I do time-outs every now and then. I usually toss them (the two Abys usually) out on to the screened in porch and shut down the cat door to the porch. It happens maybe twice a year. If I am painting, especially. They are horrible with ladders, paint cans, brushes etc.
Lucy, my black barn cat, knows when I say "No" that I mean it. When I take Prue the dog outside I often tell Lucy "NO LUCY" and she runs the opposite direction knowing it is not her turn to go outside with the dog. She doesn't always come in when called, so if it is dark out, she doesn't get to go with us.
I time-out the cats when they start beating up on each other. This usually means closing doors to rooms to let them chill a bit. It doesn't happen that often fortunately.
Cats have very good memories and elect to ignore us when it doesn't fit in their schedule.
I can go years between dragging out the laser pointer with the chain on it, and if and when it comes out, the two Abys coming running when they hear THAT chain noise. I bet they play with it once every five years. I find that amazing. Same goes with opening cans. They haven't had canned food in years and each and every time I get the can opener out, they come running....just in case!!
A time out is good for them and for us. Cats can get out of control sometimes. Mine get really goofy if there is a program on the TV with the sounds of wild animals or cats in distress. They start fighting with each other.... it's the oddest thing.

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