NEED DESPERATE HELP! My cat... [Archive]

KarenS

02-23-2006, 07:37 AM

Sounds to me like you're all over the place with punishment - including some very cat-inappropriate punishments - and making the problem worse. Also the kitten is 6 months old. You have to give him time. He's not going to learn immediately.

First of all NEVER HIT A CAT. I'm not talking about from a pet-abuse perspective or from any "it's cruel" perspective. I'm talking about how hitting or "spanking" your cat not only is NOT going to make him/her obey, it's going to piss him/her off. Cats do NOT respond to being smacked, spanked, hit, tapped, or otherwise physically punished. To do so only makes the cat annoyed and encourages him to express his annoyance.

Pooping inappropriately - as Fuzzy said, could be an issue with his litter box or his litter. It could also be a sign of rebellion - you smack me, I"ll poop on your floor. And yes, cats really do think that way.

Wetting him in the shower? For what???? Unless the "crime" was directly related to being in the shower, you're just being cruel.

And again, I'll emphasise - at 6 months, this is a *kitten*. Of course he "just does not have the concept of listening or punishment." He's a baby. Patience, love, and gentle guidance in how you want him to behave is the way to train a baby. Not punishment and physical discomfort.

So, now that we've gotten that out of the way, describe some of the things you're doing that are leaving you at wits end, and maybe we can offer some suggestions to help.

Karen

tlew12778

02-23-2006, 07:51 AM

Just reiterating what the other said. He's still a kitten. Kittens have lots of energy and want lots of attention. I don't think we slept for the first year. It's like a human baby I think (don't have one of those yet). He will calm down as he gets older.

greenbunny

02-23-2006, 08:12 AM

Based on your description of what you've done, your cat is probably confused out of his mind. You obviously have no idea how to train or properly discipline an animal. But that's easily remedied. Speak to your vet about some good animal behavior books, and perhaps ask for a referral to a behaviorist. You are not going to be able to teach your cat how to behave until you first teach yourself. In that one paragraph, you've broken just about every major rule of pet parenting:

*no physical punishment (spanking)

*no punishment unrelated to the crime (wetting in the shower)

*no threatening his basic necessities (taking away food)

*no punishment unless caught in the act (they can't understand being punished for something they did even ten minutes earlier)

Negative punishments are always are a bad idea. Positive reinforcement is much more effective and results in a happy animal, not a fearful one. What you are doing now is likely to make your cat frightened and snappy, and may lead to aggression and biting.

ETA

Some books to start you off:

Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0895947102/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_14/102-4573552-2792154?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155)

How to Raise A Well-Adjusted Cat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140288546/sr=8-1/qid=1140707952/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4573552-2792154?%5Fencoding=UTF8)

How to Get Your Cat to do What You Want (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0449912280/sr=8-1/qid=1140707994/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4573552-2792154?%5Fencoding=UTF8)

A Foolproof Guide for the Care and Training of Your Cat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593374119/sr=8-4/qid=1140707994/ref=pd_bbs_4/102-4573552-2792154?%5Fencoding=UTF8)

allyray231

02-23-2006, 08:21 AM

You took his food away????? Humm he probably pooped on the floor becuase he is miserable

KarenS

02-23-2006, 08:25 AM

You took his food away????? Oof. I missed that the first time around.

NEVER ever ever ever ever ever ever ever take away basic needs like food and water. Ever.

That's not punishment. That's cruelty.

Karen

jnettie

02-23-2006, 08:30 AM

I'll add a little ITA with everybody, and a few solutions that worked for me and my nutty kitten.

*Inappropriate elimination - you do have to find the root of why, because cats generally avoid the litterbox for a reason. For example, mine will do it if I don't clean it often enough. Would you want to go to the bathroom in a dirty bathroom? Try a different brand of litter. Scented ones can sometimes bother kitties, too, so maybe try an unscented brand. If you catch him in the act, say "No!", grab him by the scruff, and place him in the litter box.

*overactive/bitting in play - When Jade was a kitten, I basicly had to walk around with a pocket full of toys. She always wanted to play, and when kittens play with each other they wrestle and bite each other. She decided that my toes and ankles would replace her kitten pals. So, I'd redirect her energy. If she was attacking my feet, I'd pull a ball out of my pocket, let her see it, then toss it. Off she'd go.

Also, I'd have to be sure to play with her when I came home for at least 10 to 15 minutes, otherwise she'd be a terror. She was bored all day and wanted to play and wanted love and attention. Just spending a little time with her right away would usually calm her down.

*Finally, have you had him neutered yet? At 6 months is the correct age for this. Once he's been neutered, he should calm down a bit.

This website, kittencare.com/ (http://kittencare.com/), helped me so much. Nearly any question is answered. If not, you can write in with your own.

greenbunny

02-23-2006, 08:34 AM

Also, a follow-up re: the defecating outside the box--check out my thread here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=12169) about dealing with that, and you'll see how long and involved the process can be.

chefker

02-23-2006, 08:40 AM

Oof. I missed that the first time around.

NEVER ever ever ever ever ever ever ever take away basic needs like food and water. Ever.

That's not punishment. That's cruelty.

Karen

Agreed. The only exception (and this is what I do with my dog--I don't have a cat, so perhaps this does not apply), is limit his water intake after 9 p.m.; the purpose being, so he won't have to pee in the middle of the night. He's generally asleep before this time anyway, so it's kind of moot.

What greenbunny has posted really covers it all. He's still a kitten, he doesn't know! Domesticated animals generally want to learn and please their owners. There are a wealth of resources out there to employ positive reinforcement in training your kitten.

msnicolea

02-23-2006, 08:43 AM

"learning from his mistakes? He's a CAT. Please seek some professional help either through books or by talking to a vet--you are treating this animal very badly and should not own a cat if you don't have the patience/knowledge required.

greenbunny

02-23-2006, 08:50 AM

Addendum:

Regarding taking food away, let me clarify. For some animals, free-feeding is not the best choice. Some animals do not monitor their food intake well, and eat whether hungry or not. Some are territorial about food in a multi-pet household. Some need supervision for medical reasons. We have scheduled feeding times for one of our cats (who is closed off from the other cat, for reasons explained in the thread I linked a few posts above)and so she does not have constant access to food. But that is certainly different than taking away a scheduled feeding as punishment, and she always has fresh water, changed three times per day.

KarenS

02-23-2006, 08:51 AM

The only exception (and this is what I do with my dog--I don't have a cat, so perhaps this does not apply), is limit his water intake after 9 p.m.; the purpose being, so he won't have to pee in the middle of the night.Yeah, this generally doesn't apply with cats because of the litter box thing. But also, it's a bad idea to limit water intake on male cats especially. Male cats are highly prone to urinary, bladder, and kidney infections, so they should ALWAYS have plenty of fresh, clean water to drink at all times. A urinary issue in a male cat is often fatal .. their bodies are so small that any infection that keeps them from peeing properly can cause a toxic condition and kidney failure in short order.

Karen

jnettie

02-23-2006, 08:57 AM

Oh, and kittens poop a lot! They have such small intestinal tracts that they have to eliminate often. I found I had to clean the box more often with one kitten than with two adult cats!

IrisHope

02-23-2006, 08:59 AM

Have you tried throwing him off the balcony? I find that works.

shopaholic

02-23-2006, 10:11 AM

WOW.

I agree a lot with what everyone is saying. Pehaps having a kitten is not the best thing for you? There are tons of loving homes that would love to have your kitten.

wendalah

02-23-2006, 12:31 PM

I think you should consider giving up the kitten and adopting an adult cat. Even seasoned pet owners find raising little ones to be challenging and requiring much patience.

kam

02-23-2006, 02:11 PM

You know, if I were a baby of the feline variety, was confused, didn't have any direction and then got hit for it without any modicum of understanding why, I'd poop on your floor too. Get thee to a vet to rule out any medical reason. If you can't afford it, there are plenty of rescues who would gladly accept a kitten. Give the kitten a chance if you really "love" him.

KarenS

02-23-2006, 02:31 PM

I've been waiting to see if you'd respond at all with any more information so we can help you and make some reasonable suggestions. I'm rather bothered that you haven't for a cat you claim to "love to death". Regardless, I'll leave you with this warning: If you continue treating your cat the way you describe, not only is he never going to "behave" in the way you want him to, you're going to wind up with a surly, vicious, hostile cat. He will alternately hide from you and swipe and bite at you, and probably poop and pee everywhere but in his box. He certainly will not turn into a cuddly lap cat. He'll become anti-social to the point that you won't want him and he'll be unadoptable by anyone else.

Please ... learn how to properly care for a kitten and how to properly train him. Not because of what anyone on this thread says, but because the cat doesn't deserve the life he'll live otherwise.

Karen

ObscureDame

02-23-2006, 05:01 PM

Ok....

Well first of all I didn't know whether to post or not because I knew asking for help could either help me or put me in a hole. I noticed that many are very criticial around here when you really don't even know what the person is actually going through. But you know what I respect all of you even if all your input was ...for example from IrisHope..."have you tried throwing him off the balcony." Come on ... I guess as a parent who's never owned an animal because was forbidden all her life needs a bit training themselves. But I love my cat to death and am very attatched to him. When I first saw him it was love at first sight for me. But any way I guess I should explain my actions on how I do them and why....and for how often or how not hard so all of you can get a clearer picture.

Wetting him in the shower: I only do it when he actually goes in, and no I don't dip him in like if he was in a tub of water. I turn the water on really quick and turn it off just as quick to wet his fur a little.

Taking away food: No I am not starving him to death. What I meant by that is I take it away from him for 5-10minutes.

Spanking: I do not hit him in the manner that you would think I was abusing him or hurting him in any way that would be malicious.

I love him to death and am very...maybe even overly affectionate with him. My hubby says I spoil him to much.

But anyway as to what he is doing... He is scratching everything in the house with the exception of his scratching post. He gets on things he isn't suppose to. He grabs things that he isn't suppose to. He is just like a little Taz. We clean out his liter box often... unless if this time it wasn't to his exception.

He is nuetered. ...He also gets on top of the toilet and reaches a roll of tp and we find it when we get home shredded every where.

So any way that is what is going on. I do apologize for my actions. Like I stated in the beginning I guess even first time parents need training. And I'm not afraid to admit that. We just didn't know what to do. It got to the point to where I don't even do anything anymore because the second I tell him to stop he still does it a second later. I would really appreciate the help. And if it helps you to criticize me to help me then so be it. I appreciate all of you for your help.

mimieliza

02-23-2006, 05:27 PM

I think everyone really jumped all over you, and I'm sorry about that. I agree that spanking, yelling, or withholding food is unlikely to work with a cat, but I didn't instantly assume you were a cruel person who shouldn't own pets! You sound like a person at her wit's end who hasn't had a lot of experience with cats! :)

Honestly, I don't really think many cats are particularly trainable. While I do have a cat who responds to scolding and the spray bottle corrections, I've known many, many cats who don't bat an eye, or worse, get irritated and thus increase the undesirable behavior.

So, you have a couple of options: let some stuff slide, find ways to make the right behaviors more attractive and the wrong behaviors less attractive, or pick a few major issues to focus on. For instance, I could handle a cat on the kitchen counter, but I draw the line at poop on the kitchen floor. :)

Some stuff just goes with having a cat. I pretty much admit that any surface in the house is fair game for my cat, Neenah. I just wipe down the table and counters before preparing any food there. We haven't died from cat disease yet. :)

The shower is definitely Neenah's favorite place to hang out. She likes it when the water drips.

While he's young, you may have to adapt your house - take down or tie up long drapes, cover parts of the furniture he scratches in foil or plastic, put away breakables. He WILL calm down eventually, but some stuff may never be safe (i.e. breakables on his favorite high shelf).

Multiple litter boxes are a good idea, even for one cat. If your litter box has a lid, try one without. If it doesn't have a lid, try one with a lid.

Many cats don't like traditional carpet scratching posts, plus, it teaches him that carpet is an acceptable surface to scratch. Many cats love cardboard scratchers like this (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 9310&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033671&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&bmUID=1140740582054). Not cute or fancy, but my cat and my mom's cats are crazy for these scratchers. Catnip can help attract the cat to the scratcher, too, although many kittens don't react to catnip. Also, a rough hewn log (like a large piece of chopped firewood) from outside makes a great natural scratching surface.

Another option is making one cat-proof room that you can put him in to keep him and your house safe - at night for instance, or when you're not home. Make sure he doesn't spend too much time in there, or he may get bored, and you might see some behavior problems related to that. But at least having one space he can't destroy may give you a break and some peace of mind.

I highly recommend Complete Kitten Care (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451206347/qid=1140740333/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-3723437-2528017?s=books&v=glance&n=283155) by Amy Shojai and Cats for Dummies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764552759/qid=1140740398/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-3723437-2528017?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)as great references. Both books have a lot of great ideas for understanding cat psychology and working with their natural behavior to come to solutions for problematic behavior.

