2) Hold the cat out over the water for several seconds. Deliberately hold it there until it realizes that if you let go it is going in.
3) Let go.
4) Recycle this process for the next cat, as long as any remain around.
5) Repeat this discipline each time you want to sit at the table.
Contrary to ‘everyone knows’ wisdom, cats can be taught. About 3 cycles of this lesson per cat usually is enough to firmly embed the lesson that the table is ‘off limits’. Some are a bit more stubborn, but I never have had one try me more than 5 times.
PS: This process or one similar (like being held under a running cold-water faucet) works equally well for teaching a cat not to be up off the floor (IE: on furniture, book-cases, on counters, climbing drapes, etc.)
PSS: You have to be willing to get wet. Cats can swim, so you don’t have to ‘rescue’ them unless you throw them too far out from shore or into swift current. But when they climb out, some cats shake like a dog to get rid of most of the water. Also, NEVER try to pick up a swimming cat. It will nail you instantly in the hand and forearm. It’s not that they are angry (although they are) … it is trying to use your hand/forearm to climb out of the water. You’ve been warned.
stairsteppublishing over 1 year ago
Why is it so difficult to pick up a cat even if is just to place it on your lap. Oh, well, they can have my seat and sit closer to the stream
eced52 over 1 year ago
Start swinging that hat and they will run for cover.
198.23.5.11 over 1 year ago
Cats are notorious sunlight hoggers
Walrus Gumbo Premium Member over 1 year ago
Boot, boot, boot! Problem solved!
rshive over 1 year ago
At least they’re not kibitzers, Jimbo.
ladykat over 1 year ago
You’re still cuddling, Rose and Jimbo.
hooglah over 1 year ago
I’d be finding out if cats could swim. There is a limit.
SrTechWriter over 1 year ago
1) Grasp cat firmly by the scruff of the neck.
2) Hold the cat out over the water for several seconds. Deliberately hold it there until it realizes that if you let go it is going in.
3) Let go.
4) Recycle this process for the next cat, as long as any remain around.
5) Repeat this discipline each time you want to sit at the table.
Contrary to ‘everyone knows’ wisdom, cats can be taught. About 3 cycles of this lesson per cat usually is enough to firmly embed the lesson that the table is ‘off limits’. Some are a bit more stubborn, but I never have had one try me more than 5 times.
PS: This process or one similar (like being held under a running cold-water faucet) works equally well for teaching a cat not to be up off the floor (IE: on furniture, book-cases, on counters, climbing drapes, etc.)
PSS: You have to be willing to get wet. Cats can swim, so you don’t have to ‘rescue’ them unless you throw them too far out from shore or into swift current. But when they climb out, some cats shake like a dog to get rid of most of the water. Also, NEVER try to pick up a swimming cat. It will nail you instantly in the hand and forearm. It’s not that they are angry (although they are) … it is trying to use your hand/forearm to climb out of the water. You’ve been warned.
ACTIVIST1234 over 1 year ago
The real problem is that Jimbo realizes they’re sitting on a sandbox.
vanaals over 1 year ago
At my age, and bad back, if the bench don’t have a back, it ain’t a favorite for me.
hagarthehorrible over 1 year ago
The gentle Gumbos are a fauna conservationists.