As cat parents, we all know that our feline friends can sometimes exhibit aggressive or naughty behaviour. From scratching furniture to knocking things off shelves, or aggression towards other pets and people. That’s when we need to find appropriate techniques to help cats modify their behaviour. In this article, we’ll discuss whether cats understand time-outs, how to implement time-outs [also known as ‘sin binning’] and why these are a useful tool for managing feline behavioural issues.
When should I use time-out for cats?
Time-out is a disciplinary technique commonly used with children. It can also be effective with cats when they’ve done something wrong. It works well in situations where your cat is being destructive or aggressive but not when their behaviour is instinctive for example, excessive meowing or hunting birds.
Use time-outs when a cat is biting and scratching you, playing aggressively, bullying the timid cat in the family, or hissing and spitting at your baby.
Time-out is not appropriate for cats with anxiety issues, phobias or toileting issues.
How does the time-out technique work?
The idea behind time-out is to remove the cat from an enjoyable environment for a short period as a consequence of their naughty behaviour.
To implement a time-out for your naughty cat calmly place them somewhere on their own where they are isolated and deprived of attention. A small room such as the laundry or bathroom is an ideal location but make sure the area is safe and free from any potential hazards.
Max is a high-energy cat who occasionally likes to jump on and attack his siblings when they are asleep. It doesn’t happen as often now he’s getting older, but when it does, he spends a few quiet minutes alone in the laundry.
When placing your cat in time-out do not play, stroke or talk to your cat. They could perceive this as a reward for bad behaviour. Make sure you do not chase your cat into the time-out room. Cats love to chase and be chased and you may unintentionally reinforce the behaviour that you want to change.
The time should fit the crime
Cats don’t perceive time in the same way that humans do. Instead they are guided by their acute senses and instincts. While they have a general sense of routine – especially when it comes to meal times – their understanding of time isn’t as precise as ours.
Therefore, time-outs for cats should be just long enough to diffuse the situation and allow your aggressive cat to settle down but not much longer. That could be 5 mins or 10 mins.
Ending the time-out session
Give your cat the appropriate amount of time to calm down, especially if they were angry when placed into isolation. Cats know when they have been naughty. They also know they will have to relax, lie down and patiently wait to be let out again.
10 minutes is the maximum amount of time we’d recommend for a time-out. Anything longer may cause your cat to feel stressed or anxious, which defeats the purpose of time-out as a disciplinary technique. It is also unfair to punish your cat for an extended period by shutting them away without access to food, water or a litter tray.
Think you might forget to let your cat out of the time-out room? Set the alarm on your mobile phone to remind you.
Do cats understand time-out?
Yes and no. They don’t understand time-outs in quite the same way as humans but they can associate certain behaviours with positive or negative consequences. When a cat is naughty and then placed in time-out, they may start to associate what they did with the removal from their usual environment.
Cats are smart and they learn quickly. Placing a cat in the time-out room works as an effective deterrent and can correct many destructive or aggressive tendencies if used consistently.
Conclusion
While cats may not fully understand the concept of time-out, they are capable of associative learning. If you consistently apply the time-out technique and notice a decrease in the frequency of their naughty behaviour, it’s a good indication that they are learning from the experience. Remember, keep the duration of your time-out short and provide a safe space for their isolation. If this technique doesn’t work for you, you may like to try positive reinforcement with clicker training or consult with a cat behaviourist.
We had two 17 year old female cats, Xena and Gabby. They were not siblings, but were adopted together as kittens. They stayed away from each other, because Xena didn’t like Gabby. Gabby died in May. My husband thought that getting a new kitten might revitalize Xena, who seemed to be getting sluggish, and maybe depressed. They seemed to be OK at first, but then Athena started to play rough – jumping on Xena’s back, scratching and biting. Xena defends herself, but she is not happy. Recently, I put the kitten in time-out – in and inverted laundry basket for 10 minutes. I did this about 4 or 5 times after the attacks. It seems to be working, but I’m worried that she’ll eventually turn into a mean cat.