I was cat-sitting for a friend once when the cat started scratching my friend's couch. I wasn't even looking at the cat and in a very gentle tone I said "I could could end you really quick if I wanted. Not cool, dude." (obviously an empty threat)

The little guy went off to another room for his own little shame party then sulked back into the room and we were couch friends again.

They absolutely know what they're up to.