Things You'll Need:
- Kitty treats
- Favorite toy
- Small spray bottle
- Tin can filled with marbles, beads or coins
- Bottle of white vinegar
- Paper towels
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Step 1
As soon as you notice your cat acting up, give the cat a squirt with a water bottle. Don’t soak the cat but make sure to zap them with the water (not in the face). Be very consistent. Every time your cat does something you don’t like, use the squirt bottle. You’ll soon be able to simply show your cat the spray bottle to prevent the behavior.
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Step 2
When your cat is reacting to the sight of the spray bottle rather than the actual water spray, pull out those kitty treats or toys. It’s time to praise your animal for his good behavior. The quest for your undivided attention is the root of most troublesome behavior. Playtime is positive reinforcement for the cat and something you will both enjoy.
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Step 3
If the spray bottle isn’t successful, shake the tin can rattle loudly when you see your cat on the counter, clawing furniture or chewing plants. The loud noise will shock him enough to scare him away. Again, be consistent and when he reacts to the site of the can, break out those play toys and treats as a reward.
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Step 4
Cat’s don’t like the smell of vinegar. If your troublesome cat is being particularly stubborn, try soaking a paper towel with vinegar. Place it on the counter, by the scratching spot on the sofa or next to your plants to deter your cat. You might see a wrinkled cat nose at the smell. Remoisten the paper towel often until your cat gets the message. Vinegar usually won’t harm fabrics so if you want to rub it on your furniture, check for color fastness first.
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Step 5
Vinegar also works well to deter cats from spraying or urinating on the carpet. Clean the spot completely with an appropriate cleaner, then soak the spot in vinegar. Not only is this smell unpleasant to a cat, it will neutralize the smell of the cat urine.