ObscureDame

02-23-2006, 05:36 PM

Mimieliza,

Thank you so much for your kind words. They meant a lot to me. And after reading every post I felt completely like "shit"...And I'm sure they will even have something to say about that...BUT... JNETTIE!! OMG thank you so much for that website...reading just made me teary eyed... I am so going to try those things out. And yes I have came to the realization that he is only 6months and still a baby. So I will let him slide and just give him his time or try the stuff from that site. Thank you so much!!

jnettie

02-23-2006, 05:52 PM

Just remember, you don't own a cat, a cat owns you! I have to keep the paper towels in a drawer now because they'll get shredded if they are out. I also have one of those cats who enjoys knocking things off of high places. So, not knick knacks in places that she can get. Once, she knocked over an entire jar of jelly! Oh, the mess! But, she'll never stop. I squirt her if I see her, but otherwise she just won't stop.

Keeping cats off of things is very hard because they naturally want to be in high places. That means counters, couches, on top of the fridge... sometimes you can train them to stay off one thing, like the kitchen table, but mostly, no. It goes against their natural behavior.

Kittens are really really really really really really challenging!

Check out the Cat Moms thread. Read through it. You'll get a good idea of what to expect from cats there.

camberne

02-23-2006, 06:07 PM

Soft Paws also might help in saving your furniture. We have two cats and a dog. We haven't had too many behavioral problems (*knock on wood*) but the little one would get in our reclining couch and wreck havoc on the stuffing. We'd find it everywhere. My poor couch. She has since decided that there are many more desirable places to be than in there.

The biggest thing with any pet and discipline (as with very young children) is that you have to punish them immediately when they have done the dirty deed, whatever it is. Even ten minutes later, when you've discovered it, is too late. Although, when my guilty-conscience dog knows that he's done something bad when we've been gone, as soon as you find it and say "Scout" in a tone that he knows is bad, he runs for the bathtub for his "time-out". Cats aren't like that. My husband will flick the cats' ear if they try to eat food off his plate or get up on the kitchen counters. That has worked. He's had cats all his life and seems to know how to deal with them. I'm learning as I go along.

Oh... I think you handled all the criticism quite well!

KarenS

02-23-2006, 06:22 PM

I am sorry that you felt jumped on. I don't think that was my intent, but I will say that I get frustrated when people take on the responsibility of owning and caring for a living creature and don't bother to learn anything about the animal that they're taking responsibilty for. I wouldn't get a new type of pet - or any pet if I'd never had one before - w/out learning *something* about that animal. So maybe keep that in mind for the next time, ok? :) And please take that as a gentle scold and not an attempt to make you feel crappy.

I disagree with the poster who said that cats are mostly untrainable. I've had several cats and I've *never* had a problem with training them. They're not like dogs - they train differently. But they are all trainable.

Ok, on to specifics: Taking away food: No I am not starving him to death. What I meant by that is I take it away from him for 5-10minutes.Doesn't matter. Doesn't matter how long. Your cat needs to know that he can rely on you for his basic needs. There are two ways to feed a cat (basically, with variations). Either you'll feed him a fixed amount twice a day and he'll eat it and then you won't leave any food out at all. Or you'll leave food out for him to graze throughout the day (this is what we do). Whichever you choose, do NOT then start taking food away. That tells the cat that you cannot be trusted and that he will have to start gulping his food before you remove it, or that he'll have to fight for his food. Never ever ever ever ever use food or water as a punishment for any reason ever.

Spanking: I do not hit him in the manner that you would think I was abusing him or hurting him in any way that would be malicious.Doesn't matter. Cats do not repsond positively to hitting. Hitting a cat will make him skittish and hostile. Always. You hit a cat and you're asking to get swiped at or bitten.

I love him to death and am very...maybe even overly affectionate with him. My hubby says I spoil him to much.YOu cannot be overly affectionate. Affection is what they will respond to best. If you love your cat, he will love you back.

But anyway as to what he is doing... He is scratching everything in the house with the exception of his scratching post. At 6 months you can't expect him to understand that scratching is only on the post - especially if you haven't been reinforcing it. Also some cats like different kinds of scratching surfaces - some like carpet, some like rope, some like cardboard. It may take some experimentation to learn what he likes best. Whenever he scratches something he's not supposed to use your voice - a loud, firm, strong "NO!". Then pick him up gently, take him to the scratching post and show him how to scratch there - again, gently. YOu may have to do this 100 times or more. Try rubbing the scratching post with some catnip, too. Some cats go crazy for the stuff and it will help.

He gets on things he isn't suppose to. He grabs things that he isn't suppose to. Again, a loud, firm, deep voiced "NO!"- even a firm hand clap to get attention (short, sharp noises and words work best)- combined with either removing the cat (like from the table) or removing the item he's swiped. Cat gets on the coffee table: "NO!" and pick him up and set him on the floor. Cat starts clawing at the sofa: "NO!" and pick him up and move him to the scratching post. Repeat ad nauseum. Our cat knows our "in trouble" voices now. All I have to do is deepen my voice and say "DOMINO!" and she stops what she's doing. Usually she goes and sits in the middle of the living room with her back to me - sulking! :) Pick a tone and a word and stick with it.

He also gets on top of the toilet and reaches a roll of tp and we find it when we get home shredded every where.Shut the bathroom door and make it impossible for him to do that. When you're home and the door is open, again "NO!" and move him to his cat toys.

It also sounds like he might not have enough to do and might be bored. Someone else said - play with him. Wear him out. Get one of those laser pointer thingies (you can get one taht runs on AAA batteries for like $10 at OfficeDepot). You'll be amazed at how your cat will react. Even at 8 years old, our cat chases it like a kitten. It wipes her out. Teach him to roughhouse without his claws. Our cat knows that she can be rougher with DH but when she roughhouses with me, she never puts out her claws, except at the very end, very gently, to let me know she's done. Again, if you're playing and he claws you or bites you "NO!" and push him gently away.

the second I tell him to stop he still does it a second later. I would really appreciate the helpOf course he does. You've got the equivalent of an 18 month old there. He's pushing his limits. He doesn't quite know what is forbidden yet, and he thinks .. maybe they're not talking to me. Llike I said, you'll have to work at this - and you'll say "NO!" and move him thousands of times in the next 3-5 months. But one day you'll realize that he not only is listening, but that he's not doing those things any more.

Things like the water spray bottle are good deterrents, but not at this age and not at the stage he's at. As he gets older, you may find that there are some things he's stubborn about and for *those* things, you can introduce the spray bottle as a further reinforcement of "badness". But not yet. He's too young to understand.

If there is someplace in particular that you really don't want him to sit/lie/scratch/whatever, you can also try buying some bitter apple spray or some citrus spray and isolating those areas. Some cats don't care, but some cats really dislike those strong odors and will avoid those areas.

