How to Keep a Cat Off a Desk
Felines have a curious nature and they tend to examine each corner of their environment. Often, this leads to broken vases or spilled liquids, which may damage a computer or your furniture. Teaching your cat to stay off your desk is essential to keep your work safe. Your cat needs to learn that certain areas of the home should not be approached. In the beginning, you need to monitor your cat and stop it from climbing on your desk. As it learns, you can leave your desk unattended without worrying about your cat.
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Things You'll Need
- Whistle, can or pebbles
- Spray bottle with water
- Double-sided tape
- Citrus spray
Instructions
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Monitor your cat while you are at your desk. When you notice the cat is about to jump on the desk, make a sharp noise or say a firm "No," and put your pet on the ground. Alternatively, spray your pet with water when it attempts to climb on your desk.
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Administer the same treatment whenever your cat attempts to check out your desk. The cat will learn that this behavior results in the sharp noise or water spraying, and will avoid jumping on your desk in the future.
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Get climbing posts where the cat can freely play and climb. You may also build a labyrinth using cardboard boxes to keep your cat entertained and allow it to spend its extra energy.
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Put some double-sided tape on the edges of your desk, which can keep the cat away from your desk while you are not at home. The paws will stick to the tape and the cat dislikes this. Alternatively, use citrus spray, which is not toxic for the cat, but has a smell felines dislike.
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Play with your cat and ensure it gets plenty of exercise daily, because cats that are bored or have extra energy tend to develop behavior problems.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a whistle or a can of pebbles instead of a verbal sharp noise.
Be calm and firm when you deal with your cat. The cat is unlikely to learn in one day, so you need to be persistent in training your feline.
Choose commercial devices that make a noise when the desk is touched.
Place a hard plastic cover to protect your keyboard when you are not at your desk, or close your laptop when not working.
Don't change the noise or treatment you administer when the cat climbs on your desk. This confuses the cat. Stick to the same treatment until your cat learns that the desk is a prohibited area.
Don't yell or hit your cat, because it won't understand why it's being punished. The cat may also fear you and develop anxiety or stress, which trigger other behavior problems.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
