 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsGeneral TopicsCat AnecdotesHealth and BehaviorRescue CatKB.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2004Cats and getting on counter and tables -- healthy???
Hi, A friend of mine moved in (first roommate in years), and with her came two cats -- both boys, both fixed with front claws removed, one about 18 months (part simese part something else -- crosseyed) and one about 5 years old (calico and something else). Also my place is rather large, but we keep the bedroom and bathroom doors shut when not home so the cats don't roam where they shouldn't. I'm generally not an animal person and never had a cat, but I figured I'd give it a try. She and the cats moved in about 2 months ago, and the issues I thought I'd have (cat box, smell, etc) are not issues at all since she keeps the litter pan cleaned out and it's tucked back in the laundry room. THe problem is the cats get on the kitchen counters, tables, and all over the place where I didn't figure they'd go. How healthy is this? With their paws in the litter pan then on the counters do they track stuff everyplace? Also when cats sit do their butts touch the counter or whatever they're on? Sorry for the crazy questions, but though my roommate grew-up with cats, she couldn't answer these questions. The cats get on the counters and tables we use to fix food on and eat on, and though I've made it a habit to clean everything before preparing foods or eating, it just kind of grosses me out a bit. I'm generally a clean freak :) Thanks for any info or suggestions... I'd prefer the cats didn't get on the counters and tables at all - and they generally don't when we're home - but I was off yesterday and noticed everytime I walked into the kitchen they were lounging up there. I sprayed them with water, tapped their head (not hard or anything), and said NO... but didn't work. Thanks again, and take care, Ringo > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > water, tapped their head (not hard or anything), and said NO... but > didn't work. I would not recommend it. Just put the cats down when you see them on the counter and say NO! It worked for our cat Cali, who learned to jump up when we weren't looking. :) Now she's too old to jump up and the young one rarely jumps on the table. I believe a squirt bottle or tinfoil on the table are effective deterrents. > > Hi, > > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > I believe a squirt bottle or tinfoil on the table are effective deterrents. Hi Bill, I never thought about putting tinfoil or the squirt bottle on the counter. They have learned to run when we even lift the bottle, so that might actually work. Thanks for the suggestion! Ringo > They have learned to run when we even lift the bottle, so > that might actually work. See, they can be trained! >> I believe a squirt bottle or tinfoil on the table are effective >> deterrents. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Ringo Yes, but they may have learned to run *only* when you are around. My sister once thought she had "trained" her cats to stay off the counter. Then, once day when she was working in the yard, she looked at the house and saw one of the cats on the counter. By the time she entered the house, the cat had run to the other room and settled on the sofa -- looking completely innocent. I simply wipe down the counter and table before using them. MaryL > > > Hi, > > > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > counter. They have learned to run when we even lift the bottle, so > that might actually work. It will work only when you're around. All you'll be training your cats to do is to fear you. You'll also confuse them -because when you're not around jumping on the counter is ok. Cats learn by association, anticipation, and observation. What you need to do is train them by remote control, so: 1. they don't associate the correction with you, and 2.: they don't associate the correction only with your presence. IOW, the same thing happens when they jump on the counter whether you're present or not. If you want to teach a cat to stay off the counter whether you're there or not, tape a few pieces of cardboard together for the length of the counter; let the cardboard hang 10"-12" over the edge. Weigh down the back edge of the cardboard with a few empty soda cans with a few coins in them. Leave the kitchen. When the cat jumps up on the edge of the counter she'll land on the cardboard hanging over the edge - which will flip over and also catapult the soda cans with coins in them into the air - that will make a racket when they hit the floor. After the surprise of the short fall and the noise, I don't think you'll have to worry about "cats on the counter and licken' the spoon" (ba domp ba). You can also try a piece of clear plastic carpet runner upside down (with the nubs facing up). Make sure the nubs aren't too sharp (drag the runner over concrete if they are) - Cut the runner into strips to fit the areas of the counter where the cats jump on. With both of these methods, the result of jumping on the counter will be same whether you're present or not and most important - the cats won't associate the correction with you. Personally, I think you're overreacting - the cats sleep in your bed, right? The cats groom their coats with their tongues, right? You pet them, right? Do you know what else cats do with their tongues....? LOL! Phil > When the cat jumps up on the edge of the counter she'll land on the > cardboard hanging over the edge - which will flip over and also catapult the > soda cans with coins in them into the air - that will make a racket when > they hit the floor. This doesn't sound very good for the floor, however . . .  Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/pages/hodge.html > > When the cat jumps up on the edge of the counter she'll land on the > > cardboard hanging over the edge - which will flip over and also catapult the > > soda cans with coins in them into the air - that will make a racket when > > they hit the floor. > > This doesn't sound very good for the floor, however . . . He's not trying to train the floor.... :-> I don't think a few empty soda cans falling 3' will damage the floor... unless he lives in a house of playing cards. > > > When the cat jumps up on the edge of the counter she'll land on the > > > cardboard hanging over the edge - which will flip over and also catapult [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > I don't think a few empty soda cans falling 3' will damage the floor... > unless he lives in a house of playing cards. Hodge knocked some cans out of a cabinet that left dents on my kitchen floor; hence, the comment. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/pages/hodge.html hodgecat wrote: >Hodge knocked some cans out of a cabinet that left dents on my kitchen >floor; hence, the comment. Full soup/veggie steel cans are a whole lot different than EMPTY aluminum cans! I don't like cats on counters or tables - not that there isn't enough hair floating through the air, but it's nice to have SOME surface that isn't coated! I've become much more lenient about other surfaces over the years though, and some of it I'd go back to being stricter about. The cats DO eat on a counter in my laundry room, and are allowed up there obviously. They don't transfer it over to the kitchen counters though - they are pretty smart little beasts! OTOH, I allow them on coffee tables and a sofa table - something I never allowed with other cats - these guys obviously have me snowed. One thing that does help, is making surfaces available that ARE ok - good window ledges/seats, the cat tree, etc. Approved elevated surfaces made more appealing are more interesting than a boring old counter. I have to take a pic someday, but I have an island in my kitchen with 4 stools. Since it's just myself and DH most of the time, that means 2 are empty. Skip loves to sit on a stool, right at counter height, like he's waiting to be served. He seems forever hopeful, even though no meal has ever appeared before him. Janet Boss http://bestfriendsdogobedience.com/ http://photos.yahoo.com/bestfriendsobedience > hodgecat wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Full soup/veggie steel cans are a whole lot different than EMPTY aluminum > cans! I thought he said to fill them with coins, which would make them very heavy. By the way, Hodge is unfazed by the clatter of aluminum cans filled with coins. He's pretty much unfazed by anything. