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Cats/Cat Behavior: PLEASE HELP

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Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
Dear Ms. Craft,
Please help. I am at my wits end. My cat is so defiant. It is starting to feel like a power struggle between us. I have been trying to teach him not to jump on the kitchen counters, the dining room table and dresser tops. I've tried everything: stern "no's" and taking him off, shouting and pushing him off, putting him in time out for 10 to 30 minutes (laundry room), squirting him with water guns, using Scat spray deterrents (these work until they run out of air, or we get comfortable and stop using them). He is so defiant that when I take him off and scold him, he jumps back up in the VERY SAME SPOT. When I let him out of time out, he comes back to the kitchen and immediately jumps up in the VERY SAME SPOT. No punishment matters to him. He comes right back and does it again. What he has: another same aged kitten to play with, a glut of toys, a cat tree, play time every day with me and my fiance, a spacious 14-room house with huge windows that look into meadows and forest, two cushy cat beds, high quality food (wet and dry) and water every day, all proper health care, two people who love him and stroke and cuddle him every day. My ability to tolerate this defiance is growing less each day. The other kitten is like an angel. We got them from the humane society on the same day and he has never ONE time jumped on any counter top, and if he does something wrong, just a firm "no" is enough and he never does it again. The bad cat is upsetting the entire household and causing friction between my fiance and me. I really need help. We don't want to give him away. We want to teach him. Please please please help us.  Thank you, Mary

Answer
Hi Mary,

Sorry this took so long. I have a very sick cat here and haven't had much time for the computer. I have one like that and I have found that this works.
http://www.radiofence.com/dog-fences/innotek-indoor-wireless-dog-fence.htm#Revie...

It says it is for a dog but I have used it on training my stubborn non learner. Or they have this item.
http://www.radiofence.com/cat-fences/pawz-away-cat-scat-mat.htm

Try one of these. They work. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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