"I don't think calming is any kind of reward for bad behavior."

I most certainly disagree. Cat behaves poorly and gets comfort? Seems obvious to me. Child screams and gets a cookie... what's the difference? If bad behaviour is rewarded, it is encouraged. Now, I am not getting into a pissing contest over this, I just think you are wrong. My opinion.

Give the cat a cookie and see if it works in the long run.

I'd like to know how it works out.

But, I wouldn't do it. Rewarding bad behaviour begets future bad behaviour, I M O.