Educating The Furry Felines - Cat Owners Reply Please.

Mr.Duck on 22/9/2009 at 23:35

Jell-O folks.

I rarely ask for everyday advice on the Net (for -all- the reasons you can muster up) and usually prefer to go real world for it, but I'd be lying to myself if I didn't admit there are a lot of sane minded people that can actually give out coherent, well-based and well-thought out advice, plus, they have the experience to bac their word!

So, without more yabbering, this here's the sit:

I have two cats (female).

One's about 5 months old called Caty, the other one's about month and 2 weeks, called Luci (for Luciferia, a femalized version of Lucifer, due to the fact that she's all white colored xcept for the top of her head in which she has two black "horns" ;)).

Basically, I'm trying to make'em understand that:

-The curtains are not for playing.

-Trying to make Luci stop biting cables.

-Trying to make Luci stop play-biting too hard (she hasn't broken skin yet, but she -does- bite harder than Caty who is a larger cat....).

-Caty to -quit- playing rough with Luci when she cries out.

Y'know, the usual cat shennanigans.

And yes, I do spray'em with water and, V.RARELY give'em a wee spank (v. soft) while going all stern and telling'em loudly "NO!".

So, any tips for all you cat owners out there?

Meow :)

Renzatic on 22/9/2009 at 23:50

The water filled spray bottle worked best for me. At the very least, it learned my little sonsabitches off the kitchen counters. That might keep them from doing certain things, but for other bad habits, like the biting, you'll just have to wait for them to grow out of it. Cats are stubborn animals, and they quit doing annoying stuff only when they want to.

Queue on 22/9/2009 at 23:52

You are asking for the world.

About the only thing I do is to tap their nose firmly (but not enough to hurt them) when they are doing something they shouldn't, and express my anger in a firm voice.

It doesn't work but it makes me feel like I'm doing something.

theBlackman on 23/9/2009 at 00:50

At the ages you mentioned, it may take a while, but most grow out of the curtain tearing stage.

Make sure they have a scratching post, or an old piece of furniture that they are permitted to use as such. When they are scratching at the curtain, move them to the selected post/furniture (we have both a post, and an old parson chair that they are allowed to scratch).

The biting will tone down after a while. As long as the kitten is not breaking the skin and keeps the claws sheathed when she is trying to disembowel your hand, or whatever, you have two choices. Put up with it, and over time the nips should be less severe, or don't rassle with the kitty. :)

You did not mention the breed. Siamese are oriented to UP. They will try to get on top of the highest piece of furniture, or shelving that they can see. Even if it is beyond reach they will usually keep patiently trying.

Mr.Duck on 23/9/2009 at 00:55

Not sure which breed each one of'em is.

I'll post some pics to see if it gives you any insight :)

Thanks for the tips so far, guys!

:D

SlyFoxx on 23/9/2009 at 01:20

Been through 15 or so cats myself..

tBM has it pretty much surrounded.

What you have now are baby cats and you need to treat them as such. When they get to about 6 months you might need to lay some smack on them. Don't hit for distance but no gentle stuff either. Think "attention getter!"

When wrestling with a cat you better be prepared for a few minor scratches. Best bet is to keep relaxed especially if they grab hold. Unless they are trying to hurt you (this is VERY VERY rare) they will soon let go and you'll escape with little or no damage.

Displacer on 23/9/2009 at 02:26

Playing with my cat is like playing with a box of broken glass. That's the trouble with cats, they're pointy on five out of 6 of their ends...

Tocky on 23/9/2009 at 02:29

A cattle prod rarely fails. Seriously the squirtgun failed? Cats hate water. Maybe you should move up to the super soaker. Save the cattle prod for when you have kids.

D'Arcy on 23/9/2009 at 02:33

Quote Posted by Displacer

That's the trouble with cats, they're pointy on five out of 6 of their ends...

Someone remembers his 'Calvin & Hobbes' ;)

Martin Karne on 23/9/2009 at 03:22

Usually a strong NO in a firm and calmed voice makes wonders.