Counters Are Off Limits!
If you’ve read any of the previous blogs you’ll know that cats and discipline just don’t go hand in hand. If that’s the case you might ask yourself how you discourage your beloved feline from jumping up on counter tops! Although discipline isn’t the answer, there are some behavioural techniques you can use to get your message across.
Firstly though you need to make sure your cat has enough living space in your house. This doesn’t just include floor space – it includes vertical space, areas where your cat can jump up and climb. If you want to discourage this from on furniture you need to provide cat trees, cat shelves and cat gyms that are available from pet stores.
Next you need to establish which areas are off limits to your cat. The only way you can do this is by using what is called ‘negative reinforcement’. The cat experiences something it dislikes every time he or she jumps up on the counter. However bearing in mind cats can become fearful if they feel you are disciplining them they must not associate the negative experience with you the owner. You also need to be consistent and ensure that the cat doesn’t become stressed.
Water sprays are slightly controversial. Some people see them as being cruel as a cat is instinctively frightened of water however they can be effective as long as the cat doesn’t twig that you are the water sprayer! Sudden noise from a compressed air can can also be effective but again you must ensure the cat doesn’t know you are pressing the trigger!
Some things I've noticed
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