets scared and even irate. The cat does not know that you do so in order to stop her from indulging in an act that you think is inappropriate.
So, the cat is unable to make a connection of the sprayed water with it being stopped from making a wrong move.
Bad Behavior for You is Completely Natural for the Cat
What you deem as an unfit behavior in the house is natural for a cat. For example, spraying is natural and used to mark a territory. Scratching your expensive rug is done in order to sharpen the claws of the cat.
If the cat climbs up the dining table, it is merely seeking high ground in order to keep a watch over her territory. You may dislike these behaviors as your furnishings are getting wasted. From the point of view of the cat, all is well.
Cold Water Hurts the Cat
Well, water does not injure a cat but it does make her uncomfortable. This is owing to the lack of love a cat has for water (especially when it is ice cold).
So, whenever you are trying to discipline a cat using cold water spray, you are being cruel to the animal. It may make your cat get scared of you. This act of yours may also force your animal to get angry at you.
The Secret is No Longer a Secret
Unless and until you are able to conceal the water spray, you cannot have an advantage over the cat. So, the moment the cat sees the spray emitting from your bottle and striking its body, you lose the element of surprise.
It has to happen one day or another. So, the day your irritating tool for disciplining cat is witnessed by the poor animal (the spray bottle), its wrath shall be set upon you. While the cat may not bite you, it shall definitely lose the fear of getting sprayed upon.
What are the Advantages of Spraying Water on a Cat?
Listed below are the advantages of using spray on your cat:
The Fear Factor is Unleashed
It is a well-known fact that cats are very scared of water. They naturally dislike the idea of getting wet. So when you spray jets of water on the cat, it tends to get scared and irate.
While this is a negative emotion, the positive aspect of jet sprays is that it teaches the cat to behave. So, whenever it is sprayed upon, the cat stops doing what it is not supposed to be doing. With time and persistent spraying from the owner, the cat eventually alters its behavior.
The Cat is Reminded to Behave
This is an extension of the above point. When you spray water onto the cat when it is misbehaving, the cat stops doing so. Hence, the spray bottle acts as a grim reminder that the cat needs to behave.
While the mind and water spray connection may be hard for the animal to understand, it does stop the cat from being unruly. This way, you manage to keep a firm grip over the animal and stop it from misbehaving.
Zero Cost Training Tool
The spray bottle containing water is almost negligible in terms of its cost. This is a tool that costs nothing and yet is capable of training the cat to behave.
So, you end up helping the cat change its manners and behavior for the better without spending a dime in return. This is a win-win situation for any cat owner.
No Skill Required to Use a Cat Stray Bottle
You do not need any special skills to learn how to make use of a cat spray bottle. All that you need to learn is the ability to find a spray bottle and fill it with cold water. Anyone can do so.
Moreover, you need to learn to spray at the back of the cat and not in its face. This too is an easy task. Lastly, you need to keep the bottle safe and away from the preying eyes of the cat. Once again, this is doable.
Spraying Water is Not Cruel
Many animal activists are of the opinion that spraying water onto the cat is a cruel act. In my (LeanAndFit review staff) opinion, spraying short bursts of water on the lower back of the cat is not cruel.
Yes, I do agree that if you spray cold water on the face and ear of the animal then, it can be termed as a cruel act. So, when done gently and just once, the spray bottle training is justified for disciplining the cat in a gentle manner.
You Keep Your Home Furnishings Intact
Without a shadow of a doubt, the expensive rugs as well as sofas shall remain intact if your cat is trained well. While I cannot guarantee that spraying cold water from a bottle shall do the trick, I do understand that it does help deter the cat from being mischievous.
So yes, the distinct advantage is to ensure that your personal belongings are kept safe and secure. This is one advantage of using a spray water bottle to train a cat.
FAQ on Cat Spray Bottle
Q-1: Can I Spray Water on My Cat to Stop it from Biting Me?
A-1: You can try and spray water on the face of the cat if it is habitual of biting you. This way, the cold water shall deter it to repeat the bite process. Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that this method shall work in your favor.
Q-2: Will My Cat Start to Hate Me if I Sprayed Water on it?
A-2: Well, understanding the emotions of a cat are not easy. In fact, I do not think anyone has been able to decipher what a cat is thinking. Nonetheless, if your cat sees you spray water on her from a bottle, the animal would definitely be irate.
Q-3: Can I Spray Water on My Kitten to Teach it Good Manners?
A-3: No, it is not advisable to spray water on a kitten. This is owing to the very simple fact that a kitten is very young. So, unless your pet cat is 6 months of age and more, spraying cold water on the animal is not advisable.