As for the litter box thing - a cat who is confused and frustrated and insecure will poop, pee, and otherwise mark territory. It's their way of ... I dunno ... both rebelling and trying to carve out space for themselves. In the cat world, cats mark their territory and another cat won't enter it - so if he's marking it means he's needing a safe place. The more secure your cat feels, the more consistent you are with discipline and reward, the less likely that your cat will act out by marking and pottying all over the place. Keep the box scrupulously clean and - as with anything else - if you see him starting to pee or poop, "NO!" and pick him up and put him in the box.

I hope this helps you out. Cats are wonderful animals, but you cannot expect them to understand and know right off the bat. Be patient, be persistent, and be loving and you'll have a great pet.

Oh and as far as the shower thing: I wouldn't worry about it. Let him hang out in there if he wants. Domino sits on the dge of the tub every morning until DH gets out of the shower and then she gets in and licks shower water off the side of the tub. It's her thing. She comes out damp and spiky looking and then blames us cause she's wet! :) I actually think it's kind of cute in a demented sort of way!

Karen

KarenS

02-23-2006, 06:28 PM

Oh, one more thing that reading jnettie's post made me think of:
I have to keep the paper towels in a drawer now because they'll get shredded if they are out. I also have one of those cats who enjoys knocking things off of high places. So, not knick knacks in places that she can get.You have to think of a pet - any pet - as like having a child in some ways. You cannot introduce a new living creature into your home and not expect things to change. Just as you have to childproof with a child (for months and years) you will have to change some things to accomodate your cat. If he consistently shreds the toilet paper, it might mean never actually putting the paper on the roller, rather putting it in a basket on back of the toilet. Or it might mean learning to always shut the bathroom doors, when before you left them open. Or it might be learning that you simply cannot leave pencils on the table. Sometimes you just have to accept that's the way it is and work around it.

Karen

camberne

02-23-2006, 06:33 PM

Or it might be learning that you simply cannot leave pencils on the table. Sometimes you just have to accept that's the way it is and work around it. Definately. We have learned that anything that is on the kitchen table (which is where we mostly read mail and do homework) or on our island (again, a mecca for paperwork - we eat out a lot) has the potential to end up on the floor at any moment in time. The cats are really good at clearing the table!!

Sazoo

02-23-2006, 06:40 PM

I don't have too much new advice to add...now that you've provided more details of the behavior problems you're experiencing you're getting some great advice on how to handle it, IMO.

What I can offer you is sympathy - like others have said, kittens are challenging! They really are like small children & it can take a LOT of time & patience to train them how to behave properly in their new home. I have a cat who is 3 1/2, & there were times when she was a kitten that she drove me batty! Heck - she still does now sometimes! :p But even with all of the frustration & havoc cats can create in your home at times, they usually add so much joy & love that it makes it worth your while to be patient with them until they learn how to be a "good kitty".

Someone mentioned rope scratching posts - this is what I've always used for my cats & they love them. They tear about one post a year to shreds...but it keeps them off of our furniture for the most part so I'm willing to keep buying new posts when needed. I really believe in the idea that providing a scratcher that is covered with something other than carpet helps cats not associate scratching on the post with scratching on the floor/furniture. ;) Here's a picture of the type of posts my cats like:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000633NZK.01-A2LDZGFAGG1QXE._PE10_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Also, based on advice from a friend, I bought some of this Museum Gel last year to secure some of my more fragile knick-knacks so that my younger cat could no longer entertain herself by knocking things off onto the floor constantly. It works really well, doesn't harm the knick-knacks, & is removable.
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002V37XY.01-A3DRKN6SKDIOQJ._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Good luck with your kitty!

wendalah

02-23-2006, 06:43 PM

The cats are really good at clearing the table!!

On a related note--I've become VERY neat and good about picking up my dirty clothes since getting a dog. If you leave a pair of socks or undies on the floor...he eats them! So I just look for the silver lining.

silvergrey

02-23-2006, 07:52 PM

You’ve gotten some great advice! I just wanted to add something re: scratching. Cats like to both “pick” at stuff and also do long, full-stretch “raking.” So it will help if you can provide different types of scratching posts that meet both needs. Those cardboard scratchers are great for picking. Consider something like this (maybe even two on top of each other), for raking:

http://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/standard/SpringCatalog05/57118_41405.jpg

Also, one thing that’s working for me is to put scratching surfaces near the places my cats like to scratch. For example, they *love* scratching the carpet on the stairs, so I got a cardboard scratcher to put near the stairs. When your kitty scratches the wrong object and you tell him "No!," it's better if the scratching post is *right there* so you can take him to it immediately. :)

Tonysweetie

02-23-2006, 08:25 PM

I feel your pain. I have a 11 month old kitty (1 year old in 6 days:eek: ) Anyways, we adopted him when he was 2 months old. He had sooooooooo MUCH ENERGY....and still does....Well anyways I've learned that the best punishment is by far the spray bottle. Although the trick isyou have to spray your kitty while he's in the act. Max was terriable about getting on my kitchen counters, shredding the TP, getting on top of the fridge, etc. etc. etc. Well I've finally broken him of all those things using the spray bottle. He still has his "mess ups" every now and then but he's getting tons better. He still has oodles of energy but he's my baby and I love it! You'll learn and he'll learn as the months pass by. You just need to find a way to punish him w/o it being harmful and a way that he understands. I can't help you on the litterbox thing...Max was really good at it from day 1. He's maybe had a couple mess ups since we got him. Make sure he has plenty of toys to distract him from getting into trouble. I have 2 sctrach posts for Max but he still gets my couch all the time. He also loves to hang out in the shower but it doesn't bother me. Cats can be hardwork but they also can be the best thing that has ever happened to you. There are some days that I could litterally just scream b/c Max pisses me off but I've realized that he's just as frustrated as I am sometimes. Good Luck!!! really you should check out the Cat Moms thread there is TONS of advice in there. :D

fuzzy

02-24-2006, 05:22 AM

Well, you have a perfectly normal kitten. He is doing things that kittens do. I'm not trying to jump on you, but...deal with it. Really, he's a baby -- you're going to have to tolerate. And, you have to understand that most people on this board are pet lovers. Its one thing if people have sporatic training questions or need more information about a specific problem, but -- at the risk of speaking for other people -- its very frustrating to hear stories of people who adopt/buy an animal and it becomes apparently clear that they have done no research nor do they have at least some basic information about animal behavior.

But let me reiterate: NEVER, EVER, EVER, ***EVER*** HIT OR SPANK THE CAT. No matter what. It'll make things worse. Much worse. Taking the food away is...well, pointless.

Everyone has given you good advice, but remember -- cats climb by nature. They feel safe when they are high or on top of things. I have four cats and three large kitty condos. Still, my guys climb all over counter, shelves, furniture...you name it, they're on it. Again, if you want a cat, then you're going to kinda have to tolerate this. Yes, cats are trainable and you can strongly urge them to stay off of places like counters. But, personally, I think its some what mean when people chase their cats off furniture. I know people disagree, but all I can think of is that the poor cat is just being a cat.

