What happens if you slap a cat

It's basic human decency to stop the car if you have hit a cat. Even if you don't like cats the chances are good that there's another person who loves the one you have just hit and will be devastated, not only that they were injured or killed, but that nothing was done to help.

In this situation, stopping the car will in no way put you or other drivers at risk, so should not be a reason to keep driving and leave the animal. The cat will be terrified and likely in pain so avoid any sudden movements and aim for slow, gentle body language.

The best way to lift an injured cat is with one hand under the chin at the front of the chest, and the other supporting the hind quarters. If the cat is displaying signs of aggression, it may be better to use a blanket or equivalent to lift them. Using a board underneath the cat and gently sliding them onto it will act as a stretcher and is a good way to avoid causing further damage or complications.

Proceed driving carefully to avoid any further injury or pain and try to remain as calm as possible. To get started on the right foot, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of how to discipline a cat in your home.

Once your kitten — or older cat — understands what behavior is appropriate, there will be less need for correcting bad behaviors. After all, cats are very smart. Don't compare your cat to your dog: If you've already trained a dog, you may think that disciplining a cat is similar to how you handled your dog.

Stop right there. Cats and dogs are very different animals, and they don't learn in the same way. Where your dog may engage in the training process by paying attention to your commands, your cat won't heed your requests to sit and stay. Knowing that you have to approach your cat differently is the first step to success for both of you. Don't physically discipline your cat: Training a pet can be very frustrating when you're learning together, but it goes without saying that you should never hurt a cat while disciplining her.

Cats are already intolerant of human forms of punishment, but physically dominating a cat will break your bond with her. Never hold down, shake or hit your cat.

Physically harming your cat can actually make the situation worse and cause her to lash out or become withdrawn. Also, cats have a hard time associating the physical punishment with the bad behavior, so you're not actually training her to stop doing it.

If training your animal becomes too difficult for you, call in reinforcements like family members or even a professional trainer. It's not defeat — it's assistance! Don't yell to make a point: You already don't speak the same language as your cat, so don't be fooled into thinking she'll understand you better when you raise your voice.

Of course, your cat may understand that the change in your volume means something is different, but yelling may scare your cat or call too much attention to negative behaviors. Yelling may cause your cat to feel stressed and anxious, which can cause additional misbehavior. Don't rub your cat's nose in an accident: The only thing you're going to accomplish by rubbing your cat's nose in her accident is upsetting her.

You won't suddenly know her motivations for not using the litter box and she won't promise to never do it again. Rubbing your cat's nose in an accident brings more attention to the scene of the crime and may even reinforce to your cat that it's okay for her to go to the bathroom wherever she wants.

The best course of action is to simply clean the area thoroughly and continue to work on litter box training. Don't allow play that isn't okay: You might think your sweet little kitten doesn't know better when she's swatting or biting your fingers during play time.

However, you know that biting and scratching isn't something you want an older cat to do in your home. With any new animal in your home, it's up to you to set early behavioral expectations.

If your cat starts scratching or biting during playtime —even innocently — stop play immediately so your kitten understands what is and is not allowed.

This is specifically true for play with children. If you engage in play where you allow her to nibble on your finger, she might think it is okay to do so with children. This could cause the kids to become fearful of your cat, an adverse effect you do not want to happen. Don't use a spray bottle: There is an old myth about using a spray bottle to redirect a cat's bad behavior, but the truth is she likely doesn't associate being sprayed with the bad behavior.

She is likely to stop doing what she is doing by running away from being sprayed, rather understanding the discipline is linked to her behavior. This method can also cause your cat to become withdrawn at even the sight of a squirt bottle, and that is not something that you want to do.

Do reinforce good behaviors: Cats don't learn from punishment, but by praising them and sharing healthy treats you can teach them to recognize when they're doing something right. Make sure to reward your cat during the act of positive behavior so she can make the connection between her behavior and the positive reinforcement. Do stop immediately during "bad" behaviors: Disciplining your cat doesn't always have to be active. In fact, removing your attention from your cat may be one of the most effective methods for getting your point across and stopping negative behaviors such as biting, chewing and pouncing.

Hartstein says that it can be a sign of unhappiness or anger. But In this case, the reason for this fear might be your hitting. Hiding is not only a sign of fear but unhappiness too. After all, who wants to live in the tunnel! Give your kitty some time and space, but keep trying to show it your affection and love towards it. It is better to provide it with its personal space so it could get some time to recover. Upright tail, wrapped tail, and question mark might indicate the positive terms but a lowered tail is a sign of fear and hostile mood.

Because literally, every living creature needs their time and space for recovery and so do cats. Make sure to acknowledge the presence of your cat and be calm with her. Speak in a soft tone; this will soothe your cat.

Place a treat at every distance. Following the food, it will come to you. Yeah, it is romantic. Pat it smoothly. This might also mean that it is being angry with you for another reason so better mind your distance.

The forgiveness time of a cat depends on the kind and number of abuses it has gone through. If the cat is adopted , then you need to remember, that it might also have some bitter experience and your hitting is now a part of that list. As stated earlier, cats have long-term memory so they will not forget the events. It will try to avoid everything that reminds it of any kind of abuse, whether clothes or smell. Considering these facts, a cat might take some time to forgive you.

Just keep up with calm behavior and never repeat this activity. Every relationship is built on love and trust. First, you need to gain its trust again. Try not to cross your level and give it adequate space. If it is hiding let it hide for a while, if it is sleeping let it sleep. Ask your children to be soft with it. Always use a calm voice when with or around it. Forcing will make things difficult. Just make her feel comfortable.

Provide her with toys. It will not be impressed with your constant attention. Still, give it fine attention and if it walks away then leave it alone. If its eyes are large and dilated and ears are pressed against its skull then maintain the distance. While a relaxed cat will hold its tail up, this is the best time to mend the relationship.