How can I discipline my kitten...?

Question

of course, without hitting her, because thats just cruel.
But she needs to understand she is an indoor cat, and the busy road out the front of my house has big cars that wont stop while she plays on the road.
she is an indoor breed, so please dont say I should let her run free. i paid alot of money for her and im not going to let her get squashed on the road.
please, any suggestions on how to train my 3 month old ball of fluff to understand that she is an indoor cat... and thats just the way it is!

Answer 1

Hi there...Be sure to be guarded when opening and closing doors so your kitten doesn't bolt outside. Consider startling by rattling a can of loose change where she cannot see you when she approaches the door to help her learn that the door is an unpleasant place to go near. If she sees you rattling the can she will not learn to be afraid of the door only the can that is making that horrible noise. So you have to time this properly and be not visible when doing this each time. Cats are naturally inquisitive so they will make several attempts to see if it was just a one time occurrence.

When kittens chew, lick objects consider a pet spray on deterrent you could try a pet-friendly product called Grannick's Bitter Apple http://www.grannicks.com which is citrus and most cats find repulsive places that's it's applied. This product is available worldwide at most pet stores.

Another thing to consider is to use double-side sticky tape on the horizontal surfaces for awhile to train the cats to stay off. Cats dislike having their paws stuck to the tape and soon learn to avoid unpleasant areas. This method is beneficial because you don't have to be physically there to catch them rather they learn for themselves, which is ideally a better method to train cats.

Answer 2

This is normal kitten behaviour, they should be extremely playful, active and alert. Use toys to play and interact with him enough so you create a bond and he knows it's a playtime. Get a scratching post, this is essential as will prevent furniture getting ruined etc... and any play that you do, keep it away from couches or behind curtains as he may start to associate these as 'play' areas. A stern 'no' and a gentle push off whatever he should not be on or doing should do the trick but it will take time and patience as cats cannot be trained but will eventually give up on something when they know it's wrong. The water squirting should not really be necessary at this stage, however, if you do, then do not let him see that you are doing it, keep it behind him as he will not thank you for it! Perseverance and time, to get him in more of a routine, best of luck! xx

Answer 3

If there is a way out a cat will go through it, that is their nature. I was fortunate in that my house had double doors to the front so we could create an "airlock" making sure one door was shut before the other one was opened. You have to be very vigilant about closing doors and windows and also make sure any visitors know that they have to close them too. Most cats adapt to indoor life very quickly but if there is somewhere to explore they cannot help themselves. Discipline will not their instinct.

Answer 4

First, if she's an indoor cat, then hopefully you are around watching when she gets some time outside.

As far as 'discipline', I have found that a squirt bottle of cold water spritzed when the kitty is being naughty gives them a jolt that they decide is not worth continuing the behavior.

Works great on all sorts of 'training'...'don't get on the counter'...'don't scratch on the couch leg'....'don't be past this sidewalk', etc.

Best of luck.

Answer 5

Have you considered keeping the door closed? If your cat has mastered the Mystery of the Doorknob she is truly remarkable and deserves to run free.

Answer 6

You could try spraying her with water when she does something she shouldn't

Answer 7

Let your dog do it. They're naturals!