You'll still have to describe the litter box set up better. Being clean is only one factor and cats can be complicated. Where is it? Is it private? Are there any mechanical devices (furnaces, washing machines, hot water heaters) around it? Is it covered? Are you using litter box liners? What type of litter are you using? Is it near his food? Etc., etc., etc.

greenbunny

02-24-2006, 06:19 AM

I apologize if you feel jumped on...I had actually tried to offer helpful info. Please realize that people here were extremely concerned, because your description of the situation is basically the poster child for creating a problem pet. The way you have gone about things thus far is not good, but there's nothing stopping you from using a variety of resources to educate yourself about how to improve.

Anyway, another item to remember for the future: kittenhood isn't the only difficult stage in your life with your cat. Another hard time is around 1-2 years of age. This is when your cat will socially mature (teenager). This is most prevalant if you have multiple cats. They will test boundaries and try to work out their place in the social structure of the home. They may revert to destructive behaviors and do things you've previously trained them out of. They will torment other cats, and relationships that were fine before will become strained. But this, like kittenhood, is also temporary.

As far as climbing: the more vertical space you have in your home, the happier your cat will be. To a cat, more places to climb = a larger home in square feet. Consider buying a cat tree like this (http://www.catsplay.com/open_platform.php3) or some window ledges like this (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=25343743 02023690&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302029623&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775865&bmUID=1140787323583&itemNo=2&Ntt=window&In=All&previousText=window&N=2).

Many people adopt kittens because they are adorable and then become overwhelmed. You are not the first person to be in this situation, and you won't be the last. Just teach yourself how to properly respond to inappropriate behaviors, and in no time you will be comfortable giving out advice here, too.

southhavenjen

02-24-2006, 06:36 AM

It does sound like you have a normal kitten! I adopted two kittens at the same time and they were terrors for the first year of their lives. They broke so much stuff with their running around and chasing each other - they'd literally knock lamps off of end tables and break them. I went to work bleary-eyed many mornings because I was kept up all night with their playing and knocking things over. It was frustrating, but eventually they do grow out of the rambunctiousness. That first year REALLY is like having a new baby in the house. People have given you great advice here, so I won't elaborate on the training or things you can do - what is listed here is spot on. My cats are 11 now and they are much more mellow - although they still will occasionally wrestle and play rough! They are just much more careful now.

{b}

02-24-2006, 01:19 PM

For the scratching post, have you tried sprinkling and rubbing it with dried catnip? That makes it MUCH more appealing to the kitten. Plus, be sure to PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE the kitten EVERY time you see him near or using the scratching post. If he's scratching furniture or something you don't want him scratching, firmly say no, pick him up gentle, calmly, and take him to the scratching post. You can even try gently rubbing his paws on the post to get him to see that's where he's allowed/supposed to scratch.

Scratching is a very innate, natural, normal, pre-programmed kind of thing. It feels good, AND it gets his scent on your stuff. You just need to re-direct it.

For the toilet paper, he'll probably outgrow that. Until then, keep the bathroom door closed all the time.

For the pooping, is he ill? Did he just not make it to the box? I have only had that happen a couple times, when Neo was a kitten, and it was becuase he was just too wrapped up in playing to realize he needed to go NOW, you know? Just like a toddler wetting their pants, sometimes it happens.

Is his litter box in a quiet, not-well trafficked area? If it's too near the dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer/dryer anything like that, the "random" noises those machines make can really be quiet scary - he can't predict when they are going to start making noise, and that scares him.

I don't understand the water thing. Do you not want him in the tub/shower? Most cats LOVE shower water and will go in and lick up after you bathe. If you don't want him in there, close the bathroom door.

Really, I do have to reiterate, "spanking" or any type of hitting, no mater how lightly, will do nothing to help correct behaviors you don't like. If anything, it'll make him act out more.

Most cats really mellow out right around a year.

ObscureDame

02-24-2006, 04:54 PM

Thank you girls!!

I really do appreciate everything and reading all your posts has and reading websites you have provided has really helped. I feel assured now. I really do love my kitten and I know he loves us because he shows it. One of my favorite things he does when he's on me is he'll put his lips on mine and he does that to my hubby as well. I always tell my hubby ..awwww he's giving us kisses. He is always following us around...like in the mornings when i'm trying to get ready for work he literally is like my shadow *laughs*... and I say "Bailey, NO" but not because I don't want him being affectionate... I'm just afraid to step on him. When I'm sitting on the bed trying to put my make up on he's always giving me..kisses... *laughs.* Oh and he LOVES playing with my hair bands..the poiny tail kind... he can't get enough with those. I always watch him because even though he loves to play with them and doesn't try to eat them there's always a frist time for everything. But when I go to bed at night I sleep with a poiny tell and i'll be sleeping when i feel his teeth in my skull and on the poiny tail where he's trying to take it off.. *laughs*... he does that when i'm sitting on the recliner too... I also like when I'm getting mad at him and he starts it seems like talking...i'll tell him not to talk back to me and that its his fault he got in trouble..it almost seems like he has to have the last word...i think that's cute... I'm always talking to him...like a baby...in baby talk...is that wierd? *laughs..* ... I guess this was hard for me...but it looks like we are both exploring one another and it is kind of nice. I do treat him like a child...cause that's what he feels like to me...he's my baby. Maybe i needed to put up that post so all of you could open my eyes. Yes many might think its common sense to look up info...but some times when you want something so bad...you don't think about it. I do love him infact when we got him and even now any little thing I call my friend in Texas to ask her questions because she worked with a vet for 5yrs. She even tells me...
"OMG you're too protective...and its normal for this and that." But I will continue reading and looking into sights. But the insight all of you have given me has helped so much. I will try the things provided here and on the websites. I told my husband all of you gave me hope.

I do have another question...my husband is always making fun of me...but I mentioned on another post how i was extremely and probably overly affectionate with him...can cats get a complex with that? I'm always picking him up, holding him, kissing all up on his face...i love his cute face!! i can't help it. Should I back off a little?

p/s sorry for all the misspelled words.

mimieliza

02-24-2006, 05:38 PM

can cats get a complex with that? I'm always picking him up, holding him, kissing all up on his face...i love his cute face!! i can't help it. Should I back off a little?

No way! He'll let you know when he's had enough. Until then, snuggle and love on him all you want. That's what pets are for! :)

annie_girl

02-24-2006, 05:43 PM

Everyone has offered great advice, but I only have a few things to add. :)

THe litter box and food/water need to be far away from each other. If in the same room, should be on opposite ends of the room. Cats do not like to eat where they go potty. Since they have no choice where their food is, they may just go somewhere else.

