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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cats on counter
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Question
Hi! I have two indoor cats and two indoor dogs. Everyone gets along perfectly. Problem is, I feed the cats on top of an unused desk in a spare room so the dogs won't get it.(I've never known a dog that didn't love catfood!) There is always food available. So is there any way I can possilby train them not to jump on the kitchen counter while still allowing them to jump on their desk to eat??? I don't want to confuse them. Thanks so much!!!
Terrie,
I'm sorry but we lost our other expert so I am trying to get her questions answered.
Pick the cats up when they get on the kitchen counter and say NO! firmly, then carry them to the desk. If they do not comprehend after doing that a few times, get a rolled up newspaper and slap is down on the counter hard while saying NO! They should associate the loud noise with getting on the counter and stop. Pet them when they are on the desk, saying "good kitty". Cats are all about associations.
You can also put a mouse trap UPSIDE DOWN, under a taped down newspaper (to assure they can't get injured by it) on the counter where they land when they jump. When they jump on the counter/newspaper, the mousetrap will go off and scare them.
I hope this works for you.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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