Tips for training cats: give them the carrot

DEAR Paw’s Corner: I’ve owned and trained cats most of my adult life. Regarding your recent column on keeping cats off the counter: You’re right, of course, about training cats when they’re young. But felines are smart creatures, so even an old cat can learn new tricks. The key is to use their dislikes and/or their acute senses of hearing and smell.

Most cats dislike getting wet. So, if the rattling pennies don’t work, a small squirt gun or water pistol — emphasis on “small” — works remarkably well with training (not disciplining) felines to not jump on tables, etc. Aim for ears or neck. Avoid the eyes, of course.

Cats differ from dogs in that dogs can be disciplined by the stick; cats are trained mainly by the carrot. So when your kitty cat has jumped down from the table, love him up. The same applies for various bad kitty cat habits, such as scratching the furniture, etc. One thing that doesn’t ever work with a cat is swatting them, as one might do with a rolled up newspaper for a dog. Corporal punishment only insults them.

Also, for neighborhood cats prowling your garden, flowerbeds, etc., at night and yowling, black pepper sprinkled about is most effective. — Stephen B., Daytona Beach, Fla.

DEAR STEPHEN: You’ve taught this old cat a couple of new tricks. I agree that cats don’t respond at all well to discipline, but they can be convinced to do (or not do) certain things. When there’s something more interesting to do than jump on the table — such as chase a felt mouse on a string — cats have no problem hopping down to concentrate on that.

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