My cats never ever steal food because I don't leave it out unattended or
uncovered. The microwave is a good place to use.
I learned my lesson when Tom threw a large piece of cheese on the floor and
then had a go at it together with the dog, proper team work ...

In your case I would make a lot of noise and hand clapping. Don't hit your
cat if you want to be able to pet it in the future.

Carola

Discipline needs to occur at the moment of the offense.  Yelling at your
cat after the fact will not register with her and her actions. Properly
applied, cats respond well to verbal discipline.  They do not respond well
to corporal punishment, and they'll often withdraw and can permanently
change their response to you.  Another good disiplinary tool is a spray
bottle with water in it.  You can condition your cat to associate a spray
of water (which they usually hate) with an act of transgression.

Having said that, I should also say that the situation you described was
entirely your fault.  Your cat doesn't know that she isn't welcome to what
you appeared to abandon.  Be more careful of what you do and that will
eliminate many potential bad acts from your cat.

I often eat dinner at my computer desk at home when I'm there alone.  My
two adult cats know better than to help themselves if I leave the food
there.  Our two new kittens, however, do not.  The other night I was having
dinner at my desk when a phone call necessitated my looking something up in
another room.  Sure enough, when I got back both kittens were busily
finishing my dinner.  As soon as they felt a mist of water and heard a firm
"NO", they bolted from the room.  We'll see if I have to do it again. <G>

how do I discipline my cat? I can't picture spanking her >>

Of course you wouldn't spank her! Never hit a cat! Next time, buy more chicken
& share it OR don't leave it unattended

www.mimiforsyth.com

In this case, the owner should be disciplined and this is NO JOKE!  Why did
you leave the table with the food uncovered?  I'll bet the cat or kitten is
fairly new to the home with less than 18 months.  Just about any cat that
new to their environment will snoop around with food being at the top of
their list.  After you have had them for several months, they will know the
places they are allowed and not allowed.  That doesn't mean they will
completely stay away from those forbidden places but in time, they will
learn ...less chances of the offense.  Again, cover your food items when
leaving the table and that goes for your kitchen prep areas too.  Clean the
scraps right away from dirty dishes and in time, they will stop searching
there too.

P.S. - We are the owners of five cats ...oldest is going on 13 and the
youngest is 1-1/2 years.

You don't. You left chicken wings out in the open and walked away. Your
cat did what comes naturally. The opportunity was there and he took it.
It was "your" fault. Don't blame your cat for being a cat. Next time
take the plate with you or put it somewhere inaccessible. This is not
rocket science.

Megan

                                   

Most cats respond to verbal chastisement -- that is, a deep and forceful
"NO!" or their name in the opposite tone of voice of the affectionate and
soft tones normally used. But it *must* be at the time of the undesirable
behavior. Your kitty will not know what you are scolding her for if it
occurs later.

A good feline discipline investment is a small spray bottle, just filled
with water. A few squirts and a "NO!" should convey your displeasure to
the cat, as most cats, while being fascinated with water, detest being
wet.

Corporal punishment with pets is hardly ever justified or effective, but
if you catch your cat in an unforgivable offense, never hit your cat with
your hand -- use something that would be appropriate for disciplining a
puppy, such as a rolled up newspaper or magazine to the derriere.

*Never* strike a cat on the head!

And don't forget to reward and praise good behavior. Positive
reinforcement is always more powerful than negative reinforcement.

We have four cats, and only had to resort to the bottle on two of them
when they became overly fond of the furniture -- we *won't* declaw our
kitties, and *never* hit them.

2 words:

water/squirt gun

my kats never try to munch on unattended food now, they HATE water!

-agent smith

That is perfectly natural for a cat, and she should not be disciplined.  If
I need to leave the table for awhile, I put my plate in the cupboard.  The
eliminates any temptation.

MaryL

beat the mother f.cker with a red hot tire iron

Don't tease your cats. Easiest solution for you is to buy a cakepan lid.

I think that for most cat-owners the "crime" would be jumping on the
dining room table, not the eating of food that was just laying around
without anybody guarding it.

Yelling *when you catch the cat in the act* could work, as could the
spray-bottle when they jump up onto the table.

Spanking is *NOT* a discipline option with housecats. They aren't
mentally built to handle it (unlike dogs, but you should really post to
a dogs group about that).

pat

Training of this sort can be approached similarly to all other training. You
can set up situations where the food is tempting, but you are prepared with
the water pistol. Make certain you follow it up later with unrelated,
positive reinforcement (preferably on where & what to eat & how), and
companionship & care as others have said. Some cats carry a grudge better
than others...

Here's my 2 cents.  We are vegaterians so we have never had this food
theft problem.  However, I think that cats vary widely in how they react.  
One of my cats will never get on the table (when we are home).  the other
gets on the table whenever she gets the cnance regardless of all the
yells and shrieks and threats.  We've never tried the squirt gun routine,
but I think she would just enjoy it.  she likes water.

Anyway, my basic theory on cat discipline is based on the idea that our
cats love us and are very compassionate.  They do not want to hurt us.  I
have had my best luck by acting as if unwanted behavaiour causes me great
pain.  I scream, yelp, cry, and generally overact as if I am suffering.  
The cats become very concerned and seem to avoid the behaviour next time.  

Minus