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/pages/hodge.html >I thought he said to fill them with coins, which would make them very >heavy. a FEW coins makes noise. Filled with coins would make them pretty solid and only result in a THUD. I wouldn't bother with the coins - a tower of cans makes enough noise as it is. They should fall and clatter easily when triggered. Janet Boss http://bestfriendsdogobedience.com/ http://photos.yahoo.com/bestfriendsobedience > > hodgecat wrote: > > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I thought he said to fill them with coins, which would make them very > heavy. Nope. I said "a few empty soda cans with a few coins in them" (i.e., 3-5 pennies). Soda cans filled with coins could hurt the cat if one landed on her. Also, filled cans wouldn't make much noise - the noise is the main part of the effect. > Nope. I said "a few empty soda cans with a few coins in them" (i.e., 3-5 > pennies). Soda cans filled with coins could hurt the cat if one landed on > her. Also, filled cans wouldn't make much noise - the noise is the main part > of the effect. That's what I get for skimming! Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/pages/hodge.html > hodgecat wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > I don't like cats on counters or tables - not that there isn't enough hair > floating through the air, but it's nice to have SOME surface that isn't coated! I don't want my cats on my kitchen counter for *their* safety - not mine - I don't want them jumping up while I'm preparing and cooking food - sharp knives hot pots. I'm not "germophobic"... and I'm used to spitting out hair.... >I don't want my cats on my kitchen counter for *their* safety - not mine - I >don't want them jumping up while I'm preparing and cooking food - sharp >knives hot pots. I'm not "germophobic"... and I'm used to spitting out >hair.... That would be why I wouldn't want the cats to jump up near the stove, but they have never expressed interest in doing so. Another option which works pretty well for us is just to keep so much junk on the counters there isn't room for cats to jump up. Only works if you don't have much counter space to begin with, I guess. Only one of our three cats is a jumper anyway--the other two don't want to expend calories needlessly--and while we really don't bother trying to keep her off the counters or tables, I think the main deterrent is that she has never found anything of much interest on the counter. For some reason none of our cats are interested in people food. >>I don't want my cats on my kitchen counter for *their* safety - not mine - I >>don't want them jumping up while I'm preparing and cooking food - sharp [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >cats to jump up. Only works if you don't have much counter space to begin with, >I guess. i found that the best way to deal with it is to pick her up, take her out of the kitchen and close the door. as soon as i take out a large mixing bowl, Shaina gets on the table and sits in it. or she sits on a cutting board. she has to sit on something that we are using at that exact moment. like textbooks. she also sits in the sink and watches the water. -L <snip> > It will work only when you're around. All you'll be training your cats to > do is to fear you. You'll also confuse them -because when you're not > around > jumping on the counter is ok. Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not there? I never leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact if they could come and go from the house without going through the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in the kichen at all. If I ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take 20 litres of Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. > Personally, I think you're overreacting - the cats sleep in your bed, > right? Yuk! What a horrible thought! > The cats groom their coats with their tongues, right? You pet them, > right? > Do you know what else cats do with their tongues....? LOL! Yes, and I always wash my hands after stroking them. I know that the stress reduction in having and stroking pets is beneficial for health and that being exposed to the bugs that pets carry is good for the immune system, but a bit of basic hygiene makes me feel more relaxed. I'm with Ringo on this one. Cats (or any other animals) and kitchens don't mix. BTW, I'm a farmer's son. I grew up with all sorts of animal muck, but that was strictly outside. The cats & dogs were purely outdoor (and barn) animals and perfectly healthy and content wth it. I let my cats indoors, but I don't think I'd ever be comfortable with a dog indoors; which is why i don't have one. These views are entrirely personal and based on my own background and experience, they're not intended to denigrate any other opinions. Z ["Followup-To:" header set to rec.pets.cats.misc.] On 2004-12-16, Zythophile penned: > Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not there? I never > leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact if they could come and go > from the house without going through the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in > the kichen at all. If I ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take 20 > litres of Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. A lot of houses have open floorplans. My kitchen has two entrances, neither of which has a door. In fact, I don't remember ever being in a kitchen that was completely sealed off from the rest of the house. Amazingly, knock on wood, Oscar has exhibited zero interest in kitchen counters and the like. >> Personally, I think you're overreacting - the cats sleep in your bed, >> right? > > Yuk! What a horrible thought! Not to a lot of us. In fact, I'm happy when Oscar decides she wants to spend some portion of the night with me. Hearing purrs as you drift off to sleep is so relaxing ... >> The cats groom their coats with their tongues, right? You pet them, right? >> Do you know what else cats do with their tongues....? LOL! [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > being exposed to the bugs that pets carry is good for the immune system, but > a bit of basic hygiene makes me feel more relaxed. I'm sure this is a good idea, but i just don't have that kind of discipline. I do wash my hands before cooking anything, though. > BTW, I'm a farmer's son. I grew up with all sorts of animal muck, but that > was strictly outside. The cats & dogs were purely outdoor (and barn) animals > and perfectly healthy and content wth it. I let my cats indoors, but I don't > think I'd ever be comfortable with a dog indoors; which is why i don't have > one. Did you shower before you entered the house? Maybe it's just a lifestyle thing. While mountain biking, I get mud and bike grease into cuts on my body. I might have to pee when I won't find running water for hours. When skiing, I end up wearing snot-covered face masks, even if they started the day clean. I figure I deal with so many nasty things that a little bit of cat isn't going to make much of a difference. > These views are entrirely personal and based on my own background and > experience, they're not intended to denigrate any other opinions. Me, too. Signaturemonique, who is sometimes allowed to pet Oscar, a grey^H^H^H^Hblue-cream DLH with an attitude! > <snip> > > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not there? If possession is 9/10 of the law - its more their house than mine. I never > leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact if they could come and go > from the house without going through the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in > the kichen at all. If I ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take 20 > litres of Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. Dettol is phenolic compound and toxic to cats. IIRC, Dettol is now labeled as toxic to cats in the UK. > > Personally, I think you're overreacting - the cats sleep in your bed, > > right? > > Yuk! What a horrible thought! Then you should love this: At least 3 of my cats sleep in bed with me. One of my cats dribbles when she purrs and kneads on my chest - sometimes I sleep with my mouth open and her dribble lands right on my tongue or if its a good shot - the back of my throat. I don't want to disturb her so I just swallow it. Are you barffing! LOL! > > The cats groom their coats with their tongues, right? You pet them, > > right? [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > being exposed to the bugs that pets carry is good for the immune system, but > a bit of basic hygiene makes me feel more relaxed. Washing your hands after petting your cat is "a bit of basic hygiene"? Sounds more like neurosis to me. ;-> I wash my hands before I pet my cats... > I'm with Ringo on this one. Cats (or any other animals) and kitchens don't > mix. Knowing my cats go in the kitchen, I keep everything that is even remotely dangerous to them inaccessable. I don't allow my cats on the counter when I'm cooking or preparing food for *their* safety - not mine. When I was a kid, I used to swim in