My naughty cats?

Question

My two cats are constantly wrecking my apartment. Nothing stays on the coffee table, the plants get turned over and the book shelf and end tables are always a shamble.
They are both female and both have been spayed. It's a small apartment, but I play ball with them a lot.
It's like having two toddlers at home. I've seen one of them take her paw and swipe something off the bookshelf. If it's too heavy, she butts it with her head.
I've had many discussions with them about this, but the problem is one of them is deaf and the other one just won't listen.
What can I do? I spend all my time putting my apartment back in order.

Leslie: What are PCV scraps please? These are my first cats ever had.

They don't speak English???

Answer 1

Firstly, cats don't speak English.

Secondly, you say you play ball with them. Without knowing how old they are, I'd have to guess these are relatively young animals who aren't getting enough exercise or mental stimulation and are now being destructive for a simple lack of something better to do.

PVC scraps are inexpensive and can provide hours of entertainment for cats. Same for a fish tank. Cats will watch the fishies swimming for hours on end and it's like TV to their eyes.

I hope this helps. It's not good to have bored kitties.

Edit - PVC scraps are little scrap pieces of pipe that plumbers use, but you can go to any hardware store and ask them for scraps big enough for Naughty and Naughtier to climb through. The only hazard would be to sand down the cut edges so nobody's skin is accidentally lacerated. Putting some catnip toys in there is also an option.

Also -

I'm not a fan of squirt bottle deterrant. It teaches the cat to fear you. Distraction and positive reinforcement for good behavior (you playing with them for example) is a better method. I do agree that potted plants can be hazardous for cats. You'll have to consult with the vet on what species are poisonous since cats can and do chew greenery. You might as well write off having a Christmas tree and poinsettas too.

(chuckles) No, they don't speak English. You have to learn how to speak Catinese.

Answer 2

I think you have bored cats, looking for something to do.
You could put doors on the book cases.
I would try getting a hanging toy something that hangs from the ceiling or from a door knob that will keep them entertained.
There are also videos for cats that have birds and bugs ect.
Yes, cats do watch television..
A "Cat Tree" might be the answer too, most cats want to get up as high as possible.
A window that they can sit in and watch the world go by or bask in the sun is another cat favorite.

Answer 3

You might just have to make your apartment more kitty compatible. I gave up trying to have potted plants a long time ago after every time i would come home, the plant would be knocked over on the floor. Any small or loose items, should also be properly stowed away. Go for the minimalist look in your apartment and keep it kitty chic!!

Answer 4

I've kept cats for all my life. They always choose a high point to rest, and they will change their favorite spot from time to time. My guess is that the high point makes them feel safe from other predators, and moving their favorite spot avoids a build up of parasites, like fleas. I've found my cats lying in my kitchen sink, on top of my printer, and in the pots of my larger houseplants.

The best advice I can give you is to adjust your house to suit your cats. Keep your most valuable/delicate collectables in a glass enclosed cabinet, or on shelves too high for the cats to jump to. Remember the cat may jump from the top of a table or chair to get to the next highest point. It may be best to keep their favorite places free of items altogether. Try using a plant stand just large enough to hold the pot so there's no room for the cat. Make sure the plant stand is sturdy, and stable enough to avoid turning over if one of your cats tries jumping on it.

Finally, do your cats get along? I once had a siamese who didn't like my calico cat. She would chase the calico whenever I wasn't home, and I would return to a mess. Even if your cats like each other they could still be roughhousing while you are out. To combat this you might try a calming preparation like one in the link below.

Answer 5

Squirting water is a good way to negatively reinforce bad behavior and they don't have to hear it to get the point.
Try squirting them when they get up on the book shelf and coffee table, make these areas off limits to them.
Have you considered getting a cat tree for them to play on?
I found some really nice ones on Amazon. They were reasonably priced, the shipping was cheap and it was easy to put together. I've had mine for about a year and its held up great, my three kitties love it!
Good Luck.

Answer 6

This advice all sounds good, but I have three cats and they rule my house. I have tried the spray bottle, toys, playing, none of it has worked for me. I suggest buying a shop vac to clean up after them and just love them for them. Good luck.

Answer 7

Cats are like having children that are mentally handicaped.

I don't know what to tell you but good luck.

Maybe get them some more toys...like the ball in that circular thing so they can chase it. Also, they will chill out when they are 3 or so.

Answer 8

Say NO everytime. Or lock them in a room filled with their needs. If they are good, bring them out.

Answer 9

Just sit in the room they are the worst in and if they do anything....catch em in the act with the spray bottle.

I'd bet money on it. it totally works.

And, no...it doesn't teach them to fear you. My cats can't get enough of me. haha.

Best of Luck.

Answer 10

When my cats were bad i sprayed them in the face with water, get a spray bottle and turn it on mist or whatever and spray them with it, it may help! It beats hitting them!