Expert: Brandy - 2/27/2007

Question
Can you tell me some specific strategies I can try to make sure my cat stays out of our formal dining room?

Answer
In truth, unless the dining room has doors, it's nearly impossible to train cats to stay out of a room, especially if there are windows with beautiful views and lovely curtains to climb/shred. A suggestion I plan to try myself is investing in a few of those mats which I see advertised everywhere, where if a cat/dog steps on it, it emits either a harsh noise or a slight shock. Placing the mats at all entryways (perhaps 'hiding' mats that emit sounds with thin carpets) to cause the cats to hesitate to enter the room might work.

I know this isn't a really good answer, but you did ask an almost impossible question.

Good luck.