Pelham Bay off City Island - you heard of Lake Huron, this was "Lake Urine". I don't even get infections from cat bites - and they're notorious for Pasteurella and Pasteurelloses. > BTW, I'm a farmer's son. I grew up with all sorts of animal muck, I grew up in NYC. I wore a Yankee baseball cap so the pigeon sh.t wouldn't land on my nose and run down onto my hot dogs anymore. Dodging pigeon sh.t in NYC is like running through a hail storm. but that > was strictly outside. The cats & dogs were purely outdoor (and barn) animals > and perfectly healthy and content wth it. I let my cats indoors, but I don't [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > These views are entrirely personal and based on my own background and > experience, they're not intended to denigrate any other opinions. Mine too. I was just kidding, even though it was all true. Phil > Z >> Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not there? > >If possession is 9/10 of the law - its more their house than mine. Isn't that the truth! Everything I buy is for Kira. When I got a gliding rocking chair and ottoman, Maynard took the chair and Kira hogged the ottoman. When I got the waterbed, Fiona (my first cat), was on it before it was even full. She had this look like "it's about time you got me one of these". My sister had one, so she knew it was an overgrown heating pad. Even the computer is theres. It's sole purpose is to keep me sitting in one spot long enough for them to take a nap on my lap. They spend a lot more time with my stuff than I do. >> Yuk! What a horrible thought! > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >a good shot - the back of my throat. I don't want to disturb her so I just >swallow it. Are you barffing! LOL! Hmm. That one is a bit much for me. I would probably get a washcloth to protect my face. Then again, Fiona spent the last two years of her life intentionally sneezing a wet one on me every night before bed. If I covered my face, she just waited til I gave up. So, I got my kleenex, shut my eyes, and wiped my face when she was done. And my dog has the worst snotty nose, and she loves to wipe it on my blankets, right up at the top where they touch me. I do try to encourage her to find another spot, but she prefers my space. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not > there? I never leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact > if they could come and go from the house without going through > the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in the kichen at all. If I > ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take 20 litres of > Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. The way I figure it is that they are going to do as they wish when I'm not around, so when I cook I just clean the counters thoroughly.(and cooking utensils, pots and pans, heaven forbid there be fur on/in them!). With 4 cats now, humans are a minority here. :) I still can't guarantee that what I cook won't have at least one cat hair in it, though. Hell, I even find them in the fridge sometimes. That I can understand, it's low. But the freezer too? My biggest worry now with cats in the kitchen is the kittens and the oven. They are fearless! A few weeks ago I was cooking a turkey and luckily I didn't preheat the oven, because when I opened it to put the turkey in, my then ~11 week old kitten jumped on the opened door. That could have been bad, but I'm a lot more careful now. SignatureCheryl /whose never had small kittens around before >> Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not >> there? I never leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact >> if they could come and go from the house without going through >> the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in the kichen at all. If I >> ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take 20 litres of >> Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. I work in a call center and after seeing what people do at the work stations that are shared (24 hour shift rotates every 8 hours). like the guy I saw picking his nose and then typing. We had a guy who lost bowel control & he made plenty of messes.....ick.I of course clorox wipes to clean everyting at my station. I clean the counters & stove when cooking and from there I don't worry. Karryl http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/soft63389/index.htm >The way I figure it is that they are going to do as they wish when >I'm not around, so when I cook I just clean the counters >thoroughly.(and cooking utensils, pots and pans, heaven forbid >there be fur on/in them!). hah! I can pick out cat and dog hair with no problem and keep eating. But a human hair? Ick. My appetite is gone. I've never been able to make sense of it. I know where dogs and cats have been, so it should be dirtier, but it is so easily in the air, that I would have to throw away a lot of food if I tossed every meal with cat hair in it. >and the oven. They are fearless! A few weeks ago I was cooking a >turkey and luckily I didn't preheat the oven, because when I opened >it to put the turkey in, my then ~11 week old kitten jumped on the >opened door. That could have been bad, but I'm a lot more careful >now. I always make them get away before i open the oven. And I do intentionally scare them if the attempt to go in/on the stove or into the clothes dryer. We actually had a cat die in our dryer when I was very young. He was sitting on some warm clothes. My mom didn't see him, tossed in some more clothes, and turned it. Now, when we dry anything like shoes, we announce it so that the sound doesn't bring people running. I teach them that these certain places are very bad and scary, and they leave them alone. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com You need to watch Oprah Winfrey and find out that about the filthiest places are movie theater chairs, hand rails in stores, kids toys, you can go on and on. Just wash your hands before you eat and don't put food on the kitchen counter. ( Use plates!) -- Barb Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time. > Do you have to let the cats in the kitchen when you're not there? I never > leave my cats unattended in the kitchen. In fact if they could come and go > from the house without going through the kitchen, they'd not be allowed in > the kichen at all. If I ever found one on the worktop, I think it'd take > 20 litres of Dettol before i could even think of cooking in there. My kitchen doesn't have a door, so I don't know how I would block it off anyway. The only reason I might not let cats in the kitchen is if there was something unsafe in there. >> Personally, I think you're overreacting - the cats sleep in your bed, >> right? > > Yuk! What a horrible thought! What a horrible thought??? What a wonderful thought! I love having the cats in bed. NewCat always sleeps right above my head, purring. I can't think of a nicer way to fall asleep. Although I do wish she would let me have more of the pillow. > Yes, and I always wash my hands after stroking them. I know that the > stress reduction in having and stroking pets is beneficial for health and > that being exposed to the bugs that pets carry is good for the immune > system, but a bit of basic hygiene makes me feel more relaxed. OMG, Dude! You need to chill! If I washed my hands every time I pet a cat, I would be washing them all day. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG And too much hand washing in winter weather can dry them out, make them crack, and leave them open to all the germs they may pick up from theater seats, toys, hand rails etc.. -- Barb Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time. >OMG, Dude! You need to chill! If I washed my hands every time I pet a cat, >I would be washing them all day. I don't think I'd have any skin left! I also don't know if I could sleep properly without a nice warm cat up against my legs! If he's not there (the other one doesn't sleep with us :-( - she does sleep with the dogs on their beds), I can't get back to sleep! Janet Boss http://bestfriendsdogobedience.com/ http://photos.yahoo.com/bestfriendsobedience I have read that when children are raised with cats or dogs they generally are healthier than when they are not. No one is healthier living in a germ proof environment anyway. Plus, there is no such thing unless you have to live in a bubble. My cats are all over the place. I do not put food directly on the counters or tables, always on plates or a cutting board. If I were you I would try to accept this because as you said the cats will be on the counters when you are not home. -- Barb Of course I don't look busy, I did it right the first time. > I have read that when children are raised with cats or dogs they generally > are healthier than when they are not. No one is healthier