This is quoted from an article in Cats Magazine (July 2001) written by Kitty Angell, author of the magazine’s “Dear Kitty” column. Kitty Angell is an international Allbreed Judge with 20 years’ experience in feline health, behavior, breeding, exhibiting, and judging.
Question from a reader: We just got a new kitten, and when we are working in our computer room, she comes in and starts using our legs as climbing posts. She scratches really hard. We have tried saying “no” and have tried giving her a little tap so that she learns this behavior is not acceptable. Do you have any advice on how we should discipline her so that she understands?
Reply from Kitty Angel:
I am not in favor of tapping or hitting cats in any circumstance. I do think it is good that you show her your displeasure by saying “No!” in a very firm voice. Next, I would isolate her in a small room, like a bathroom, for at least 30 minutes to one hour so that she will come to believe that every time she climbs your legs, she will be isolated. That will break her of this nasty habit sooner than anything else will.
Cat trees with a trunk made of sisal are beneficial to have in a house with a cat or kitten. I have two cat trees myself, and my cats love to scratch the sisal, climb to the perches and use them for sleeping places.
Kittens are like very small children, so you must take the same safety precautions. A computer room is a dangerous place for a kitten, and I would make it totally off limits to her if you possibly can. Teething kittens love to chew, and a computer room is filled with electrical and phone wires. If you cannot block off the computer room, then try to cover all wires and lines so that she cannot reach them.
Here are some tips for safeguarding the rest of the house:
Family room: If you have special art objects or figurines, put them away until she is a little older and more settled in her ways. There will come a time when her coordination is better, and she will then be less likely to knock them over. Make sure that wires from lamps, VCRs, TVs, stereos, etc., are out of reach. Move the houseplants either outside or out of her reach. Even if they are not poisonous, they can upset her stomach if she ingests them. Be sure to cover all heating and air-conditioning vents with a grate. Check all the places where your vacuum doesn’t fit (but where your kitten can go) for dangerous items like wire twist-ties, rubber bands and string. Put away children’s toys that are small enough to be easily swallowed.
Bedroom: Keep your closet doors shut. Shoestrings from shoes or buttons from clothes can prove fatal. Remove medications, jewelry and cosmetics from bedside tables and dressers that she might be able to climb. It’s a good idea to keep the dresser drawers closed so the kitten won’t get closed up in a drawer.
Kitchen, utility room and bathroom: Keep cleaners, chemicals, medications, insecticides and laundry supplies on high shelves. You might even want to use childproof latches to keep those little paws from prying cabinets open. Check all small spaces, nooks or holes in cabinets, and behind the washer/dryer units and the refrigerator. Block these areas so that she cannot get herself stuck in a tight spot. Place covers over the burners on your stovetop. Keep the toilet lid closed. Kittens have been known to jump in and drown. Always check t6he dryer before you turn it on to make sure the kitten hasn’t jumped inside. You would be surprised how often this has happened.
Never underestimate the ability of a curious kitten!
