Copyright 2000. Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved.
Determining an effective aversive
reaction for your cat is definitely a case of trial-and-error, as individual
preferences will vary with each cat. This is often the best method to discourage
a cat from a particular action or place, but will seldom work effectively
without offering an alternative that is both convenient and rewarding.
Texture
You may need to weight the "material"
firmly or tape it in order for it to stay put. To protect furniture or floor
finish from sticky substances, attach them to a piece of foil or heavy plastic
and secure that with weights or light tape.
Indoors:
- Shelf paper (sticky side
up)
- Double-sided carpet tape
- Heavy foil
Outdoors:
- Irregular or sharp rocks,
firmly set into dirt
- Chicken wire, firmly set into
dirt (sharp edges rolled under)
Both:
Heavy plastic carpet runner
(pointed side up)
Smell:
Soak cotton balls, rags or washcloths in
the "stinky" substance. To help protect carpets, upholstery, floors or
furniture, place the saturated object on a piece of weighted foil or heavy
plastic. To prevent the substance from seeping into the ground, use the same
precautions. Outdoor substances need to be reapplied daily, due to quicker
dissipation into the air.
Indoors & Outdoors:
- Insect repellent, especially
those containing citronella and/or citrus odors (check for toxicity – if safe
for young children, it’s generally safe for pets)
- Citric odors – colognes,
concentrated juices or fresh peels
- Annoying colognes
- Some muscle rubs (NOTE:
some cats react to menthol as they do to catnip – beware!)
- Aloe gel
Taste:
Some of these substances may damage furniture or floor
finishes, so be sure to test them in a hidden location before wide-spread use.
Except for hot sauce and cayenne pepper, these substances should be safe to
apply to most people’s skin, however, some individuals may be sensitive to them.
- Bitter Apple or similar
sprays and gels marketed specifically for taste aversion
- Insect repellents,
especially those containing citronella or citrus odors (check for toxicity, if
it’s safe for young children, it’s generally safe for pets)
- Some hot sauces
- Cayenne pepper
- Some muscle rubs
- Citric odors (colognes,
concentrated juices or fresh peels)
- Aloe gel
Surprise!
Remote Controlled
Aversives:
- Motion detector that
reacts with a startling sound
- Snappy Trainer
(upside-down mouse trap that’s securely taped under paper to avoid contact)
- Aluminum pie plate
containing water, beans or pebbles -- preferably balanced precariously on a
counter or other undesirable "jumping" surface
- Scat Mat (very slight
electrical shock)
Human Controlled
Aversives:
Use these to get your cat’s attention, and thereby
offer an appropriate alternative.
- Spray bottle or squirt
gun filled with water or a combination of water and vinegar (NOTE: avoid the
super-duper water guns that have a very forceful spray)
- Loud air horn
- Whistle
- Shaker can (soda can containing
nails, pennies, beans or pebbles - securely taped shut)
WARNING:
For fearful cats, try everything else before trying surprise techniques,
especially those using noises!
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