living in a germ [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Of course I don't look busy, > I did it right the first time. Exactly. They will go where they want when you're not there anyway. I usually make sure I clean the table or counters before eating or preparing food. In 3.5 years with my two cats, there hasn't been any sanitary issues in my house. >If > I were you I would try to accept this because as you said the cats will be > on the counters when you are not home. I don't think the OP needs to just accept it. For every cat owner whose cats are all over the counters there are two with cats that generally do not do this. The OP has taken these cats and their owner into his home, and he does not like cats all over the counters. I don't like it either, and it does not happen as far as I can tell. (I let mine roam the house when I am away, but he shuts his cats up, so the chances of them doing it when he is not there are slimmer.) Persistance in saying "NO!" and putting (or shooing) them down works. My counters are clean and nobody ever finds hair in the food, so it is working. I should add that my cats have all been adults when I adopted them, so adults can be trained. > >If > > I were you I would try to accept this because as you said the cats will be [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > cats are all over the counters there are two with cats that generally > do not do this. Who do not do this _in front of them_. Or, maybe they're just lazy cats. I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not being very pleased about it. The other two just don't find it all that entertaining. > The OP has taken these cats and their owner into > his home, and he does not like cats all over the counters. I don't like > it either, and it does not happen as far as I can tell. Yeah, that's what my mom said about the cat going on tables...until she got a glass table. She could actually SEE the paw prints on the glass. Some cats are easily deterred from things like tinfoil or squirt bottles and never bother to try going up there again. Others will always find a way when your back is turned. The minute you take the foil off, they're up there again. MOST cats can be trained to stay off things (that is, they just don't really bother to go up there any more). Others you'll need to use avoidance stuff (like the tinfoil or a scat mat) forever - or until they're too old to jump that high. My 3 cats EAT and DRINK on the counter (their food is up there to keep it out of reach of the dog) and I don't find cat hair in my food. So, don't take the finding of hair or general cleanliness to be all that indicative. Cats are naturally pretty clean animals. Signature-- ~kaeli~ Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace > Who do not do this _in front of them_. > Or, maybe they're just lazy cats. > I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not > being very pleased about it. The other two just don't find it all that > entertaining. Some cats aren't really climbers. Rosie has been really slow to get up on anything including chairs, though she is doing this more recently, and she has never shown any interest in either the kitchen counter or the table. I think maybe she would feel too exposed up there. She is formerly feral, though, so not typical of the average confident raised-from-a- kitten cat... also, although she's been living with me for 8 months or so, I think she still has personality elements that have not blossomed fully and may do so over time. Which is just to say she's never been on the counter, but that could change. (I would find it hilarious if she were going up there when I wasn't around, but I've seen no evidence of that.) --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead > > I don't think the OP needs to just accept it. For every cat owner whose > > cats are all over the counters there are two with cats that generally > > do not do this. > > Who do not do this _in front of them_. > Or, maybe they're just lazy cats. Buddha is way too fat to jump up on counters, esp. since her thyroid treatment. However: Cheeks never gets up on them or the tables when I am looking. She did at first, but the "NO" thing (together with shooing) worked. She isn't lazy, she is just polite. :) And she has plenty of places she is allowed to get up in: windows with shelves. I have glass tables and dark wood tables with high finishes, so I can indeed see footprints when she gets up there. I have not seen any since about a month after I got her--three years ago. > I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not being very pleased about it. The other two just don't find it all that entertaining. I just don't think your cat that "insists" would if you were consistent about reacting with loud "NOs" accompanied by getting up as though you are going to "get" him or her. If you did, he or she would not "insist." > > The OP has taken these cats and their owner into > > his home, and he does not like cats all over the counters. I don't like > > it either, and it does not happen as far as I can tell. > > Yeah, that's what my mom said about the cat going on tables...until she got a glass table. She could actually SEE the paw prints on the glass. As I mentioned above, I do have glass tables and highly finished dark wood, so I would know. It is simply not true that cats cannot be trained not to jump up on things, kaeli. I always suspect that those who claim this have simply been unsuccessful at training their cats. > Some cats are easily deterred from things like tinfoil or squirt bottles and > never bother to try going up there again. Others will always find a way when > your back is turned. The minute you take the foil off, they're up there > again. Maybe, I have not had lots and lots of cats, only the ones I grew up with (maybe six total, they were "indoor/outdoor" so we did not have them long as they all got hit or disappeared or appeared with their guts ripped out by dogs and died) and Gnarly, Cheeks, and Buddha. But neither my cats nor my sister's cats nor my mother's cats climb all over and lounge on the kitchen counters. When I see this, it is the exception not the rule, and it does gross me out. I have alot of breakables, too, delicate glass things on marble top tables, and with hardwood, tile, and stone floors I imagine I would know if Cheeks were up on these. She broke one Lenox dish early on, and that was it. In three years. > MOST cats can be trained to stay off things (that is, they just don't really bother to go up there any more). Others you'll need to use avoidance stuff > (like the tinfoil or a scat mat) forever - or until they're too old to jump > that high. Well here you seem to agree with me. So maybe the rest was a waste of typing. > My 3 cats EAT and DRINK on the counter (their food is up there to keep it out > of reach of the dog) and I don't find cat hair in my food. So, don't take the > finding of hair or general cleanliness to be all that indicative. Cats are > naturally pretty clean animals. Ahhh, I see. that is a different story, as you don't have much choice there. I don't have dogs because my husband won't have indoor dogs and I won't have outdoor only ones. "Mary" <crazyaboutfelines@yahoo.com> wrote in news:4S9kd.28850$YL.2728686 @twister.southeast.rr.com: > I always suspect that those who > claim this have simply been unsuccessful at training their cats. Cat training can be pretty dicey. Rosalie, as I've said before, is extremely sensitive and a gentle "no" and head shake is enough to deter her from whatever objectionable thing she might be doing (like treating the dog's plumey tail as a cat toy, for instance, which makes me laugh but disturbs the dog somehow). But Nickleby kind of did what he wanted and it was hard to get him to stop -- I sometimes resorted to yelling which also did not work. I always called him "the cat with enormous self-esteem" -- he was absolutely impervious to correction or crankiness. I might succeed in chasing him away (from the furniture he was scratching, for example) but he would trot right back moments later, purring and quite pleased with himself. He felt he could do no wrong. --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead > Cat training can be pretty dicey. Rosalie, as I've said before, is > extremely sensitive and a gentle "no" and head shake is enough to deter her > from whatever objectionable thing she might be doing (like treating the > dog's plumey tail as a cat toy, for instance, which makes me laugh but > disturbs the dog somehow). Just like my Isis. All I have to do is say her name in a shocked voice and she stops immediately. > But Nickleby kind of did what he wanted and it > was hard to get him to stop -- I sometimes resorted to yelling which also [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > would trot right back moments later, purring and quite pleased with > himself. He felt he could do no wrong. And this is like my Rowan. Sometimes I wonder if she finds it funny to get a rise out of me. Signature-- ~kaeli~ The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Finland. Now Santa Claus is missing. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace >> But Nickleby kind of did what he wanted and it >> was hard to get him to stop -- I sometimes resorted to yelling which [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > And this is like my Rowan. Sometimes I wonder if she finds it funny to > get a rise out of me. I think it's a sign of extreme confidence and security. I would actually love to see Rosalie behaving this way -- any signs of increased security are extremely welcome in a formerly feral cat. --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead >> Cat training can be pretty dicey. Rosalie, as I've said before, is >> extremely sensitive and a gentle "no" and head shake is enough to deter her [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Just like my Isis. All I have to do is say her name in a shocked voice and >she stops immediately. that works for Shaina most of the time, but i also have to stare right into her eyes and point to the floor. she leaves, but then comes back from another side actin like she is invisible. sometimes, i would elevate my voice to a scream and she totally ignores me and keeps doing what she is doing. like tearing the crap out of our roommates ties. i secretly think she does it because he won't let her into his room. hehe. -L > that works for Shaina most of the time, but i also have to stare right > into her eyes and point to the floor. she leaves, but then comes back [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > ties. i secretly think she does it because he won't let her into his > room. hehe. It sounds to me like she's got you well trained! Remember, you are, actually, the boss. (And yes, I do own two cats) >> that works for Shaina most of the time, but i also have to stare right >> into her eyes and point to the floor. she leaves, but then comes back [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >It sounds to me like she's got you well trained! Remember, you are, >actually, the boss. (And yes, I do own two cats) the ties are my roommate's fault. that's what he gets for leaving long pieces of cloths hanging in the room with a playful cat. why can't she paly with those long pieces of cloths, but others are ok? plus i didn't notice it until it was way too late. the kitchen behavior is something we should 've taken care of in the very beginning, so it's too late now. we didn't want to yell her. we were too permissive. it's ok if she is on the table, but not when we are cooking and that wasn't consistent. she doesn't get on the table when we eat, though, which is good. -L > the kitchen behavior is something we should 've taken care of in the > very beginning, so it's too late now. No it's not. we didn't want to yell her. Yelling at her won't hurt her. Cats learn what is not acceptable by experiencin disapproval. The only way she will learn is if you consistently disapprove, in a way that she can understand. If you're not prepared to do that, fine, just live with it. But realise you're living with it because you can't be bothered, not because the cat can't learn. >> the kitchen behavior is something we should 've taken care of in the >> very beginning, so it's too late now. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > you're living with it because you can't be bothered, not because the cat > can't learn. Nicely put. The point of a happy family is that everyone in it reach a modicum of contentment. Compromise is the key. While I want my cats to be happy, I will not be happy if they are lounging all over my counters and tables, so I train them. It entails yelling and "shooing." That doesn't traumatize either of them so much that they hesitate to be attached at the hip to me whenever I'm at home. In fact I think they like to know where the boundaries are. >>> the kitchen behavior is something we should 've taken care of in the >>> very beginning, so it's too late now. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] >hesitate to be attached at the hip to me whenever I'm at home. In >fact I think they like to know where the boundaries are. we don't care that she is on the table and in the cabinets. we just don't want her to be walking on the table when we are cooking. it's not a big deal. most of the time, if i tell her to leave, she'll crawl off the table on to the window sill and watch from there, or we take her out of the kitchen. i am not saying she can't be trained. we just didn't put much effort into it and i would think it's more difficult to train an older cat. it bothers us more that she comes over and sits in front of us on our books and papers when we are trying to read them. -L > we don't care that she is on the table and in the cabinets. we just > don't want her to be walking on the table when we are cooking. it's > not a big deal. most of the time, if i tell her to leave, she'll > crawl off the table on to the window sill and watch from there, or we > take her out of the kitchen. Laila, Well then there really isn't a problem. I do want to say that being consistent helps a lot. I don't want the cats on the counters while I am cooking (major understatement!) so I keep them off the counters at all times. Keeps it simple for their little cat brains. Mine know that windows are fair game. I don't have anything under or near a window that they are not allowed to get up on. So they seem to head for the windows and leave the rest alone. (When I am present, or course. "If a cat jumps on the counter when I am not there, was she really ON the counter?" and all that. :) ) >i am not saying she can't be trained. > we just didn't put much effort into it and i would think it's more > difficult to train an older cat. It seems like it would be, but I have only had older cats to train, and it was not too hard. >it bothers us more that she comes > over and sits in front of us on our books and papers when we are > trying to read them. Hee. I have never heard of anyone getting them to stop that. Boo has to check out every new thing that comes into the house, particularly papers, boxes, and bags. She MUST lie on any papers in which we show an interest, too. >> we don't care that she is on the table and in the cabinets. we just >> don't want her to be walking on the table when we are cooking. it's [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >Well then there really isn't a problem. there's no problem at all. i was just saying that Shaina climbs up everywhere. for a while, she liked to sit on the refrigerator. > I do want to say that >being consistent helps a lot. I don't want the cats on the counters >while I am cooking (major understatement!) so I keep them off >the counters at all times. yeah, we weren't consistent and she can't tell the difference >Keeps it simple for their little cat brains. ssshhhh, don't say that. they might here you! >Mine know that windows are fair game. I don't have anything under >or near a window that they are not allowed to get up on. So they >seem to head for the windows and leave the rest alone. (When >I am present, or course. "If a cat jumps on the counter when I >am not there, was she really ON the counter?" and all that. :) ) lol >>i am not saying she can't be trained. >> we just didn't put much effort into it and i would think it's more >> difficult to train an older cat. > >It seems like it would be, but I have only had older cats to >train, and it was not too hard. we are not all that persistent. when she just started to jump on higher surfaces, we thought it was so cute. we were so proud of her, as if she was a baby making her first steps. she doesn't claw us, she doesn't claw furniture or carpets, not on purpose at least, she doesn't eat plants. so that's good enough. >>it bothers us more that she comes >> over and sits in front of us on our books and papers when we are [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >particularly papers, boxes, and bags. She MUST lie on any >papers in which we show an interest, too. i think they mean that we may only pay attention to them. "Mary" <crazyaboutfelines@yahoo.com> wrote in news:H27ld.31773$YL.3082391 @twister.southeast.rr.com: >>it bothers us more that she comes >> over and sits in front of us on our books and papers when we are [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > particularly papers, boxes, and bags. She MUST lie on any > papers in which we show an interest, too. Oh yes, this is an inalienable kitty right. "Why are you gazing at that paper when you could be gazing at this (insert gigantic kitty belly and blinky eyes