My kitten is a little over 4 months old. I've tried the little spray bottle squirting him (so much sometimes it looks like I hosed him down!) when I don't want him scratching something or whatever, its just not working all the time because right after he does something, he does the same axact thing 10 minutes later! I know that cats are not as trainable as dogs, however I know its possible... right? I just want to know is there a way to keep him from scratching things (and yes I have a scratching post for him, he refuses to sometimes use) or jumping up on the kitchen counter and/or other things that get him into trouble. The water thing just isn't working and I don't want to smack him so much he turns out to be so timid he won't be playful like he is now. I asked my Vet and he suggested thumping him on the ear, but that just makes him mad LOL and he wants to scratch. SOooo its like now what?! IF you can help me PLEASE do... any HELPFUL suggestions wouldn't be nice.
2006-07-05 22:54:11 · 10 answers · asked by Zinnina 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
HA-HA!! Sounds like my kittens!! And I always say that it is like having a 2-year old child...forever! LOL
Seriously though...have you tried various fabrics on the scratching post? When we got our kittens, they said some may not like carpet but would go for rope-or vice versa. And with the scratching posts, I'm sure you have, but just keep up with persistence...keep putting him back to the post and make him scratch it (even if you have to move the paws).
If that doesn't work, a loud noise like a clap followed by a very stern "No" can scare them enough. I'm trying that with our kittens now. It's a 50-50 shot...sometimes they listen...other times they look at me like I'm wacked out! LOL
Good luck!! I do know what you mean with the water bottle though! My old cat was so naughty when he was a kitten, we squirted him all the time. Then, as a slap to our face, he'd sit there (wherever he wasn't supposed to be) and just lick the water off...
Gotta love kitty personalities!!
2006-07-05 23:41:40 · answer #1 · answered by Janelle M 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
This may sound mean but my mom had to lock our kitten in the bathroom for 7 months,thats how bad she was.
I do'nt like that one so I just use a spray bottle full of water,set it to jet(the one that sprays far)and whenever I see them doing something their not supossed to,I give them a quick squirt on their back,or on whatever it is their wrecking.Generally the water makes a loud noice when it hits the object and give the kitten a tiny scare.No biggy.
Another thing you could try is ballons.Tie one on the objects you see that he most likes to scratch or get into,then either they will freak him out enough to stay away or everytime he jumps up on the counter or scratches whatever it is,pop one as you walk by.He won't think its you,he'll think its the object.
2006-07-06 09:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by Bella_Rosa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kitten/Cat ears are very sensitive. Flicking a kitten's ear is not OK in my opinion.
There isn't much you can do to control a kitten. They have tons of energy and are curious about everything. That's what makes them so much fun.
What a kitten needs most is patience and attention. If you can't give the kitten what it needs, do the both of you a favor and find the kitten a new home.
2006-07-06 06:05:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why it is recommended to get a slightly more mature cat. They are settled, and don't feel the need to destroy the house.
If you havn't killed your kitten after 3 or 4 years, he should be settled down.
Oh, if you smack him, he will make you PAY, in a very painful way, in 3 or 4 years. I assume you are not, so that is good!
I don't think you are going to get any more suggestions past what you have already tried, sorry!
2006-07-06 05:59:59 · answer #4 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Place the kitten gently in to a strong plastic and then make sure that it is tightly sealed. I guarentee it won't get into trouble anymore. This also works as a way to prevent kitty hairs from getting everywhere. so you can have a tidy home too.
You have a choice, an tidy, obedient kitty or a breathing kitty?
2006-07-06 06:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by kenhallonthenet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try scenting the water. Something like eucalyptus works well, and can give the house a nice smell also.
Don't use an ammonia based product though as it could have the opposite effect.
2006-07-06 06:42:40 · answer #6 · answered by tressden 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use a water bottle and squirt my cats, and yes flicking them on the ear works well esp, when they are trying to get your food. its ok for them to not like it and be mad, they will get over it. you can put them on time out ( put them in the bathroom for a bit) when he acts up.
2006-07-06 06:01:27 · answer #7 · answered by Julie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive had my cat trailor for 4 years the best advice i can give is to talk to them as if they are human.be concistance with the WORDS you choose to correct them. or in just everday chit chat with him or her.trailor knows excatly what im saying when i say it.cats do have a mind of their own but can be very smart...
2006-07-06 06:08:20 · answer #8 · answered by lostgirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't much you can do really, cats are curious animals. If you hit the cat, it will just learn to be afraid of you.
2006-07-06 05:59:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
contain him!!
2006-07-06 06:51:21 · answer #10 · answered by Brunette Diamond 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