Don't roll your eyes, but do they make e-collars for cats? lol. Seriously though! I know this is a dog forum but it relates to animal behavior.

I have no problem training a dog, but my cat is a freak genius cat or something. She outsmarts me daily!
She eats my indoor trees, jumps in the baby crib, on the counters and beds, scratches the sofa, chews on the wood furniture like a dog and the fitness equipment foam, computer wires, puts her face in our food (she likes corn kernels), etc!!! I am going MAD! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
I have tried spraying her with a water bottle (she likes that now and swats the stream), sprayed her with a strong vinegar solution (she doesn't mind that at all), used bitter apple (smells it and avoids it to finds another way), I've thrown a can full of pennies near her that made a loud noise (she spooked and then saw it and kept on doing it), I've swatted her hard enough to make her pissed off for an hour (then she just does it when I am not around to swat her)... see my problem? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I know this is a working dog forum, but does anyone have any suggestions to make this crazy cat knock it off?




oh yeah, she is my husbands and she doesn't bother him or his stuff. Only mine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
Too bad you can't put her on a leash and walk her around with you all day (tried it!) or keep her in a crate all day.

I might be selling a cat pelt soon..she's very pretty!

Any small size Ecollar, try the Dogtra 175, will fit your cat.

Your cat doesn't respect you. You are not high on it rank in the famly setting.
Is this a kitten or full grown cat? and who was there first you or the cat?
I'm not a big cat lover but have had a few that where pretty good pets.
Cats like dogs have a pecking order, you need to become higher on the scale.
The reaction can be much like training the dogs (only watch the claws, they hurt) That cat needs to think its going to die in the first 30 sec. of the time it has done something you don't want it to. The only thing I'd do diffent with a cat is make sure there is a kennel handy so it can be removed from everyone and everything till it has calmed down (cats sometimes stay ticked longer than dogs) then when let it out, the routine is back to the norm.
But the cat needs to know you mean what you say and have the rank to tell it to or not to do something.

I'd rather work with dogs ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

hope that helps

valerie

Don't know much about training cats, but why can't you keep it in a crate? I would not want it around my baby's bed, that's for sure. Too many claws and teeth with too few manners, sounds like to me.

Cats don't respect anyone but themselves.

Shut the kids bedroom door.. or get rid of the cat.

Would you lie to borrow my Husky for a few days?

Ok, cats need to claw (the sofa problem), it's their exercise. Since your cat has shown a preferance for the furniture, try getting a couple of sisal mats (I like the woven kind). Two places to put these is one by the litter box (which will give good results) and the other in the family area (I have mine under the coffee table). The cats like their stuff to be included with the family too.

Keep your trees out of reach (ie: not next to counters, tables ect...) where your cat can't reach it. Put aluminan foil on top of the pot to *try* and discourage jumping up. Some cats don't like the feel or sound of it.

Does your cat have toys? Buy some, this may discourage the chewing if the cat is bored. My cat loves anything she can sink her teeth into, including my feather duster. Some cats like ping pong balls, some fuzzy mice, experiment. Since your cat is a chewer, I'd recommend the fuzzy mice.

Just like a dog, introduce the toy animately and play with the cat. My cat actually fetches and brings it back to me. A bit annoying when you wake up and your bed is full of cat toys. But she likes her toys, it keeps her busy (and out of trouble).

If I don't want my cats on something, I don't make it accessible and I let them know I don't want them there. Usually if a cat gets away with something the first few times, it will always push the issue. Find out if the husband lets the cat on the counters, you may have your answer. I wouldn't expose your baby to the cat, all the dander and stuff, so isolate that room.

Once you get your cat some toys and scratching mats, you may find your problems diminishing. And it is true, you have to earn a relationship with a cat, but it can't be done like a dog, cats just don't submit. Usually playing and affection is all they need to make a friend and in deterring unwanted behavior, you have to offer guidance and alternatives. Still use your tone of voice and "no" to display your displeasure, as you guessed it, cats are pretty smart and catch on quick.

Maggie, sounds like you know a lot about cats and have some pretty good advice.
My son's wife has tought all three of theirs to give kisses when asked ..that's pretty gross to me and don't want a cat licking me in the mouth, but it is funny to see. And my son plays hide and seek with one of them. Pretty funny when a 25 year old big tough KEMPO blackbelt plays hide & seek with his cat. But they all love it when they play with them.

Wow! Thanks everyone!

My husband doesn't want her to do any of the the bad stuff I mentioned but the cat doesn't misbehave around him! ?! He never has punished her for anything but biting him hard (and she got it good too!) She kisses his butt all day and I feed her and change her litter. He is the one that plays with her though since I take care of our baby.

If I catch her around my plant I tell her "no" and she darts off! I have to spend the next 10 seconds chasing her around the house before I can catch & smack her. Isn't it too late to punish her? She probably isn't even relating the punishment to the crime by then, right?
Is it ok to lure her near the plant to catch her in the act? I can't seem to see her eating it but I see the leaves eaten later. Same with the crib- I never see her in it but there's evidence she has been there.

You're correct. By the time you chase and then catch her its too late. And I'm not a big fan of (ok.. more like hate) "smacking" (I'm assuming hitting) any animal either.

Try a google search on "cat training". There are few articles that might help. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />