Can cats be helped by a time out?

[liontamer]

I know in dogs a lot of behavioral problems can be solved by crate training. Does anybody know if anything similar works for cats? Can a jittery, destructive cat be calmed if she learns to sit in a crate for a bit?

[Guy Fawkes]

1. They'd sleep through it.

[yewberry]

2. Crate training?

Generally, crate training for dogs isn't a "time out"--it's a controlled space where dogs feel comfortable (like the equivalent of a den.) Sometimes a dog might go into the crate to interrupt an escalating behavior and get into a positive, comforting space, but it shouldn't be used as a punishment.


I don't know if cats have the same kind of instinctual framework to allow for that.

Sorry I can't offer more.

[liontamer]

9. yes i wasn't planning on using it as a punishment

i was wondering if training a cat to have a little space would help with a cat that gets jittery when left alone

[yewberry]

14. Oh, I didn't mean that

you'd be "punishing" the cat, I meant it more relative "positive vs negative reinforcement" inside a dog's head. Sorry I wasn't clear.

I don't think that cats have the same kind of ease with crating as dogs do. It might have the opposite effect.

[SOteric]

3. In a word, no.

They only way you can impose any kind of behavioural modification on a cat is through positive reinforcement. Luckily, they're actually quite bright.

My cat comes when I call to him, scratches only where he's permitted, only jumps on two specific counters where he is allowed. And he still comes running up to see me when I come home and begs me for snuggles every morning and night.

If he's truly misbehaving rather than just exhibiting pent-up energy, try distracting him from his current actions by interacting with him, - bounce a toy at him, let him crawl into a paper bag.

[TrogL]

4. So what's with "cat in a bag"?

They don't have paper bags in nature. Why is this so popular?

[SOteric]

8. My little dude loves

bags, hampers and small spaces so much I'm half convinced that they're descended from burrowing animals.

[liontamer]

11. its for when i'm away reallly

she gets jittery when she's left alone during the day, and in dogs the solution is often crate training. I'm not too worried about her when i'm with her, but she goes nuts when she's alone

[SOteric]

15. Still no.

Dogs are have a 'pack' mentality. Cats are territorial. The more one comes to understand this, the easier it is to communicate with and understand your little companion.

Is your cat very young?

In general, they respons well to a routine, and their own personal space. What I recommend is putting together a little blanket on a chair or something similar, which can be 'her spot.' (Make it a washable blanket.)

Leave the radio on to some soothing tunes or maybe a little NPR. Make sure she has access to food, water and a litter box, but that those things are not next to her 'spot.'

If it persists, you may want to consider getting her a little kitty companion for company during the days.

[childslibrarian]

5. No

She's a cat. No.
:bounce:

[liontamer]

12. any solution that works for a cat that hates to be alone?

besides get another cat, she has feline company. that doesn't seem to be enough

[crispini]

13. Leave the tv or radio on?

What does she tear up while you're away?

[Tafiti]

6. You should know...

...you are the "liontamer"! :P

[La Lioness Priyanka]

7. lions are easier to tame than cats

[AtomicKitten]

10. No, but I'll bet he'll figure out how to flip you off.

[spacelady]

16. You must first convince the cat it has a behavior problem. Good luck! n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

17. Can of pennies works for me.

but merlin isn't that jittery

[yowzayowzayowza]

18. Naw. Get a small ...

squirt gun. Zap 'em with it a coupla times, then all you'll havta do is reach fer it to get their attention er even shake it at 'em.

A lil low level intimidation goes a long way with cats.

Ours also especially hate to be hissed at.

On edit...Left alone? We've had two catz that don't like to be left alone. One would rip down every poster, painting, picture er drape on the wall; ended up getting a second cat to placate him. The other would make "deposits" on our bed; never found a solution fer that 'cept stripping the bed before being gone more than a day.

[newsguyatl]

19. lmao

u hiss at your cats?

[liontamer]

20. lol

i'm not really worried about what she does when i'm home. it's more of a rampaging through the house out of boredom during the day issue.

But i hissed at the cats once. I was shocked at how much they reacted to it. i felt very guilty