cat & spray bottle?

Question

I just started training my cat to stay off stuff by spraying her with a water bottle. She is so mad at me she can't see. Just sits there staring at me with a mean look on her face. the bottle works like a charm but how long will she stay mad?

Answer 1

There is the rub. Regardless of the purpose of the spraying, you cat knows you are the one who is doing it. You are alienating your cat with that spray bottle. They aren't stupid creatures, you know.

I got a new living room suite two years ago. Parker, my lovely, gentle 13 year old decided he wanted to claw my husbands recliner. My daughter suggested a spray bottle. It just about ruined our relationship. I came down one morning, and he had gotten hold of that spray bottle and actually bit it up and put a hole in it. He would have nothing to do with me for a long time.

I had to make a decision...did I love the furniture, or did I love Parker...and who or what more. I decided I can cover the furniture, reupholster the furniture, or buy new furniture, but when Parker is gone, there is no getting him back.

It took quite a while, but Parker finally forgave me. The recliner has a rip in it, and I just throw an afghan over the arm of the chair when company is coming.

We all only get to do today once, right?

Answer 2

As long as it's just water in it. That will work for keeping kitty off of the counter. Do you have a scratching post for your kitty? If not, get one and show him/her that is where he/she should scratch (sisal ones work better than carpet-covered). Also, coat it with catnip. This will make it more "appealing" compared to the other furniture. If that doesn't work, you may either get claw covers (rubbery attachments that go on the claws, but cats outgrow them rather quickly) or having the front paws declawed (this is done by cutting off the front knuckles). For a biting cat, put the cat down and ignore him for a while. He'll get the message that if he wants attention, he'd better not bite. Then again, if the cat doesn't want to be held, biting and scratching are defense mechanisms and the cat is trying to tell you "Leave me alone!! Put me down!!" HTH!!

Answer 3

how much are you spraying your kitty? I think the water spray bottle technique is a good one but anything can be overdone.

Sometimes when she is being a good kitty do you pet her or play sometype of catch the moving ribbon game or similiar?

If she only gets "punished" its no wonder she is mad.

but I think if you balance your interaction with some nice stuff and some safe discipline( water bottle) she will still get the idea you love her?

good luck

Answer 4

I used the same tactic on my cat, and it was very effective. After a while, just the sight of the bottle would send him scurrying off.

I always just "spritzed" him with a light mist - never soaked him or sprayed him in the face or anything like that. I always said "No!" when I did it. I think after awhile he associated the "No!" with the bottle, and just my voice worked on him.

I give him a lot of love and attention and award him for good behavior, such as using his scratching post. I say "Good Boy!" and give him some "candy," little cat treats.

I think your cat will be okay if you balance the punishment with praise and let her know you love her.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm sorry, I got a giggle out of this. I used to do the same thing to my cat. When it did get to the point she learned what the spraying was about, all I had to do was pick the bottle up and she would eyeball me and wave her tail and dare me to spray her. I would start to just to see what she would do and she would run. Her anger may cause a few mishaps, but she will forgive you.

Answer 6

First, we have to know how long you have been spraying her?That makes a difference with your question, meaning if it's been within the last month or so, then give her time.

At least she knows that you are becoming the boss and just give her time.

It's hard to give them time because it's not our time.

It doesn't matter how long she will say mad, it matters that she knows who is boss (loving boss)

Answer 7

Not long!! I do it too. She will learn that u r the boss and wont be mad but try to suck up to you and say she is sorry. Red pepper also works, or duck tape rolled up a little so it will stick to a countertop and she will not like the stickiness.I put moth balls in my plants too but I have to remember to take them out before I water them.

Answer 8

Not long. Give her a treat afterward. When you spray her try o do it so she doesn't see you do it, that way she doesn't associate you with the water bottle, thank god cats don't hold grudge's

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

one trick is not to let her see who is squirting her....and eventually just picking up the bottle and shaking it should evoke the corrected behavior you want...kitties can stay mad for a long time..and some will take revenge...peeing on something or maybe popping in your shoe...so tread lightly....