Understanding the word "NO"

[StarandBratsmom]

Good Day all. How is your Labor Day weekend going? Out of curiosity, do your kitty children understand what the word, "NO," means? I think mine do.

This morning, I left an empy bowl of cereal on my desk. Naturally while I am here checking emails and boards, she jumps in my lap for cuddles. She notices my empty nowl, it has very little milk left it. She reaches her head slowly towards it like she's sneaking and I won't notice. (only I notices cuz her kitty heads in the way of my typing.

"Star, that isn't yours. " I say this like I am talking to a real child. She does it anyways. "Star, NO." she quits and continues to cuddles.

Brat being 3/4 bobcat is very agressive when he plays. Last night I got him so friskie he had his fur hiked up on his back, and running all over the places batting at anything that moved. He noticed me walking by and all of a sudden out of no where he comes flying towards me at full speed. Grabs a hold of my leg like he's hugging me. I get him off of me and he goes after my hand, only he's agressive so it was hurting. I told him, "Nooo, Brat, you are being too rough." I guess the "No," word or the"rough" word, he always stops.

What do you do to get your kitty kids to behave?

[catmandu]

OF COURSE NO MEANS YES, IF THE FOUND CATS LOOK SAD ENOUGH TO MAKE THIER ELDERLY CAT MAN FEEL GUILTY ENOUGH.
IT WORKS EVERY TIME.

[StarandBratsmom]

LOLOL that's funny. The sad kitten look. It's pitiful but effective.

[critter crazy]

There is a chance that they could understand the word no, but Personally I just think they understand the change of tone in your voice.

[StarandBratsmom]

There is a chance that they could understand the word no, but Personally I just think they understand the change of tone in your voice.

You have a point there Maggie. Maybe it's the tone. I am not sure, Star responds to the word "treat," even if I whisper it. I am going to test this tone theory out.

Results:

Situation:

My boyfrined is sitting in the same room on his computer. I am on my computer. Star is dead asleep on the floor between us.

The Test:

I asked, "Honey have you heard about the treats lately?" in the most normal monotone voice, with no special pauses for any of the words. Star wakes up right away from her dead sleep as the response for the word, "treat."

As for the word, "No." Maybe the tone of my voice says not to do it. Who knows. As my boyfriend thinks, Star's spoiled, she doesn't ever hear the word no.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

This thread hits home because I was just saying to CJ last night how I know he knows what I mean, but he keeps at it anyway!

Since we've been taking him on his outies several times a day lately, he thinks he should be out ALL the time. He will sit by the door and meow incessantly until 1) we take him out, 2) I can't stand it anymore and have to yell at him or 3) he finally gets the idea that us ignoring him means he won't be going out and he goes sulking off to the bedroom.

#2 is where the "NO!" comes in. I tried with all the explanations but finally realized he doesn't have a clue what I'm saying, so I started with just plain ol' "NO!" He completely ignores me so I say it again.....and the meowing continues. It's finally gotten to the point where "NO!" means nothing, but snapping my fingers or clapping my hands will make him at least close his mouth for a second and look at me.......

I know he knows what I mean because he is not stupid, and, as a matter of fact, is too smart for his own good most times.