You are here:

Cats/Tables and Counter Tops

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/13/2008


Question
I rescued and rehabbed a 6 week old feral who is now a healthy, rambuctious 7 month old kitten.  He is obsessed with table tops and now - counter tops.  This is the one rule I really have - no tables or counter tops!!!  At 7 months he is both a baby and a teenager.  Usually clapping discourages any unwanted behavior, but his curiosity takes him to the table top or counter top.  He knows I don't want him to do this.  I have tried a spray bottle full of water (he loves it and thinks it is a toy).  I have tried clapping and other loud noised (pennies in a can).  When it comes to this behavior, nothing seems to work.  I was thinking about hot sauce but I would never want to hurt him.  What to you recommend???  Giving him away is not an option!!!

Answer
Noranna,

Have you considered trying an air horn or a can of compressed air? It's very important that you don't aim either close to the kitten, but they tend to get the message across quite effectively for most cats. Failing that you can get behavioral devices like a Scat Mat which is activated by the cat coming into contact with it and delivers a mild static shock. I tend not to like devices like the Scat Mat very much. I usually use noise or products like Sticky Paws which is a medical grade double sided tape that is harmless to cats and usually won't damage surfaces or furniture. Sticky Paws works because cats are very clean and don't like to have anything sticky on their paws, you can find this product in pet supply stores for around $15 CAN a roll.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.