How can I help train my cat not to get into everything. I mostly want to keep him off the kitchen counters and keep him from bolting out the door when someone opens it. (If you have a secret to keep him from destroying the Christmas tree, it would be awesome too.)
He is very sweet and loving, so I don't think they are necessarily behavior problems. He probably just gets bored and curious. And likes outside. (He was a barn kitten when I got him at about 6 weeks old.) He's probably about 6 months or so now. Will he just grow out of it?
He is practically immune to any deterrents I have been suggested.
He doesn't mind being sprayed with water, he likes tinfoil (he plays with it and chews on it), he likes bubble wrap, he will tolerate double sided tape (I tried this on the doors when he would try and scratch to get let in/out), he is even pretty tolerant of a can filled with coins (it is getting much less effective each time). With the door, I have tried "blocking" him with the bags I am carrying, or keeping my body in the way, but he still can slip through. He will also wait and bolt out as you close the door. We practically have to carry him out, and toss him back in the house and close the door real quick to keep him in.
Any help is appreciated.
Trying to teach my kitten some manners
Re: Trying to teach my kitten some manners
You're probably right, he is most likely bored. He is also at the age where he is independent, energetic, curious, and wants to investigate everything, this is perfectly normal. Do NOT reprimand him for his energy spurts or his curiosity.
The first thing you need to do is ensure his safety. Do NOT have bubble wrap, tin foil, etc for him to get into. Despite what anyone told you prior, these aren't effective and if kitten chewed or ingested something, you'd have a whole new world of problems (emergency vet visit).
As for the door, you need to use a method with a command, and be consistent with it. Don't just do it when he's at the door, do it at all times he is even close to the door. He needs to associate the door with "NO", "you cannot go out!" Use either the can of coins, or the squirt bottle, combined with a stern "NO" (don't yell, just use a stern voice with the command). Do not have his food/water dishes, litterbox or any toys anywhere near the door.
Use a baby gate either in front of the door, or nearby (to allow you to actually get the door open and shut), the baby gate will prevent him from getting to the door. Use the command and squirt bottle any time he attempts to climb or jump over the gate. Make sure the gate is tall enough he can't jump over it.
The point is, he needs to associate the door as something he is not supposed to go out of, ever. Instruct all family members and guests to respect this as well and instruct them to watch the door like a hawk and ensure it is never left open for him to escape.
As for boredom, make sure he has plenty of safe toys to play with, a scratching post, a kitty perch or kitty tree near a safe window, and if you're gone for long periods in the day, leave on a radio playing soft music, or the tv on with low volume. When you are home, spend quality time with him, and with at least 10-15 minutes in the morning, and at night, with active engagement with him during playtime and activity. With consistency, he will look forward to these playtime sessions with you and become more adjusted.
Perhaps consider getting another kitten for a playmate/companion. Cats fair better when they have another kitty for companionship. If you do, make sure the new kitten/cat is thoroughly examined FIRST by your vet, tested for FELV/FIV, dewormed by your vet, and vaccinated accordingly BEFORE you introduce him/her to your resident kitten.
As for the Christmas tree, as with all other kitten-proofing, you must not let him near it, because ornaments, tree water, light strings, climbing it, tipping it over, tinsel, etc are all extreme dangers to cats and kittens. Most of us either choose not to have a tree, or have only a table-top tree with safe decorations, or keep the tree in an area where the cat(s) are not allowed.
The first thing you need to do is ensure his safety. Do NOT have bubble wrap, tin foil, etc for him to get into. Despite what anyone told you prior, these aren't effective and if kitten chewed or ingested something, you'd have a whole new world of problems (emergency vet visit).
As for the door, you need to use a method with a command, and be consistent with it. Don't just do it when he's at the door, do it at all times he is even close to the door. He needs to associate the door with "NO", "you cannot go out!" Use either the can of coins, or the squirt bottle, combined with a stern "NO" (don't yell, just use a stern voice with the command). Do not have his food/water dishes, litterbox or any toys anywhere near the door.
Use a baby gate either in front of the door, or nearby (to allow you to actually get the door open and shut), the baby gate will prevent him from getting to the door. Use the command and squirt bottle any time he attempts to climb or jump over the gate. Make sure the gate is tall enough he can't jump over it.
The point is, he needs to associate the door as something he is not supposed to go out of, ever. Instruct all family members and guests to respect this as well and instruct them to watch the door like a hawk and ensure it is never left open for him to escape.
As for boredom, make sure he has plenty of safe toys to play with, a scratching post, a kitty perch or kitty tree near a safe window, and if you're gone for long periods in the day, leave on a radio playing soft music, or the tv on with low volume. When you are home, spend quality time with him, and with at least 10-15 minutes in the morning, and at night, with active engagement with him during playtime and activity. With consistency, he will look forward to these playtime sessions with you and become more adjusted.
Perhaps consider getting another kitten for a playmate/companion. Cats fair better when they have another kitty for companionship. If you do, make sure the new kitten/cat is thoroughly examined FIRST by your vet, tested for FELV/FIV, dewormed by your vet, and vaccinated accordingly BEFORE you introduce him/her to your resident kitten.
As for the Christmas tree, as with all other kitten-proofing, you must not let him near it, because ornaments, tree water, light strings, climbing it, tipping it over, tinsel, etc are all extreme dangers to cats and kittens. Most of us either choose not to have a tree, or have only a table-top tree with safe decorations, or keep the tree in an area where the cat(s) are not allowed.
..........Traci