What is a humane way to discipline a cat?

Question

More specifically, how do you keep them from getting on counters and tables?

Answer 1

NO spray bottles! They only make the cat even MORE affraid of BATHS!!!!!

I've broken my cats from getting on counters and tables by collecting and rinsing aluminum cans. Once the cans are clean (not smelling or drawing insects) line them up precariously & about 5 inches apart on the EDGE of the counters and tables so that when the cat jumps up it will knock down the cans making NOISE that will scare the cat and alert YOU so that you can take the cat to the place it jumped up and scold it STERNLY!!! Then re-set the cans.This also ~CAN~ work with 2-litre plastic bottles. YOU MUST BE "ALFA CAT"!!!!!...The LEADER of the Pride. Even with only one cat, it considers the whole family it's Pride.

To teach them to stay off of furniture such as sofas and chairs. I've bought NEW/CLEAN UNUSED mouse traps and weakened the spring so it doesn't hurt the cat but is still strong enough to SNAP shut. Place something like a book or thin plywood, etc on the funiture then place the mouse trap upside down on whatever 'hard surface' you are using. When the cat is on the furniture it will set off the mouse trap, again making NOISE scaring the cat off the furniture and alerting you so you can, again take the cat to the spot and SCOLD it HARSHLY!!! Again, you MUST get it across to the cat that YOU are the Alfa in the house!!!

In the cases I used this method, at NIGHT, as well as during the day, it took about 3 months for the cats to finally get the CLUE! :D

Answer 2

I always used a spray bottle with water in it. Give the kitty a little squirt do not use allot of water just a quick squirt. and say no! She'll learn.But then my cat Mia loves water now! She plays in her drinking water.LOL So some time I use something that makes a startle noise like a baby rattle or a can of air freshener not sprayed at her mind you but the sound scares her. Mia is a very good cat and she never jumps on the counter tops or table but she will try to get up onto my keyboard when I am using the computer. I have a baby rattle that sometimes works.

Answer 3

I read in a book that you can put alot of pots and pans on the tables and counters (that is, if you don't mind alot of noise and don't have any expensive floors) and then when the cat jumps onto the table/counter they fall on the floor and make a loud noise. Cats don't like loud noises very much. Or you could get a jar of pennies and shake it, just don't shout, otherwise the cat will associate punishment with you.

Answer 4

Using a squirt bottle or a can with coins in it are perfectly fine for disciplining cats.

However, the older the cat, the harder it is to change it's behavior. Best to train this behavior when the cat is a kitten. You can also try shock mats....mats specifically made to give the kitty a mild, safe, jolt. Only problem there is that you will have a buy and leave them out for some time before kitty gives up on jumping on stuff.....

Answer 5

Spray bottles with water, or cans filled with coins work well for situations such as that. Unfortunately, when you aren't around, if they want on the counter will get on the counter. If you try putting rolls of tape for a few days on the area where they are jumping, it could create a bad experience enough to keep them away, but cats are wily and will find ways to get around it when you're not there.

Answer 6

Water, water and more water..... A squirt bottle is a cat lovers best friend, I certainly dont know what I would do without my trusty squirt bottle. It works on dogs too and even human children LOL Simply point and shoot at the offender while stomping your feet and saying NO! Now all I have to do is make the sound TSSS! TSS! and they know it means they will get squirted if they dont stop...

PS some idiots may say to add vinegar or other things to the water but that is CRUEL try squirting vinegar in your face...lol Plain water is all you need....

Answer 7

All you have to do is when the cat behaves in a way you don't approve try startling him by hitting a newspaper on your table to make a loud noise. The cat will quickly stop the behavior. Repeat as often as you need to.

You can also try a spray of water. Cat's hate getting wet so that should also stop the bad behavior.

Answer 8

My cat is too smart for that - if she knows I'm not noticing, she'll jump up because she likes the view from the kitchen sink window. But if I turn my head or snap my fingers, she reluntantly gets down, she knows I don't like it. But when the owner's away, the cat will play.

having other perches with a good view for the cat to sit and sleep on may direct her activity elsewhere.

Answer 9

It's really tricky. Most people make the mistake of yelling or making noise. The cat then associates the punishment with you, and realizes that if you don't see her, there will be no punishment.

The best punishments are ones that appear to come out of nowhere. Placing sticky tape on furniture makes cats uncomfortable and they will learn not to jump on the furniture. What I like to do is keep a filled squirt gun handy (filled with lemon juice and water) and I squirt them when they aren't looking. They HATE being wet, and they really HATE the smell and taste of lemon juice. This has worked really well and fast for me.

Answer 10

Spray bottle with vinegar or coins in a can. True, this only works when you're around, if they're doing it when you're not around, it kinda negates the training, but you can only do what you can do. The most important thing is be regular and consistent about it. You MUST spritz 'em or shake the coin can EVERY time they jump up, no matter how annoying it gets for you. You break that training and all they learn is that you don't mean business. No hitting or shaking or mean stuff though, no matter how irritating it is!