September 21, 2026, 9:06 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Social media is full of tips, training tricks, and supposed life hacks for cats. But do these recommendations really deliver on their promises? PETBOOK consulted Helena Becker, a behavior therapist and trainer as well as a professional cat sitter, to evaluate some popular trends.
Cat Nibbles on Leaves: Does Lemon Help?
If a cat constantly nibbles on houseplants, many owners become desperate. As a result, social networks are filled with training tricks to keep cats away from leaves and flower pots. A common recommendation is to spray plants with lemon juice or place lemon slices in the soil. However, this can become problematic: Lemons and other citrus fruits are toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, and neurological symptoms.
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Helena Becker, a behavior therapist and trainer as well as a professional cat sitter at “Stubentiger Berlin,” advises: “As always with such ‘tips,’ one must critically question the expertise of the person.” In a Reel, a cat owner sprayed lemon juice on plant leaves. “She wants to make her life easier but completely ignores the species-specific needs of cats when they exhibit certain behaviors,” Becker explains.
Of course, it’s understandable that owners want to protect their plants. However, the seemingly simple solution is problematic. Such methods are considered aversive measures, according to Becker. These include sprays and the use of lemon, which are intended to trigger avoidance behavior in cats.
Helena Becker explains: “The problem is that it causes stress, can shake the security in their core territory, and is not well thought out.” Living together on equal terms should not be based on punishment and deterrence, says the behavior expert.
Cat Digs in Potting Soil? Understand the Cause First
There are recurring tips to cover flower pots with larger stones to prevent cats from digging in or eating the soil. For Becker, such measures are not an option. “People think very one-dimensionally: Cat does something, it should stop. Instead of considering: Why is it doing that?” she says. Various needs could be behind the behavior, such as engagement, curiosity, play behavior, or the desire for a specific substrate.
To change the behavior permanently, one should understand the cause and the cat’s underlying need, Becker advises. “And then see how to fulfill this in cohabitation while keeping your furniture and plants unharmed.”
Forbidding Scratching? Cats Mark for a Reason
Many owners resort to supposed training tricks for cats to protect their furniture from scratching. However, they often overlook why cats scratch in the first place.
“For example, scratching objects: Cats mark with scratching, they have scent glands in their pads that other cats can read,” Becker explains. They also leave visible signals. “They also mark visually by scratching particularly intensely or high. They communicate with other cats this way.”
The behavior serves multiple functions. According to the behavior expert, cats place such markers at strategically important places for themselves. Becker cites examples: for the cat’s own reassurance or to show that their territory is regularly maintained. Therefore, Becker is not in favor of blanket bans or deterrence. “Everything cats do has a purpose, and it would benefit these creators to focus less on human problems and more on explaining why cats do or don’t do something. But they simply lack the knowledge,” Becker criticizes such tips.
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Water Guns, Ultrasound & Co.: Why Punishments Unsettle Cats
In addition to lemons, water guns, ultrasound devices, and other deterrent methods are also shown on social networks. Becker advises against these as well: “There are also devices that produce special sounds to keep cats away from something. Water guns are part of this. But also electric impulses, if we want to think further.”
Such methods may temporarily stop cats from a certain behavior. However, the problem is usually not solved. Instead, Becker advocates for positive alternatives: “Cats should be redirected and given great alternatives, and boredom in everyday life should be reduced through exciting and positive stimuli.” Playing with a favorite toy is particularly suitable as a positive alternative.
Behavioral Problems Aren’t Solved with Online Tricks
For Becker, many viral training tips show one thing above all: The actual needs of the cat are often ignored. To change behaviors permanently, one should focus on understanding rather than deterrence. “Training, handling, understanding–no aversive measures that can lead to severe insecurity, stress, fears, and behavioral problems in cats. Who really wants to risk that?” says the expert.
Her conclusion: “Living with cats on equal terms doesn’t work with a few tips, but with an engagement with what they need.” If these needs are not met, cats will find other ways. “If you don’t deliver on one side, cats will find a way to express their needs for variety, suitable scratching opportunities, etc., in other ways.”