Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Behavior Management

I've got a new feline friend in the house.  Edgar moved in to my home and heart a mere five days after Scout, my 15 year-old cat, died.  I miss my old friend and his more mature behavior.  While new cat is friendly and a pretty easy-going companion I do find there are some habits that need some redirecting.  So far I've been successful, for the most part, in keeping young Edgar from treating my body as a tree to be climbed.  For a while I never knew when I would suddenly feel those sharp kitten claws digging in my back as my curious friend climbed onto my shoulders for a better look-see.  Thankfully that behavior came to a halt quickly- right after a trip to the vet to have those tiny little claws trimmed.

Yes, Edgar is very curious.  If I'm preparing anything in the kitchen he is right by my side, jumping onto the counters for a closer look at what's happening.  Breaking this habit has been difficult.  I've tried the more gentle approach of placing him calmly on the floor with a stern "no!"  Unfortunately he would jump back onto the counter as soon as I let him go.

I stepped up my game by experimenting with the coins in a can approach.  Again, this didn't do much.  The only reaction I got was the feline stare which I can only assume translates into something like..."what?"

Last night my wonderful new cat pretty much jumped into the fire when his leap toward the counter landed him right into a warm skillet full of asparagus and olive oil causing quite the uproar in the kitchen.

Tonight young Edgar experienced the shock and surprise of a spray of water.  So far, I may be winning this battle.  


Don't worry, the little guy is fine.  He's off the counter and curled up in the crook of my elbow as I try to get these very words on the page.
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4 comments:

  1. JackieMarch 8, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    Oh how I love kitties...and kittens bring so much joy and fun. Last year we adopted two year old siblings (Our 22 year old cars had died within six months of each other.) So we do not have kitten behavior, like Edgar. I kind of miss that stage, but don't miss experiences like Edgar jumping into the pan in the kitchen. Our one cat does like to get into the refrigerator when we open the door...but the water bottle has almost put a stop to that. So glad Edgar has come to be part of your life. Sounds like he has found a loving home. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/

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  2. JackieMarch 8, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    Oh how I love kitties...and kittens bring so much joy and fun. Last year we adopted two year old siblings (Our 22 year old cars had died within six months of each other.) So we do not have kitten behavior, like Edgar. I kind of miss that stage, but don't miss experiences like Edgar jumping into the pan in the kitchen. Our one cat does like to get into the refrigerator when we open the door...but the water bottle has almost put a stop to that. So glad Edgar has come to be part of your life. Sounds like he has found a loving home. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. EllenMarch 9, 2016 at 5:19 PM

    Edgar has such personality! Good luck with the training regimen. I'm hopeful that he will change his behavior.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChrisMarch 21, 2016 at 9:40 PM

    Aha! The spray bottle! He will figure it out - sounds like a cutie.

    ReplyDelete

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