We're
all familiar with the impact that curiosity can have on a cat's life
expectancy, but a cat's penchant for nosing around can be pretty upsetting
to his caregivers as well. That's why some cat owners seek to deter their
felines from doing certain things through the use of "aversives." Aversives
are tools and techniques used to keep cats away from particular places or to
stop them from engaging in certain behaviors.
Establishing an effective aversive stimulus to prevent various antics is
often a case of trial-and-error, as individual preferences will vary with
each cat. But don't forget that even after you've found the best method to
discourage a cat from a particular action or place, the approach will seldom
work effectively unless you offer a positive alternative that is both
convenient and rewarding.
What are some typical aversives used by cat caregivers? Here's a rundown
of some common deterrents, each of which will have varying degrees of
success depending on the objective and the cat:
Textures
One way to keep your cat away from certain areas is to surround (or
cover) the area with materials that make your cat's paws uncomfortable. Try
shelf paper (sticky side up) or double-sided carpet tape. Heavy plastic
carpet runner (pointed side up) can also be used effectively in some
situations.
You may need to weight the "material" firmly or tape it down to ensure it
stays put. To protect furniture or floor finishes from sticky substances,
attach the aversive to a piece of foil or heavy plastic and secure that with
weights or light tape.
Smells
Because cats are often attracted or repelled by certain scents, you can
set boundaries by soaking cotton balls, rags, or washcloths in a "stinky"
substance that is not harmful to cats. To help protect carpets, upholstery,
floors, or furniture, place the saturated object on a piece of weighted foil
or heavy plastic. To prevent the substance from seeping into the ground, use
the same precautions. Some of the most effective substances to apply include
the following:
- Citrus odors—such as concentrated juices or fresh peels
- Colognes
- Some muscle rubs (Note: Some cats react to menthol as they do to
catnip—beware!)
- Aloe gel
Tastes
Just as certain odors will discourage cats from visiting places where you
don't want them, certain displeasing tastes will keep them from returning.
Some of the following substances may damage furniture or floor finishes,
however, so be sure to test them in a hidden location before widespread use.
- Bitter Apple® or similar sprays and gels marketed specifically for pet
taste aversion
- Some muscle rubs
- Citrus—such as from concentrated juices or fresh peels
- Aloe gel
Human-Controlled Aversives
Some items can be used to distract your cat and thereby interrupt his
unwanted behavior. Such devices are not meant to terrify your cat, but to
provide a brief distraction. Also, it's best if your cat does not perceive
the distraction as coming from you. In the instant your cat's attention is
focused on the distracting action, redirect his behavior to an appropriate
object, and then give him lots of praise. Some effective aversives that you
control include:
- Spray bottle or squirt gun filled with water or a combination of water
and vinegar (Note: Avoid high-powered water guns that have a very forceful
spray)
- Loud air horn
- Whistle
- Shaker can (soda can filled with nails, pennies, beans, or
pebbles—then securely taped shut)
Surprise! Remote Aversives
Sometimes the best approach for teaching an animal is to work from a
distance. If every aversive is delivered when you're in the room, your cat
may quickly learn, for example, to jump on the coffee table only when you're
not around. A few good approaches include:
- Motion detectors that react with a startling sound
- Snappy trainer (an upside-down mouse trap that's securely taped under
paper to avoid injury)
- Aluminum pie plate containing water, beans, or pebbles—preferably
balanced precariously on a counter or other undesirable "jumping" surface
so that it will fall off when your cat jumps up
- ScatMat® (which delivers a very slight electrical shock)
When using aversives, remember that they offer the advantage of modifying
certain feline behaviors in ways that distance the "correction" from you,
the caregiver. Experiment with different types of aversives and try to match
the aversive to the cat. For example, using a surprise technique on a cat
who tends to be fearful should be a last resort.
Above all, be patient and give your feline frequent play sessions and
attention as well as appropriate objects for him to scratch, claw, and
climb. That way, your cat's antics will amuse you instead of annoy you, and
the special bond between the two of you will continue to grow.
© 2002. Adapted from material originally developed by
applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado.
All rights reserved.
