Expert: Tina - 4/4/2007

Question
I have a 1 and a half year old male cat who jumps onto my computer table when I am trying to work on the computer.  He tries to sit on the keyboard or right in front of the monitor and often tries to bite my hand when I reach for the mouse or type on the keyboard.  I constantly remove him from the table but he jumps right back.  The only thing that works is to put him in another room with the door closed, but he really hates that.  Any other ideas??  He only jumps onto the table when I am using the computer and he actually purrs when he is sitting on it, so I always feel guilty when I get mad at him - but it is really annoying too.

Answer
HI Amber,

Sounds like your kitty would like some more attention! My cat will do the same thing if I don't give him enough attention and then work on the computer. I usually get up and give him 5 minutes of play time, get him chasing a feather toy or laser pointer until he's a bit tired. Then I pet him for a few minutes until he seems happy, and I go back to work while he hopefully goes to sleep. Of course he often ends up on my lap when I am on the computer!

Another thing you can do is place a heated bed or matt on the desk near you but out of your way. Your cat will be attracted to the warm comfortable spot. Here are some options:

http://www.thecatconnection.com/page/TCC/PROD/BED/BHVR-5015

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3569&N=2002+113876

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=1475&N=2002+113876

Good luck!