here)?" --Catherine & Rosalie the calicohead who hasn't quite gotten to the point of interfering with my reading, but who you can tell is thinking pretty seriously about it > "Mary" <crazyaboutfelines@yahoo.com> wrote in news:H27ld.31773$YL.3082391 > @twister.southeast.rr.com: [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > interfering with my reading, but who you can tell is thinking pretty > seriously about it Ha! And the telephone, too. Cheeky ignores me for hours but as soon as I am on the phone she must surround me and cry piteously, wanting to know WHO it could be that I am talking to rather than talk to her. >Ha! And the telephone, too. Cheeky ignores me for hours but >as soon as I am on the phone she must surround me and cry >piteously, wanting to know WHO it could be that I am talking >to rather than talk to her. Now that's a weird phenomenon that happens here. I wonder if the cat thinks I *am* talking to her? Sherry > >Ha! And the telephone, too. Cheeky ignores me for hours but >>as soon as I am on the phone she must surround me and cry [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > thinks I > *am* talking to her? Nah, they know. And its when you want to talk to someone else that they most want to talk to you. Classic. :) >>Ha! And the telephone, too. Cheeky ignores me for hours but >>as soon as I am on the phone she must surround me and cry [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Now that's a weird phenomenon that happens here. I wonder if the cat thinks I >*am* talking to her? Kira *hates* it when I talk on the phone. She moews and bites me. Even worse is when I use my language program on the computer. The computer speaks, and I talk back to it. It's okay if I talk to other people she can see, but nobody else. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > Kira *hates* it when I talk on the phone. She moews and bites me. Pudge used to keep butting my face while I was on the phone to get attention (which she didn't really want), and Hodge will jump up and repeatedly try to bite me hard if he thinks I've been on the phone longer than he'd like. You'd think he was paying the bill. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/pages/hodge.html >Well then there really isn't a problem. I do want to say that >being consistent helps a lot. I don't want the cats on the counters >while I am cooking (major understatement!) so I keep them off >the counters at all times. Same here. Our cats know that the kitchen counters and the dining room table are off limits. Chairs are okay, and any other tables or counters are fine. If they want to hang out with me while I am in the kitchen, I just pull out a chair for them, and they are quite happy. >>i am not saying she can't be trained. >> we just didn't put much effort into it and i would think it's more >> difficult to train an older cat. > >It seems like it would be, but I have only had older cats to >train, and it was not too hard. Not hard at all. I have an elderly cat who has lost his ability to jump well. We feed them on the bathroom counter, and he learned to jump from the bench to the counter, breaking it up into two shorter jumps. When that became difficult, my sister made him a stairway. We showed him twice by putting him on the stairway and encouraging him to go to the top. He learned very quickly that he had the power to get up there on his own. He has adapted well to his limitations. He knows how to ask to be picked up. He meows when he wants the gate opened (he used to jump over it). And he has learned to wait for help rather than hurting himself, or getting anxious. He knows that I will pick him up every night to put on him on the high counter for his canned treat (I'm working on a taller stairway for that one). He just comes when I open the can and waits for me to pick him up. He used to try to climb the furniture. It may not sound like much, but he has made some noticeable changes in the past year or two, and he isn't th ebirghtest cat (he *is* the sweetest though). >>it bothers us more that she comes >> over and sits in front of us on our books and papers when we are [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >particularly papers, boxes, and bags. She MUST lie on any >papers in which we show an interest, too. I've been lucky. Kira prefers to be *under* the paper. If I have a book, magazine, or newspaper; she runs over and tries to get underneath. She is very happy if I take a section of newspaper, and drape it over her. Makes things very easy for me, so I can't complain. She's weird, in a good way :) Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > >It seems like it would be, but I have only had older cats to > >train, and it was not too hard. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > noticeable changes in the past year or two, and he isn't th ebirghtest > cat (he *is* the sweetest though). I'm glad to hear that others have had success in training older cats. What some people don't seem to realize is that often, in addition to everything else they want, they really want to please us-- maybe the longer we have them,the more this is so--and certainly it depends upon the personality of the cat. From the day I brought Cheeky home she has been so grateful to be out of the cramped shelter, she has been a little suckup more of the time than I ever would have imagined! :0) First thing she did when we opened the carrier was stretttttccchhhhhhh out on my office floor. Second thing was to look for ways to please us, which led to conquering various inanimate objects and bringing them to us! >I'm glad to hear that others have had success in training >older cats. What some people don't seem to realize is that often, >in addition to everything else they want, they really want to please us-- That is so true. They really want a close relationship. My nephew was just commenting today at how my cats follow me around the house. Especially Maynard. He may be hanging out in the living room chair (his throne) when I come upstairs, but he immediately meows and follows me. It is impossible to use the bathroom in this house without having the at least 2 of the 4 come with me. Usually, I get the full crew. I don't bother to close the door unless I have company. >maybe the longer we have them,the more this is so--and certainly >it depends upon the personality of the cat. From the day I brought >Cheeky home she has been so grateful to be out of the cramped >shelter, she has been a little suckup more of the time than I ever >would have imagined! : My dog, Jenny, is a rescued dog. She was neglected and abused, and she spent her first 4 years in an outdoor shelter by herself. She was terrified and panicky when I got her, yet trying her hardest to please. She was afarid of linoleum, doorways, and stairways; so I had to pick her up and carry her in and out for yard duty. She would practically jump up everytime I went tp pick her up. She didn't always know what I wanted, but you could see her trying to figure it out and do her best. About 3 months later, it looked like she finally accepted her new reality. It was like she was pinching herself, afraid to believe this was really her new home and her new life. She's been the happiest dog on earth since. 0) First thing she did when we opened >the carrier was stretttttccchhhhhhh out on my office floor. On the second or third day that we had Jenny, we decided to take her for a ride in the car. Originally, we wanted to get her a collar, but as we looked for a leash, we found that we had one her size. We still need some smaller toys and stuff, and the other dog was excited about the trip, so we took both. She was stiff and stressed the whole trip. When we got home, I carried her in and set her down. She looked around, looked at me, and wagged her tail for the first time. I think she was surprised to be back where she started. I have no idea what a dog would think of a situation like this, but it looked like she expected to be dumped, and was happy to be accepted . I still get teary thinking about that moment, one of the first of many great moments with her. