Its time for my latest…Confession of a Kitty Step Mom….
Jaxon: “I laugh at your attempts to destroy me with mere water!”
Our two Bengal cats are going through the most obnoxious terrible two’s! And I am afraid they might be in that stage permanently. At least Sparta is semi scared of the water bottle. So when she sees me pull it out she will normally run away and hide. Jaxon who is the most un-cat like cat, of all the cats I have ever met, actually seems to enjoy when I directly spray his face with water. Somedays, this is what I do…. ALL DAY….
I am working in the kitchen, making dinner, washing dishes, cleaning ect…
Jaxon sneaks in the kitchen (he is NOT ALLOWED in the kitchen or on the counters…because I think its gross to have animal hair near your food!) I get out the spray bottle and spray him, he shakes his head around in it for a few seconds…apparently enjoying the refreshment I have provided, leaves the kitchen, licks his skin and then sneaks back into the kitchen.
Now I realize that unloading the dishwasher is a fascinating feat , but really why does he feel the need to tromp into the kitchen and stick his face in the dishwasher? Its like he is hoping I will turn it on so he can get a larger spray of water than my water bottle provides!
And, why is he obsessed with trying to sneak into the bathroom and to hop in the bathtub? I am faced with the quandary of either inhaling a large dose of toxic fumes because I have to keep the bathroom door shut or keep the door open and play kitty bouncer to police the entrance of the tub while I scrub the toilet.
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“What! You found my hair and paw prints in the kitchen?!!! But I would never go in there without first asking your permission, oh most gracious Kitty Step Mom!”
As a full time housewife and blogger, I work from home and deal with a constant soundtrack of kitty whines. Kitty whines to go outside, kitty whines to eat and kitty whines that begin about 5 p.m. and do not end until their “Dad” walks through the door. Some days I “create” an errand to run, so I can leave the house… Because I can’t make the 24/7 Meow Meow Mix commercial stop!
I have googled, “how to discipline cats” and “how to train cats” about a million times. Do you know what most sites recommend? ????….. water bottles… that’s right…. Jaxon’s favorite activity is supposed to be a form of punishment for cats!
So I ask you, Oh wise blog readers for…. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! How would you “train” my cats? Any cat lovers out there with some great advice? Or other pet owners with some nifty tricks?
I feel your pain Charity! I’m not really a cat person, so I don’t have any training advice, but I do have some general animal advice that might help.
Maybe instead of trying to figure out how to discipline the cats, maybe you should work on trying to love the cats. It’s doubtful these cats are going to change very much, but if you fall in love with them, they probably won’t bother you as much. I used to be really scared of dogs, then I was forced to stay with my brother’s dog for a week. At first I did everything I could to avoid him, but after I let my walls down and started playing with him, and petting him, and letting him sleep in my room, I slowly fell in love with him. 🙂
Awwww! I love that story about you and your brother’s dog. I agree that if I loved the cats they wouldn’t irritate me so much…I am trying! But you are right it is definitely easier to feel affection when I take time to pet them ect…
I would simply say learn to love them & a partnership will develop & not discipline. I agree with Stephanie here & it’s exactly what I wanted to say. Try a new perspective…
Don’t think of yourself as their “step-mom” but rather their Mom & owner too. Rene is your husband & you accepted him the way he is, cats & all. Same he did with you. You are not a step-mom to them. You are a provider, a companion & a caring wife & now cat owner. I understand the frustration you may feel, but you can set boundaries in your home for them as well as embracing theirs as well. They don’t rule the home, but cats believe tjey do. You have to develop a relationship first, not with discipline but with compassion. Then you can set stronger boundaries after you have a stronger relationship/partnership. I was an animal trainer for a few years; I’m sure I can give you some ideas as far as training tools however, the trust & partnership must come first. It’s all about trust & operant conditioning. It’s simple: positive reinforcement. Basic psychology. You reward the behaviors you like, no matter how small, reward with a favorite treat, toy or petting. Behavior you do not like, you ignore and never reinforce or reward. Unfortunately, negative reinforcement or punishment may occur, however, make sure you make more deposits than withdrawls if you know what I mean. Good luck to you. 😉
I agree that I need to switch my perspective. I have to admit I know nothing about animal psychology! But it totally makes sense what you are saying about the cats being more likely to listen if they know that I like them. You would be so proud of me, I have been making more of a conscious effort to reward good behavior instead of just looking for the bad. I didn’t know you were an animal trainer once, that is awesome and I would love to know any other tricks you have.