When a cat pees or poops in front of you, and you think they are doing it on purpose THEY PROBABLY ARE, it could mean they are sick. Particularly peeing (UTI or kidney infection, deadly within a day or two!!)

Catnip - not sure what the exact age is, but they won;t react to it until they are 6 months to a year. Can't remember which, but it surprised me when I read it.

Spray bottle - you must use this ONLY in the act. The second they stop the bad behavior, you must stop the spraying. THE SECOND they stop. If you spray after they've stopped, you've just taught him that you are spraying to be mean, and they will not learn anything. One spray is usually effective. If it takes two sprays or more, and they are still doing the behaviour, then you need to try something else. A loud clap and a NO! works for my cats.

I got my cats when I moved into a new place (fully furnished) it had an ugly chair in it, and I let them scratch it since I planned to throw it away. 7 years later, I still have it, I recover it for them, and it is their chair. They have not scratched any other furniture. When I got a new couch, to make SURE they wouldn't start scratching it, I put tape (clear) sticky side up on all the corners. I left it there then, because for a while my sister's cat lived with us.

I can't leave q-tips, socks, toilet paper, anything fleece or wool laying around because my one cat Zeke litterally eats it. I no longer scold him because I usually dont't notice till it's been done. So the TP stayed up high or in the cabinet. Paper towels stay under the sink. Socks ALWAYS go in a drawer or closet. It's a pain, and sometimes I forget, and there's nothing I can do about it when I find a sock half eaten. It's too late.

I also can't light candles or keep glass trnkets or decorations around. The candles is for their safety and the glass is because they will knock it down. :rolleyes: It's just them, so I can't get mad.

I don't eat at my dining room table often. I usually eat in the kitchen or living room, or not at home. So they don't get it that's it's the table. I cannot possibly enforce keeping them off the table, since I'm not home often, and when I am, I'm usually not eating at it. It's just a fact of life. When I have guests over we eat in the dinning room and so I have to just remove the cats from the table if they jump up, put them on the screened in porch (if it's warm out) or just watch to make sure they aren't about to jump up. Some of my friends don't get it, and *can't believe* I let them on the table. But really, what good is punishing them if I can't reinforce it? (cause I'm not home and/or don't use the table)

Wow, I didn't think I had that much to say. :) The best thing of all to remember is, what ever your method, stop the second the cat stops the bad behaviour. My friend once told me her cat continued *whatever the behaviour can't remember what* even thought she sprayed water on her *chasing the cat around the house for 5 minutes* I was horrified. So remember, only clap loud and say NO! once (or twice if kitty doesn't respond at first)

Best wishes!!!!

KaliLily

02-24-2006, 05:50 PM

The spray bottle of water wasn't very effective with Lily, so I added a little vinegar to the water. I read the tip online somewhere years ago. She responded better to that.

I also read that cats respond to loud noises, so if they are doing something bad a VERY loud "NO!" may do the trick. I also scream loudly if with cat does something that hurts me - which isn't difficult to do because often it REALLY hurts and I can't help but scream! Like when Lily was a kitten and wanted up on my lap while I was on the toilet. She jumped up and wound up sinking her front and hind claws into the side of my left thigh. :eek:

One thing I've done with Lily when she's done something bad is pick her up immediately by her scruff, turn her towards me and firmly shout, "NO!" then put her back down. She's still a bit of a monster, but her behavior has improved significantly from kitten to 5 yr old.

KaliLily

02-24-2006, 05:54 PM

No way! He'll let you know when he's had enough. Until then, snuggle and love on him all you want. That's what pets are for! :)

Lily hated being picked up and snuggled when she was a kitten, but I kept it up because I love to hug her. :) Now she's a snuggle junkie, but it usually has to be on her terms. :rolleyes:

silvergrey

02-24-2006, 06:07 PM

Catnip - not sure what the exact age is, but they won;t react to it until they are 6 months to a year. Can't remember which, but it surprised me when I read it.

I can't believe I'm about to post this :o but I think you guys will get a kick out of this little factoid. Cats don't respond to catnip until they're 6 months or so b/c it appears to stimulate the same receptors that sex pheromones stimulate. Cats don't get those receptors until they're approaching puberty, so... Ever wonder why a cat who's all hopped up on the catnip acts much like a cat in heat--rolling around on the floor, rubbing their head on things, etc? The funny things you learn in vet school!

{b}

02-24-2006, 06:45 PM

This one's six months or so, so she has a shot at him liking the 'nip.

ObscureDame

02-24-2006, 08:23 PM

HE loves the catnip toys, but we bought a catnip spray to spray on his scratch post and that didn't phase him at all... LoL.

jnettie

02-24-2006, 08:39 PM

Kitty kisses! I got Jade to do kitty kisses as a kitten, and at 3 she'll still do it. I put my face up to hers and say "give me a kiss"!

She also used to follow me around all the time, so when she was really little I'd put her on my shoulder so I wouldn't step on her, kinda like a pirate with a parrot. Inadvertantly, I trained her to follow me into the bathroom :rolleyes: so now she cries if I shut the door and don't let her in.

I think half the cats I've had have been fascinated by the shower. Jade has to jump in and watch the water drain as soon as I'm done. Weirdo.

Silvergray - that makes so much sense! Kinda like women and chocolate, huh? ;) (BTW...love your sig!)

ObscureDame

02-24-2006, 08:53 PM

Yes...that's another thing he has a habit.. I don't close the bathroom door all the way so he'll come in and sit infront and wait for me...*laughs*... but he's gotten use to me wearing girl boxers or sweat pants with strings... what he does is i'll be sitting doing my thing and he's going CRAZY with my strings as they dangle... now THAT's weird!! ... well a few minutes ago I had to tinkle...so I go and he follows me in and he is giving my jeans this odd look like... "ugh where are the strings to this thing." *LAUGHS*...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce02b3127cce9494cfa84e4c00000016108AcOGbZu3cOY

Here's my baby...he's a lot bigger now though... this is a bit older about 3 or 4 months.

greenbunny

02-24-2006, 09:38 PM

Bella will tug hard on my hair if she can get above and behind me. I think that's fairly common. She also follows DH around in the morning. They are attention starved while you sleep all night, so they pounce when you get out of bed. He sets aside about 20 minutes each morning to play with her and her cat fishing toy. If you have planned playtimes, that will help work out all that excess energy and also give him confidence in regularly scheduled attention. Generally you should play with them about 30 minutes a day from a health perspective (like cardio recommendations for a person).

If Bailey is unhappy with the physical affection, he will let you know. If you pay close attention, you will learn and interpret his body language. If his pupils get big, or his ears go back, or his back stiffens, he probably wants to be left alone.