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com >> > I don't think the OP needs to just accept it. For every cat owner whose >> > cats are all over the counters there are two with cats that generally [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >high finishes, so I can indeed see footprints when she gets up there. I have >not seen any since about a month after I got her--three years ago. Shaina is everywhere. we spoilt her. she also jumps inside the cabinets above the counters and watches us do stuff in the kitchen. she would also sit there for a while when we close the cabinet and then open it and walk out. i chase her off the table when i am cooking and she KNOWS that she is into supposed to be there because she slithers close to the ground and acts like we can't see her. -L > > I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not > being very pleased about it. The other two just don't find it all that [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > about reacting with loud "NOs" accompanied by getting up as though you are > going to "get" him or her. If you did, he or she would not "insist." You don't know Rowan. ;) She's been yelled at, squirted, even scruffed to stay off the shelves. She doesn't care. She gets up there, I yell at her to get down, she does. Rinse. Repeat. Wipe hands on pants. *LOL* (yes, I did eventually give up - Rowan is now almost 5) It's just too interesting for her up there (she's a very active cat as opposed to my other two couch potatoes). There's a hanging plant nearby that she likes to harass. There's fun things to knock down and play with. Nothing competes with doing as she pleases. That's just Rowan. If I don't want her to do something, I need to make her think it's her decision. Or just give up. Good example - towels in the bathroom. She loves to pull them down. I don't know why. She knows she shouldn't. She never does it in front of me. I put empty soda cans up there so when she pulled them down, the cans would fall and scare her. She now only pulls down towels when cans are not up there. *LOL* So, I just keep the bathroom door closed. *heh* If I really wanted her to stay off the shelves, I'd have to move the plant and remove everything interesting from the shelves. Forever. *grins* So, we do our little ritual. She gets up there, I tell her to get down, she jumps down and does something else for awhile, then jumps up there again... It's kinda funny now, actually, but I gave up really trying to keep her off there 2 years ago. She outlasted me. *laughs* Kind of like a dog, really. If you have a dog that likes to root in the trash can, the easiest way to handle it is to put the trash can under the sink where the dog can't get to it. She's my "special child". The Princess. AKA Scarlett. She's very unlike any other cat I've ever had. Maybe that's why she's my favorite. Signature-- ~kaeli~ Press any key to continue or any other key to quit http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace >> > I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not >> being very pleased about it. The other two just don't find it all that [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > is > now almost 5) Okay, I concede that there may be some cats who are too stubborn to listen, even when you are at home. But that has not been my experience with my cats. > It's just too interesting for her up there (she's a very active cat as > opposed to my other two couch potatoes). There's a hanging plant nearby [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > and scare her. She now only pulls down towels when cans are not up there. > *LOL* They can be scary smart at times. > So, I just keep the bathroom door closed. *heh* > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > off > there 2 years ago. She outlasted me. *laughs* You know, Kaeli, I think the big thing is that you feed your cats on the counters--albeit only on certain counters--so that is a big impetus for them to get up on counters. I understand that you have to do it due to the dog, but certainly if they did not associate counters with food the counters might not be that attractive. > She's my "special child". The Princess. AKA Scarlett. > She's very unlike any other cat I've ever had. Maybe that's why she's my > favorite. She reminds me of my Gnarly in the "strong-willed" department. But my old girl was not the brightest bulb in the pack. *Sniff* Wish I could have her back. > Okay, I concede that there may be some cats who are too stubborn > to listen, even when you are at home. But that has not been my experience > with my cats. It was never mine either until Princess. *smiles* So, I think it's pretty rare. I've had cats my whole life and never one this stubborn. *LOL* > You know, Kaeli, I think the big thing is that you feed your cats on the > counters--albeit only on certain counters--so that is a big impetus for them > to get up on counters. I understand that you have to do it due to the dog, > but certainly if they did not associate counters with food the counters > might not be that attractive. Oh, I never said I had a problem with them on the counters. I don't. I don't like them on my shelves (as in book shelves). They knock the knick-knacks over. I have candles and little stones and stuff all displayed pretty and the like. It's not a massive battle or anything, I just prefer they don't go up there so nothing gets accidentally broken. 2 out of the 3 are fine with that. Princess would prefer to play with the kick-knacks. Signature-- ~kaeli~ When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace (...) > Who do not do this _in front of them_. Ha ha, now there's the rub. My cats never get onto kitchen surfaces when I'm in the house, because if they do I throw whatever I'm holding at them accompanied by my shouting 'aaaarrRRRRGGGGGHH' at the top of my voice. This is especially aversive - albeit expensive - if I happen to be carrying the vaccuum cleaner or a hod of bricks. However, when I return of an evening, through the kitchen window I invariably spy a Big Furry Freak lying slap-bang in the middle of the counter. I swear I hear him muttering 'I'm the motherfuckin' kitchen kat kounter king! Yeah!'. Of course, as soon as I'm thru' the door he's down on the ground, all innocent. Pffft. > Or, maybe they're just lazy cats. > I have one who insists on climbing all over my shelves despite my not being > very pleased about it. Pah, I have one who insists on climbing all over my shoulders. This is really annoying because he keeps knocking the vases over. (...) > Some cats are easily deterred from things like tinfoil or squirt bottles and > never bother to try going up there again. Others will always find a way when > your back is turned. The minute you take the foil off, they're up there > again. The way to stop 'em associating their learning with you is to make sure they don't see it's you punishing 'em. Easier said than done, although a cunning arrangement of IR sensors might do the job. Or a low-tech referee's whistle. > MOST cats can be trained to stay off things (that is, they just don't really > bother to go up there any more). Well, the training is easy in principle. It's making sure that the cats generalize the learning outside of your presence. If they know that there's no punishment when you're not there, well... Steve. > I have read that when children are raised with cats or dogs they generally > are healthier than when they are not. No one is healthier living in a germ [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I were you I would try to accept this because as you said the cats will be > on the counters when you are not home. Hi Barb, I don't generally put food directly on the counter, but I'd like to think if something falls on the counter, whether a spoon or bit of food, that it's not covered in the same germs in the kitty pan. I don't want to treat my counters and tables at home like I treat tables at restaurantes where if something touches it it's to be avoided. My habit is to use Lysol disinfectant spray on the counters almost daily, whether cooking or not. I was just wondering what others do to either train the cats to not jump on the counters or what they do to disuade the cats from doing it. I've heard of a spray you can use that cats don't like -- one friend called it 'anti-catnip' because the smell or something in it cats can't stand. Any idea what this is? THanks again, Ringo ["Followup-To:" header set to rec.pets.cats.misc.] On 2004-11-09, Ringo Langly penned: > My habit is to use Lysol disinfectant spray on the counters almost daily, > whether cooking or not. I was just wondering what others do to either train > the cats to not jump on the counters or what they do to disuade the cats > from doing it. I've heard of a spray you can use that cats don't like -- > one friend called it 'anti-catnip' because the smell or something in it cats > can't stand. Any idea what this is? I know you can get "bitter apple" spray to discourage dogs from chewing on your furniture. Maybe the same thing? Signaturemonique ["Followup-To:" header set to rec.pets.cats.misc.] On 2004-11-09, Ringo Langly penned: > Hi Barb, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > one friend called it 'anti-catnip' because the smell or something in it cats > can't stand. Any idea what this is? Another thought ... if you're this hung up about germs, you probably want to keep up the lysol treatments and whatnot. Pet fur gets into the air vents and will distribute itself throughout the house, regardless of