Need Help Behavior Modification

I have to say this is the first cat the I have owned that has been a little more than difficult to train to stay off of the cabinets. I tried the scare her be clanging on something in order to spook her and its just not working. What is my next option I know what she is after its human food. She is one of the most hard headed kittens I have ever had. Don't know why she has become so finicky unless she was fed human food in her foster home or what???? I really don't know what to do. But we really need to do some really good training in order to keep her off of the cabinets while we host Thanksgiving. :eek: I don't want her jumping into everyones lap while they are eating??? Any help would be great! I know you guys have some great ideas!!! Thank You!!

My cat is allowed most places including in the bed. But not the counters or my brand new dresser. When my cat sees a big empty space it's an invitation. Besides training the cat, I put a few items on the dresser so it doesn't look as much like a cat bed to him. That helps while he's getting the idea he's not supposed to be there. My cat has respect for items, but you might want to put something non-breakable just in case!

Also encourage him in the places he is allowed. When I get something new I say "It's for the boy" and make a big deal out of it. Give him praise and pets when he is in the appropriate location. When I give a treat I make him hop up on "his" padded bench and reward him there. You will find he will spend more time in a location like that.

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Originally Posted by heidiv

I have to say this is the first cat the I have owned that has been a little more than difficult to train to stay off of the cabinets. I tried the scare her be clanging on something in order to spook her and its just not working. What is my next option I know what she is after its human food. She is one of the most hard headed kittens I have ever had. Don't know why she has become so finicky unless she was fed human food in her foster home or what???? I really don't know what to do. But we really need to do some really good training in order to keep her off of the cabinets while we host Thanksgiving. :eek: I don't want her jumping into everyones lap while they are eating??? Any help would be great! I know you guys have some great ideas!!! Thank You!!

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How old is your kitty? How long have you had this cat?

It might be a little late to get her trained before Thanksgiving being so close.

However here are some tips to try, no guarantees though as I have two cats I've tried EVERYTHING (including a shock mat) and they STILL get on the counters. I've given up at this point. lol However always keeping food cleaned off counters/tables helps alot and don't feed them table scraps.

Things to try...

Empty pop cans with coins in them along the edges of counters, cat jumps up, knocks them over, big instant noise! (mine just played with the cans batting them off on purpose)

Double sided tape stuck on counters, cats don't like sticky stuff on their feet. (mine just pulled tape off feet and played with it on the counters, great fun)

Squirt bottle, squirt cat as soon as she gathers herself to jump up. (mine like water, thought it was fun to try to eat water stream)

Cookie sheet with small amount of water in bottom, cat jumps up, gets feet wet, leaves counter. (mine just batted the water around then drank the leftover)

Scolding and spanking cat with newspaper when on counter. (mine just learned to run faster than I could catch them)

Shock mat, cat steps on mat with many wires 1 inch apart, when pad of foot touches two wires, cat gets static like shock, jumpes off counter. (mine learned to either walk very carefully between wires without setting it off, hmmm no wonder the doberman setting wasn't working, plus hairy feet tend to not set off wires. :p )


If all else fails, simply shut cat in another room during Thanksgiving dinner. Good luck.