My two girls will go limp as soon as they feel my hand under their armpits to pick them up. If they stay stiff and don't "give" when I do it, I know they don't want to be held, and I leave them alone.

Also their meows are fun to learn, too. My girls chitter and chirp when they are lonely or lose track of us in the house. The long piercing meows are accusatory, like if their dinner is late. Short meows are requests for attention.

ObscureDame

02-25-2006, 07:29 AM

If Bailey is unhappy with the physical affection, he will let you know. If you pay close attention, you will learn and interpret his body language. If his pupils get big, or his ears go back, or his back stiffens, he probably wants to be left alone.

He gives that look when we are playing and he's ready to attack my hand cause i'm playing with him. I like when I'm sitting at the recliner and he's far away from from me but in front position. I'll start moving my fingers in front of the arm rest and i'll move them back to make it seem as if i made them disappear...then I bring them to the front again so he can see them and then make them disappear again...even though he's like a mile away it seems like...he'll get in his crouching position ..his ears perk forward and his pupils get huge and then he quickly comes running for my hand...*laughs* I love when he gets that look...he reminds me of the cat from Shrek... too cute.

sarahh

02-25-2006, 07:54 AM

I'll start moving my fingers in front of the arm rest and i'll move them back to make it seem as if i made them disappear...then I bring them to the front again so he can see them and then make them disappear again...FYI...the book I have on raising a kitten says to never use your fingers/toes as a toy for your kitten. It encourages aggression and let's him think that it's ok to "attack" your hands and feet. That's probably where alot of his biting comes from.

I bought Kittens for Dummies when we first got our baby and it has been a great book. MY DH and I had never been cat owners and this book taught us alot!

{b}

02-25-2006, 09:55 AM

What a precious face!

Try dried catnip flakes from PetCo or wherever - the spray is really useless, I've found.

ysolde

02-26-2006, 12:57 AM

You have gotten such good advice here!

You cannot cuddle a cuddly cat too much! DH holds our younger cat like a baby, and she got all rag dolly, and purrs, and starts mushing at his face with her paws. Personally, I think she is flirting with him Our older cat likes to sleep on my legs. If I move, she meows, as if to say, "Excuse me, I'm sleeping here!"

johnny'sgirl

02-26-2006, 09:27 AM

Rather than yelling "no" to our cats (we've owned 4), we've always trained them to stop what they're doing by making a loud "pssssst" (hissing) sound. In the beginning, when they do something they're not supposed to, we'll jump up, run toward them, and make a "pssst" sound and then move them from whereever they are that they're not supposed to be (scratching the furniture, for example.) It usually only takes a couple of weeks before, when we make the "pssst" sound, they jump up and run a few feet away from whereever they are. Works really well.

Incidentally, it also works for when the cats are under the bed and we want them out of the bedroom.

justHB

02-26-2006, 05:24 PM

It sounds to me like you're not qualified to have a pet. Your treatment of him is absolutely unacceptable, no matter how frustrated you are. You're lucky he didn't shit on your head while you were sleeping. I would have.

And before you don't think I can possibly know what you're going through, I have a boy cat who wails all night long and a girl cat who pees on things when she's pissed at you, so yes ... I know exactly where you're coming from. Still ... your response to your cat's behavior border on abuse.

bethnjim

02-27-2006, 11:55 AM

Well, you have gotten a lot of great advise. One of the things we noticed when we got our kittens was that if we were consistent with correcting behavior that the kittens finally learned not to do certain things. FOr instance, getting on the dining room table. They still do it, but if my hubby or I walk in the room they give us a guilty look and slink off the table.

We have also learned that some things are just "cat like" such as ripping up an ENTIRE roll of paper towels. I don't mean just ripping they literally shredded it and I had to pick up all of these tiny pieces. It took me forever. We now know not to leave stuff like that laying around. It is just to much of a temptation to them! :D I can almost hear them giggle when I leave a roll on the downstairs table after cleaning and then come running back down to grab it before it is ruined.

Honestly, we had hard and fast rules when we first adopted our four kittens, but most have gone by the wayside. We adapted to them and they have adapted to us and we all co-exist together in our home. The "no sleeping with mom and dad" has NEVER happened and we now feel weird if they don't hop right into bed when we do at night.

Our cats also LOVE the shower and we think it is hysterical that they love it so much. We don't turn on the water, but they sit in the tub and look around. I think they like the cool tile on their fur. I tell you one thing though, I have nearly had heart attacks when I go into the bathroom, sit on the toilet and then see the shower curtain begin to move. Too many scary movies for me. The first time they did it, I screamed like a possessed woman. Our cat hopped out and just stared at me like I lost my mind. I was laughing so hard!!

I agree with the one poster that said cats are like babies. You have to have an adjustment period. Hang in there. They are SO worth it!!

ysolde

02-27-2006, 12:40 PM

Oh, good! I am not the only one who has jumped off the toilet, screaming, thinking a psycho killer was in the tub and about to attack me. :rolleyes:

So true. The first year with a cat is a huge adjustment for all. I learned the couch was theirs to tear up. They learned to wait until Mommy was sitting before running around like maniacs.

Kanga

02-27-2006, 04:18 PM

I haven't read through the whole thread so I'm sorry if some of these are repeats.

It seems to me that your cat IS learning if he's finding new stuff to get into and leaving the old alone. A kitten will test out everything he can get his little paws on. Do you have a cat bed for him? A scratching post with a perch? Just something they can call their own. We have cat beds for our 3 cats and that's where they go if they don't want to be bothered. We never give them any attention, etc just leave them alone if they're in there beds.

Disciplining - it sounds like your trying multiple things all at once. This will only confuse him. Find one thing, and stick to it. We use squirt bottles for 2 of them and now they run as soon as we reach. The other is a long hair, and as my dh calls him "slow" so he just hovers down and buries his head :rolleyes: So for him we stomp/clamp and yell in a firm voice NO or GET DOWN.

Litterbox - Nearly all healthy cats WANT to bury their waste. Again clap loudly (this is the only place we don't use the squirt bottle, otherwise they're likely to run and you'll never catch em, lol) and move him to the litter box. Once he's out of the box, give him lots of praise and a treat even if he hasn't gone. He'll associate the litterbox with positive reinforcement.

Body Language - Wagging tail. It's the opposite as dogs and this often confuses some people. If a cat is wagging his tail rapidly he wants you to stope whatever it is that you're doing -holding petting, give him space, etc) Same with the ears, when they go back, he wants you to stop (and if your cat is like mine, you've only got about 2.6 nano seconds to do it) Also growling and hissing obviously are signs that he's not happy. My cats always do it that order too, but I'm not sure if it's true for all cats. Wagging tail, ears back, growling, hissing. Sounds to me like you're missing these signs and the only way for him to get through to you is by biting or scratching. Try watching for these signs more closely and see if that improves. Cats for Dummies also has a lot more on body language and behavior.

