Ok, so as I said, I have Daughter 1′s dog and two cats in my care for awhile. Ya’ll know, I just love animals to bits, just crazy about all most of God’s creatures. I can do without the rodents, snakes, and spiders….and mosquitoes. Anyway, other than having allergies to cats, that was usually my only complaint and the reason I don’t own a cat.
Here’s the thing. I have no experience with these furry little dudes. Not enough to know if I’m fighting a losing battle. How do you keep the dang things off your counter tops and tables???? The worst one is the male, Arthur. He’s always on the hunt for food. Trying to prepare two bowls of cat food without him constantly jumping up and sticking his face in one, as I say, “Not yet!” and put him back on the floor…there he is again. In the blink of an eye, just like a speeding yo-yo, he’s up there trying to weazle in on an early bite.
The thing is, I have to give them different amounts of food. He’s diabetic and almost died about a month ago when he went into diabetic shock for the first time. So, he gets more. But he tries to eat out of both bowls and that messes me up. The other one, Morgan, is on the chunkky side, so she can afford to skip a few bites, but I feel sorry for her cuz she’s already getting less than her brother. Sigh.
Help me! All you cat people…..cough it up like a furball….how do you train cats????? Stop laughing! I know it could be done. Right?
PS: Just as I finished writing and publishing this post, I turned around to see both cats sitting on the counter behind me. I think they were reading over my shoulder, and I’m pretty sure they were laughing. Help me!
Put double sided tape or even regular packing tape sticky side up (just tape it down at the ends) around the edges of the counters where they land most often. Kitteh’s HATE having their paws on the sticky tape.
Since they have obviously been allowed to do this their entire lives, and due to their age and infirmities, I don’t recommend harsh discipline like rattling cans or squirt bottles.
I’ve never had this problem (except for my desk or craft table, which is allowed) because when they were young, the first time I witnessed them on the counter or tables the reaction to my screeching, clapping, and other scary behavior seared their little brains with an instant and permanent “no, no.”
Adrienne- Thanks for the tip, never thought of sticky tape. I’m being careful not to raise my voice to them or make them scared of me. For now, they just think of me as the nice lady who feeds them, and keeps their litter box clean. Not to mention, they like camping out on my lap when I’m at the computer. So, sneezing and sniffling while typing has become a new Olympic sport for me.
The Husky, Loki, on the other hand….other than digging a nice hole in my flower garden, has been very well behaved and loving the fenced in yard to run and investigate at his leisure. He also requires lots of love and attention, I hate to give him up when it comes time, but I know he loves his “real” mom more than me. I imagine he must miss her terribly. I miss her, too….sigh.
Adrienne has the best solution. Now, remember where ya’ place the darned taped or you will really hit the ceiling. LOL
Find out if they’ve been bathed at all. Bathing kitteh’s is not that hard and it will help with your sniffling since it’s the dander that’s irritating you. I have a book on natural kitteh care that recommended getting nude in the bathtub for the first bath or two. Ah – I. don’t. think. so.
I just put them in the dry bathtub when they’re all happy and relaxed and gently use my hand to put water on them a little at a time. In no time at all I’m using the sprayer and soap.
Here’s a pretty good video
I know that the female just had a bath the day before we got her. She isn’t bothering me so much, even slept in my bed with me last night (I discovered she was sleeping on my back when I woke up about 3:00 am…not sure when she left.) But I’m afraid to do anything with Arthur because of his medical problems. He’s sweet, and I don’t want to be responsible for him kicking the bucket while I have him here. My daughter would be devestated., she really loves that guy, saved his life three times since he was born.
I’m going to buy some double stick tape today at the hardware store. That seems to be the way to go. Thanks for the help.
A sweet cat who was born in my son’s closet and thought my husband’s hand was her mother is the only one I’ve ever lived with. We never had counter problems with her but Adrienne’s solution sounds good.
I like Adrienne’s solution to the counter issue- so much that I am definitely going to try it on mine. (Rescues- came with bad habits sigh)
As for the feeding. When I had cats with differing diet issues- I put them in separate rooms to eat. You could put one in the bathroom and close the door?
Good luck with your pet sitting. All animals are part of God’s world. Like humans, just work with them. They can be loving. And puzzling.
Just in case you missed what single cats do on Valentines Day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YQSAe7Z27ks#!
So, don’t let anything happen to Arthur.
Here’s one for you Nunly.
Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while, one looks at the other and says, ‘I can’t help but think, from listening to you, that you’re from Ireland.’
The other woman responds proudly, ‘Yes, I sure am!’
The first one says, ‘So am I! And where about in Ireland are ya from?’
The other woman answers, ‘I’m from Dublin, I am.’
The first one responds, ‘So, am I!! And what street did you live on in Dublin?’
The other woman says, ‘A lovely little area. It was in the west end I lived on Warbury Street in the old central part of town.’
The first one says, ‘Faith, and it’s a small world. So did I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?’
The other woman answers, ‘Well now, I went to Holy Heart of Mary, of course.’
The first one gets really excited and says, ‘And so did I! Tell me, what year did you graduate?’
The other woman answers, ‘Well, now, let’s see. Igraduated in 1964.’
The first woman exclaims, ‘The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same pub tonight! Can you believe it? I graduated from Holy Heart of Mary in1964 me self!’
About this time, Michael walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer.
Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael shaking his head and mutters, ‘It’s going to be a long night tonight.’
Michael asks, ‘Why do you say that, Brian?’
Brian answers, ‘The Murphy twins are drunk again.’
Hey Nunly, ya know any of these gals? ;D
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21534215
LOL! I don’t recognize any of them, but it sure brings back memories! ;-D You’re a riot, kiddo…..also wanted to tell you that you really made me laugh with that joke about the Irish twins.
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