Q-4: Should I Spray water on my Cat if she Hisses at Me?
A-4: Yes, you can spray a short burst of water from a bottle at your cat if you dislike it from hissing at you. Nonetheless, avoid spraying at the face of the animal.
Whenever it hisses at you, give a stern verbal command followed by a spray of cold water. This should help discipline the animal.
Q-5: Can I Spray the Cat in the Eye to Stop it from Misbehaving?
A-5: No, this is an act that you should avoid by all means. Spraying water in the eye of a cat is not at all recommended. Doing so can cause eye injury to the animal as well.
Q-6: Can I Put Lemon Water in the Cat Spray Bottle and use it on My Cat?
A-6: This is an absolute no-no. You should not spray water that is comprised of lemon juice onto your cat. If it goes in the eye, it can be extremely painful for the animal. So, avoid doing so by all means.
Q-7: Can I Spray My Cat with Vinegar?
A-7: Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic in nature. So, if you spray bursts of water that is fortified with vinegar, it may cause allergic reaction to the animal. If it goes in the eye then, you might have to take your cat to the vet. So, do not do so.
Q-8: Can I Spray Hot Water on Cats to Discipline them?
A-8: No, you should never spray hot water onto the body of a cat. This can cause burns and the animal shall be in pain.
Q-9: Is it a Good Idea to Train a Cat using Spray Bottles?
A-9: No, it is not at all a good idea. Spraying water on cats tends to confuse them as cats dislike water. This act also instills fear in cats which is a negative emotion. So, avoid training your cat using spray bottles.
What is the Best Alternative to Cat Training Spray Bottle?
Training a cat to behave itself is not at all an easy task. Pet owners across the globe have claimed that it is far easier training dogs as compared to cats.
This is very much true owing to the natural instincts of feline pets. They are born to live and work independently. Nonetheless, you can train them to be obedient and well behaved following a few simple training tips.
Well, here are a few alternatives:
The Verbal Commands:
Pet owners often do not realize the immense potential of the verbal commands. If used properly, they can influence the behavioral capacity of your cats to a great extent.
So, using commands that can influence the cat to pay attention is vital for ensuring that your feline pet is paying heed to you. Learning these can take time but you can achieve the impossible (with special regards to training your feline pet) once you get a hang of them.
The Clicker Method Never Fails to Deliver:
This is yet another alternative to the so called cruel method of training cats using spray bottles. Known popularly as the clicker method, this training tool relies on the clicking noise that is emitted to take control of the cat.
So, at the click of a pen or the snap of your fingers, the cat pays heed to your verbal command. This method is supposed to train the cat in a positive and non-invasive manner.
Target Stick:
Another effective training method to tame cats is the target stick. It is a small stick that is used to tell the cat which body part it needs to use. For example, you touch the cat on the nose (using the target stick) & then touch your cheek with the same stick.
This is an indication that the cat needs to touch your thigh with its nose. If the cat dislikes the target stick sold in the local market, opt for a ruler or a pencil instead.
Fun Based Games:
In order to ensure that the cat is behaving as per your expectations, you need to include certain fun filled games into your daily routine. This implies that you need to engage the cat in games that shall teach it to listen to you.
Commands such as run, come, fetch, wave, sit and even roll can be taught using games. So learn a few by watching YouTube videos and improve your cat’s behavior in a positive manner.
Love and Respect is the Way to Teach a Cat Good Manners:
There is no alternative to love and respect. If you would like your pet cat to listen to you, treat it with lots of love and respect. Only then shall the feline pet respond to your voice or clicker based commands.
Basically, you need to avoid punishing your cat in any which way. This includes both verbal as well as physical punishment. When your pet cat starts to trust you, the goodwill thus developed can help you go a long way in developing an obedient cat.
Goodies Never Fail:
You need to rely on treating the pet cat in order to win its trust. Whenever the cat listens to you, a treat should be handed over. On the other hand, when the animal does not respond to your command, avoid giving the treat.
This is an act that activates the reward system in the animal’s brain. It helps the animal understand the importance of listening and adhering to your commands. In return, the feline pet gets a well-deserved treat.
My Opinion on Spraying Water on Cats to Make them Obedient Pets
Training your cat is perhaps the most important way to maintain a happy household. Not only is a well behaved cat liked by its owners, it is also appreciated by your friends and relatives that often visit your home.
While using a spray bottle seems to be an effective way to train your cat to behave, it is not the best training method. Cats do not understand why you spray cold water at them. So in most cases, they develop fear and anger (both of which are negative emotions).
So, instead of spraying water on cats, use other training methods. Clicker, training stick, voice commands, treats and many more training methods are effective in making your cat obedient.