keeps jumping on my kitchen counters and licking the dishes. I have a 3 week old so sometimes I have plates in the sink or on the counter until I can get around to washing them, we don't have a dishwasher. And even when she has food in her bowl, she will hop her little as$ up there and lick my dishes. How can I stop this? And for Christmas, will there be a problem with her trying to eat the tree?
2007-11-16 01:32:34 · 19 answers · asked by I'll tell it like it is 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
As far as the tree goes, will she try to jump OVER the mat and get the tree. She loves jumping and does these little running kangaroo leaps and jumps really high. I may just have to get rid of her. :(
2007-11-16 01:50:16 · update #1
A simply solution to try: You know those plastic runners for your carpet? Get one of those and cut to fit your counter tops. Place them on the counters with the back facing up-they have those little pointy "teeth" on that side. The cat will learn that it's not fun to get his tender foot pads poked when jumping on the counter. This is a cheaper alternative to some of the products sold for that purpose. Advice for the tree-make sure it's anchored down, and don't use that stringy silver tinsel-cats like to swallow it and it will have deadly consequences.
2007-11-16 01:43:05 · answer #1 · answered by Starscape 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Rinse the plates off, or "catproof" them by sticking them in the microwave or somewhere. Also, can't hubby wash the pots straight after dinner?
Our last cat was found up the tree a couple of times like a furry fairy, but banishing from the living room for a couple of days pretty much discouraged him. Current cat is a rescue cat and far too polite - he just nicks the baubles, so I put unbreakable one at the bottom.
I've also found over the last 25 yrs of me and cats that not putting the tree up till about the 22nd/ 23rd Dec and taking it down on 12th night helps by removing opportunities.
Pleasepleaseplease don't get rid of the moggy - the baby will be 4 weeks old by next week, and 14 months by next Christmas! Then the baby will be climbing the tree and the cat will be looking very superior because it knows the baby's in for a wigging!
2007-11-16 10:03:52 · answer #2 · answered by who me? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had to deal with similar problems.
It is possible to train cats to not jump on certain places- but it takes an effort. And sometimes they- like human kids- will 'test' to see if the rules still apply.
It sounds like you have a very lively cat, so there very well could be a problem with her and the tree.
It also sounds like you're stressing out between the holidays and a new baby.
You could try spraying the area around your tree with bitter apple, or with something that has a citrusy smell: I've never seen a cat that likes the smell of oranges. And get a spray bottle and keep it full of water to spray the cat when she goes somewhere that she's not supposed to.
I've managed to train my cats by yelling and occasionally clapping to get their attention, but I understand that I may be one of the few who can do that.
If that doesn't work, then it may be better for you and the cat if you find her a new home with someone who has more time for her.
Good luck.
2007-11-16 10:32:29 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cats have never done this. I know it's a near impossibility with a 3-week old, but what you really need to do is just never let the cat get away with it. EVERY TIME you need to yell "NO!" and put the cat on the floor. Eventually, she will learn. If you let it slide sometimes, though, the cat will figure that it's worth a shot.
(edit: the squirt bottlke is probably a really great idea because it won't involve waking the baby. I've never used this method, but lost of people swear by it.)
As for the tree, yeah. She'll try to eat it AND climb it. I'm dreading that with my kitten. Good luck!
2007-11-16 09:42:22 · answer #4 · answered by ZombieTrix 2012 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a product you can buy from most pet stores, called a 'Scat Mat'. It's a mildly charged, battery-powered mat that tickles their paws to a similar degree of licking a AA battery. Put it on any surface where they can't see it (i.e. a countertop) and when they jump up onto it, they'll jump right back down! A few unpleasant surprises later, and your cat will never jump on a counter again.
As for the Christmas tree - get another mat! Put it under the tree to keep kitties away :)
2007-11-16 09:38:03 · answer #5 · answered by JeN 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
ok if you have a cat just because she licks your dishes doesnt mean that you should get rid of her having a pet is a special thing you cant get rid of it over a small problem if you want it to stop try going over to it and picking it up and setting it on the floor
and eat the tree? honestly have you ever even had a pet the cat will get into it like run around it and hide in it but she wont destroy it she may just be wanting attention
2007-11-16 15:13:31 · answer #6 · answered by Ben R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Counter surfing is common behavior among cats. Pick up a squirt gun and keep it handy. When you see the cat going where it should not, spray her a@@! Most cats DO NOT like that feel of water on their skin. Same with the tree. Oh and she probably won't eat the tree, but she may go after the orniments. To her they may look like toys.
2007-11-16 09:37:02 · answer #7 · answered by danl747 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The squirt bottle idea other people suggested is a good one, which I've had success with. The only thing is you never seem to have it handy when you need it! The easiest way for me to change my cats' bad behaviors is to clap. Just one loud smack of the hands (i.e. not applause) directed toward the cat usually works. I usually say "No!" loudly too. So the next time you see your kitty jumping on the counter, just clap and say "No!" It sounds stupid, but it has worked for me. But whatever you do, please don't get rid of the cat! It's worth training! >^..^<
2007-11-16 10:00:23 · answer #8 · answered by Pooty Pootwell 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat did the same thing. the best thing to do would be to train her that these are not places for her to be. some classic tricks are the coins in a jar and shake them at her when shes in places you dont want her to be the noise usually scares them away or you could try a squirt bottle with water this is what i did with my cat and shes better now and ive had her for two years. as for the tree i would use the same method or spray the tree with a bitter spray that leaves a bitter taste in their mouth when they chew something that you spray, a good one is called bitter apple it odorless and colorless.
2007-11-16 09:47:16 · answer #9 · answered by christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All your energy has been transferred to the care of your newborn. The cat no longer see's you as a pack leader.
Calm, assertive, positive reinforcement is what's needed (not any devices or gimmicks.) The cat has to know you are in charge.
Next time you see him on the counter, snap your fingers to get his attention, then gesture him off. He'll get the message.
2007-11-16 10:08:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