First and foremost your cat (or any pet for that matter) has to learn to trust you. Trust that you'll stop annoying him when he gives those signs, that his food and water will always be there, that his discipline will always be the same.

pocket

02-27-2006, 04:50 PM

i also paired a "psssst" sound with a loud clap and NO! for years. Now that Mazzy is 7, a pssst sound is all it takes to get her to leave whatever it is she is doing. She's so used to the loud noise that follows the pssst, that she usually takes off the second she hears psssst. it literally takes years before your kitten will turn into a nice cat. just keep at it, and try to be patient. the results are well worth it. when i first got mazzy she was a freaked out feral unspayed 1 yr ols. she cried constantly and spent most of her time slinking around as close to the wall as possible while wailing at the top of her lungs. the only reason i kept her was that every night she would silently creep into the crook of my knee and purr like crazy until morning. we moved across the country and moved in with Pita and our late great dane mix, Pua. Mazzy hid behind a curtain for the first year. literally a year. You have to be patient with the cat, and expect that transitions will take longer than you think.

ObscureDame

03-01-2006, 05:17 PM

Ok Ladies an update. Well Bailey and I are starting to understand one another's grounds. He is listening more to me as I am listening more to him. He still wants to do what he isn't suppose to do even after my voice becomes loud but atleast now he stops. The shower thing... I let him go in there now. Before it was a big thing because I was afraid he would get to something and possibly try to drink it or whatever and that would scare me. But everything he can possibly get to is now in high places to where he can't reach. The affectionate part is still the same, I've always been affectionate with him since day one. Also since day one he's always been a loner type. He will seek affection when he wants it... but lately he's been sleeping in my arms. I'll pick him up and lean back on the recliner and he just falls asleep. I play a lot more with him. Before I did very little but because I didn't know how to play with him...but since he likes the strings to my pajamas so much I took them out made a knot and I move it around. He goes crazy!! I tired him out the night to the point where he slept the whole night..*laughs*... Things are getting better and I'm definitely not doing the things I was doing before. That is out of the picture.

But I am so proud though!!! I was told that for an indoor cat he doesn't have to be bathed but his fur was just looking disgusting. And he was starting to have an ordor almost like a body ordor. So we decided to give him a bath. Of course if he would of freaked we would of stopped...but he didn't!! I was amazed...my eyes even got watery because I was so happy. I know tons of cats hate water while there are some that like it... but he was fine with it. His fur now is soooooooooo soft and clean. I was sooo proud of him.

But anyway... I've done a lot of what many of you have stated here and it has helped so much. Once again I give my thanks.

KarenS

03-01-2006, 09:41 PM

Good for you - and good for you for taking the advice you got to heart and working with it.

Baths: Some cats don't need baths, but some do for whatever reason. And if you bathe them regularly while they're young, they do pretty well. Be sure to check with your vet on what kind of shampoo to use - you don't want to dry out Bailey's skin or anything. And make sure to keep him warm until he's dry!

K.

jnettie

03-01-2006, 10:55 PM

I'm glad you and Bailey are adjusting! I tell ya, cats are a hoot sometimes.

I think maybe now I'll share the story of the day I had to go to the emergency room because of Jade. She was about 4 or 5 months old, and she used to like to start at one end of the apartment and run full speed to the other end. Well, one morning, she decided to do this, ending her run by bounding across the bed onto the windowsill. Well, I was still in the bed, and she ran right across my face, ripping open my upper lip. DH (then FH) was just about out the door for work when I started screaming for him, as my face was bleeding. The man had to call in to work to take the day off for me because he had to take me to the hospital. Luckily, I didn't need stitches, but I did get a tetnis shot and had to take anti-biotics for a week. Plus, the hospital had to report Jade to Animal Control since technically this was an animal attack. Two more strikes and she's out.

Even after that, she didn't get punished, because after all it was just a freak accident. She didn't reach out and swat me or anything. I still have a scar on my face from that darn cat, though! So, if Bailey hasn't sent you to the emergency room, I think you're doing just fine. ;)

greenbunny

03-02-2006, 07:35 AM

Johnson's baby shampoo is fine for bathing your cat, according to my vet. But you can also buy special pet shampoo.

When we bathe Summer she lets us blow-dry her, but she's very laid back. I wouldn't do that with a normal cat. You can, however, turn up the thermostat to help things along.

Sometimes a cat will smell because they have bad breath (and they clean by licking). If you notice an odor that is constant, you might want to check his teeth for problems, or it could be a reaction or allergy to his food.

imagirliegirl

03-02-2006, 11:38 AM

a girl cat who pees on things when she's pissed at you

HB, my cat will do this too. It's so gross. Does she pee anywhere or just on something specific? Mine does it on laundry so I have to keep all of it off the floor. The other day I put my white velour pants on the floor and she got to them. I was so mad. But I had to be mad at me...dammit I knew better.

He is scratching everything in the house with the exception of his scratching post.

Clip his nails! I can't tell you what a difference it has made with my cat scratching. She still does it, but doesn't really damage anything because her nails aren't little talons. It's not easy and I only do it because my mom (a former groomer) taught me how. Plus, her nails are clear so I can see the vein. If you can't do it yourself take him somewhere and have it done. It really helps!

He gets on things he isn't suppose to.

I've had Princess for 4 years and she still does this. She just likes to jump up on things. All I can do is tell her to get down when I catch her doing it. I long ago gave up trying to keep her off.

He grabs things that he isn't suppose to.

That might not change either. Princess' favorite thing is necklaces. She loves them! I swear she can smell them. I could put one on the fridge and she'd know it was there, climb up there and steal it.

The thing about cats is, you just have to accomodate them. I know my cat will steal jewelry so I hide it. I learned long ago that I have to learn her patterns and adjust to them. Now I know that if she pees on laundry (which she does if it's on the floor) it's my fault for not keeping clothes off the floor. If she steals my jewelry it's my fault for leaving it where she can get it. It's just like having a kid. You have to keep crap out of it's reach that you don't want it to have.

We clean out his litter box often... unless if this time it wasn't to his exception.

Get a Littermaid or self scooping box. That way it will ALWAYS be clean.

He is nuetered. ...He also gets on top of the toilet and reaches a roll of tp and we find it when we get home shredded every where.

All you can do, again, is keep the door shut or hide the paper.

I'm the mom of a pretty bad cat. I've just learned to adjust to it. You just have to figure out what you can do to prevent the behavior. I've found that not leaving her anything to pee on or otherwise destory, she's a wonderful cat.