where the pet has gone. Also, as I've discovered by reading up on cat allergies (that's people allergies toward cats), cat saliva used while grooming and marking territory is so fine that it can float in the air for months. If it makes you feel better, you're shedding hair and skin all over the house, too. It's not just the pets. Signaturemonique > Thanks for any info or suggestions... I'd prefer the cats didn't get on the counters and tables at all The only time my cats get on the counters is when I am not looking. How do I know? Because I have never seen them on the counters and tables. (I would have said they never get on the counters but someone here pointed out that they do, just when I am not looking!) I say NO loudly and clap loudly and essentially lunge at them fromt he first day they are in the house, every time they try it. Talk to your room mate and have her do the same thing. It works. (They may get up there, but I never see any sign of it--no hair, footprints, chewed plants, etc.) > Sorry for the crazy questions, but though my roommate grew-up with > cats, she couldn't answer these questions. The cats get on the > counters and tables we use to fix food on and eat on, and though I've > made it a habit to clean everything before preparing foods or eating, > it just kind of grosses me out a bit. I'm generally a clean freak :) Don't be a baby. If you knew how much was on your hands, clothing, bedding, and carpet, you'd stop worrying about the cats or drop dead from shock. One of the two. ;) / You posted that greenlit thread about cat butts on Fark, didn't you? Signature-- ~kaeli~ The Bible contains six admonishments to homosexuals and three hundred sixty-two admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals. It's just that they need more supervision. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace >Don't be a baby. If you knew how much was on your hands, clothing, bedding, >and carpet, you'd stop worrying about the cats or drop dead from shock. One >of the two. ;) LOL, I have to agree with this. People worry too much about germs. If you pet your cat, if the cat sleeps on your bed or in your lap or walks on you, really if you just share a house with your cat you are all exposed to the same germs anyway. Reminds me of a friend who used to sterilize all her baby's toys after they fell on the floor, until the pediatrician asked her how she was going to sterilize the floor when the baby started to crawl. > >Don't be a baby. If you knew how much was on your hands, clothing, bedding, > >and carpet, you'd stop worrying about the cats or drop dead from shock. One [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > fell on the floor, until the pediatrician asked her how she was going to > sterilize the floor when the baby started to crawl. LOL! When I was a kid we used to swim off City Island - which was equivalent to swimming in a sewer... Later in life when I went overseas in the Army, everyone in my outfit got diarrhea or had some other gastrointestinal problems from wading through raw sewage and the general poor sanitation of the country - except me! I was immune to practically everything -- except bullets. Masking tape, long strips of it, taped to the counter sticky side up, at the ends. My cats can't STAND having anything stuck to their feet. To reply, please remove one letter from each side of "@" Spammers are VERMIN. Please kill them all. > > Sorry for the crazy questions, but though my roommate grew-up with > > cats, she couldn't answer these questions. The cats get on the [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > -- Hi... I did see the article on Fark, but I didn't post it. I can say it did prompt the question on here -- but I've been wanting to ask it for some time. You're right in that there are germs everyplace, which can't be avoided. I do however think some precausions can be taken that cut down on the level of germs, like washing hands after using the restroom or washing an apple before eating it. I am one of those people who doesn't touch the public bathroom doorknob (use paper towl) and flushes with my foot. I also wash my hands quite often -- but it pays off because I'm rarely (if ever) sick. Having kitties in the house is one negative to helping a friend out. Last night I did find two piles of puke, but luckily it was on the tile foor :) As for the cats on the counter, it's not only the germ factor but several other factors. I know having cats requires some extra effort -- like not leaving food out or things on the counters that can be knocked over easily. I've found dishes licked clean in the sink, and one cat even ate an entire bowl of grease drained from ground beef I left on the counter overnight. This was all the first week after my roommate moved in with her cats, so I've wised-up a bit and make sure dishes get put in dishwasher and nothing is left out. I've also added those baby latches to the cabinets on the ground level (under the sink mainly), because I do keep stuff under there which would make the kitties sick if they got into them. Other folks posted the cats mainly get onto the counters when we're away -- which is true in my case too. I'll see them on the counters as I walk to the house (through windows) or hear them when in the other room. Anyway, thanks everyone for the great replies -- they have helped. But to this post in particular, I disagree in that some level of cleanliness can be achieved with some effort. Ringo > Anyway, thanks everyone for the great replies -- they have helped. > But to this post in particular, I disagree in that some level of > cleanliness can be achieved with some effort. Of course it, can, silly, but you don't have to be paranoid. I get sick once a year like everyone else. Whoop-di-doo. ;) Keep your house decently clean, vaccuum, wash the counters, etc like a normal person. But you don't have to get all crazy about germs. (you flush with your foot??) That's all I was saying. You can't get ALL the germs. And if you could, your poor immune system would be so out of practice, the first one to get in would be the death of you. *grins* Anyway, try not to be overly worried about the whole thing. Just be sensible. Wash the counters before you prepare food. Wash your hands. Etc - like you already do, basically. You are more likely to get sick from touching railings in public than from your own indoor cat going on your counters. Signature-- ~kaeli~ The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Finland. Now Santa Claus is missing. http://www.ipwebdesign.net/wildAtHeart http://www.ipwebdesign.net/kaelisSpace >> Anyway, thanks everyone for the great replies -- they have helped. >> But to this post in particular, I disagree in that some level of [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > would > be the death of you. *grins* There is a strong belief among medical people that an obsession with over-cleanliness is one of the factors behind the rise in asthma and other immune disorders in the Western world - that having too few proper threats to exercise themselves on, our immune systems have turned to exercising themselves on harmless ones. > Anyway, try not to be overly worried about the whole thing. Just be > sensible. > Wash the counters before you prepare food. Wash your hands. Etc - like you > already do, basically. You are more likely to get sick from touching > railings > in public than from your own indoor cat going on your counters. I'll second that. Just wash and clean as you did before and you won't be at any risk of anything you need to worry about. >There is a strong belief among medical people that an obsession with >over-cleanliness is one of the factors behind the rise in asthma and other [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >I'll second that. Just wash and clean as you did before and you won't be at >any risk of anything you need to worry about. I'll third all that, and I agree that many people nowadays are overly concerned about germs. I wash my hands more out of habit and to "feel" clean than to prevent germs since I found out it really doesn't do much in that regard. A colleague of mine researched this topid for an article and found that in studies, the only thing that is effective at significantly reducing the amount of "germs" on your hands is if when washing them you also scrub under the nails the way surgeons do (and I bet those of you are the most scrupulous of hand washers don't really do that) and then seal the area under the nails with something like krazy glue. Almost all the germs on your hand are under your nails. And I'm not paranoid enough about germs to do anything like that. Of course, I hardly ever get sick either--I think growing up on a farm tested my immune system enough to make it pretty strong. |
Enable EMail Alerts
Start New Thread
Reply to this Message