I just threw my cats (2)

[Blue_Roses]

out. Okay, I need some advice here. I'm so mad. One is a over a year old, neutered and was "mellow" until we got this kitten. Since then, I fell like this kitten has been the viagra my cat was looking for. They tear the place down fighting (playing for some), fight over food, and last but not least, grab food off of our dining table.

Tonight, we had pizza. Pizza in a box. The "kitten" somehow pulled out a piece of pizza from under the box and proceeded to eat the crust. The older cat was an acomplice. I threw these two "indoor-never-seen-the--outside of day, cats--outside. Boom.

I feel NO remorse.

[hussar]

1. Good for you

[kayleybeth]

2. Awww C'mon

Let them back in... you'll feel a lot of remorse if something happens to one of them outside.

[BurtWorm]

3. You do *too* feel remorse.

To paraphrase what Dale Bumpers said during the impeachment trial, "When they say it's not about remorse, it is about remorse."

Go get those kitties and give them a sound talkin' to.

[baby_bear]

4. You deserve the boot, too.

You are really going to blame your cat for bad manners?
Maybe you should get stuffed (i.e., not real) animals, or maybe a dog if you are into unconditional affection.

s_m

[wickerwoman]

5. It's frustrating training cats but you can do it.

Throwing them outside doesn't teach them anything though and puts them in harms way. Maybe I'm overreacting because we recently adopted 4 feral cats and if we let any of them out they'd get startled at the first dog bark and be gone for good. They could get run over by cars or get into fights with other cats.

Let your cats back in, give them a hug, and next time you catch them in the act shout their names and clap until they scatter. Eventually they'll understand what you want without getting hurt.

[corarose]

7. A water gun does the trick

Those poor babies are probably gone by now.

[wickerwoman]

11. Also,

there was an Animal Cops episode in New York where a family threw out a dog that had bitten one of the kids and the cops found it wandering the street. It led them back to its home and they ended up arresting the owners for animal cruelty. You can't just throw an animal out because it misbehaves- as it's owner you've taken on responsibility for its welfare- including shelter in cold weather.

You're angry- it's understandable but don't let your anger lead you to do something stupid (and illegal).

[corarose]

27. Thank You!

I watched that episode and it hurts to watch that show but I cheered when the Dog took them back to the JERKS that tossed him out.

[corarose]

6. You threw a BABY out into the cold?

They are probably long gone by now or has been run over by a car. You need to go and get them and give them to someone that WANTS them if they are still alive.

GOOD LUCK!

I GUESS YOUR PIZZA WAS WORTH MORE THEN TWO LITTLE BABIES LIFE'S.

[Blue_Roses]

9. they weren't babies

one was almost 2 years old and the other was 5 months old.

[corarose]

5 Months Old? Boy or Girl?

That means that the kitty isn't fixed right? If this little guy or girl gets lost then he or she will be out making unwanted kittens.

[MissMillie]

41. kitties can be fixed earlier than 6 months

I just had my 3-month old kitty neutered. Vets will do it as long as the cat is over 3 lbs.

[corarose]

13. Get those kitties back!

You can take them to a no kill shelter.

[Blue_Roses]

22. why dont you

come get them
I'm too tired from scooping poop, sweeping litter, reeling in my 4 year old from picking them up by their fur, to deal with it now.

I'm just tired and I'm going to bed... I need some good help like you..

[corarose]

26. What State are you in maybe we can find homes for the both of them

I am in Chicago how far are you from Chicago?

[Lindacooks]

48. That's extremely cruel

and if the Humane Society ever finds out what you did, you will not ever be able to adopt another animal. Animals who misbehave are the OWNER'S FAULT. Shame on you.

[Tredge]

8. Employ the Spray-bottle

It sounds like the two found good friends in each other. I think it sounds endearing, but then I wasn't there. These two cats sound like pets that would make a house more of a home, and add some color. Throwing them out won't cure that. I'd say just teach them limits, like jumping on the counter is a no-no, by spraying them with water when they do it, but otherwise let them be themselves. Cat personalities are generally annoying but you'll always laugh about what they did afterwards.

[Blue_Roses]

12. I agree

but I wasn't the one who got the first cat. My spouse did and I was never a cat person until him. I fell in love with him from day one. I am the only one who cleans out the litter box, buys them a new cat cushion, or takes them to the vet. I've just had it with this little one.

Things were so much better without the brat.

[Zuni]

44. that is cold

and savage

[Blaukraut]

10. go and get them

You can't punish a kitten for not knowing better, and your older cat is joining in the fun, because he is probably thrilled to have a playmate.

I had 5 cats until Tuesday (I had to have my 17 year old put to sleep) and they get away with murder at my house.

Just tonight my fat orange tabby stole a sausage right out of the frying pan on the stove (it was luke warm) and proceeded to eat in under the coffee table. All I said was; 'Bon Appetit' :-)

[Blue_Roses]

14. well ---that may be

okay in your house, but it's not okay in mine. In my house even my kids learn manners. Sorry, but I just can't take that.

[Occulus]

18. heheheh....

"In my house even my kids learn manners."

Well, in my house we all were allowed to 'sample' from the pan as it was cooking, so nyaa nyaa nyaaaaa! :D

[corarose]

28. My Cat's always have to have a bite of what you are eating

:kick:

[Blaukraut]

29. part of their nature

Most of mine don't even like table food, except for the sausage thief. I admit I indulge him quite a bit, too. But I learned a long time ago that some battles are more important than others, and fighting to have well-trained cats isn't one of them.

They thank me in the long run by being the sweetest little companions I could ask for :-)

[corarose]

30. I love when a Cat steals things off of your plate and acts like

You didn't notice what he had done.

[thom1102]

34. Your kids learn the manners from you teaching them...

Which works the same way for cats. The advice of a squirt gun and spray bottle are both good suggestions, as well as getting yourself a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living With A Cat. I bought that book 6 years ago when I got Calvin and Hobbes, because I wanted to learn how to raise well adjusted nonspoiled cats, and it has been a great help to my understanding the complexities of feline (mis)behavior.

You need to either take the time to properly learn how to raise and care for a cat, or take them down to the nearest (non kill) shelter and put them up for adoption. YOU took them into your home, now YOU are responsible for their safety and well being.

You should be ashamed!

BTW: a five month old kitten is approxmately equivelant to a 3 year old child, so, realistically, he is a baby.

[corarose]

16. My 17 year old just died last friday

The only time that she had been outside was when she took a trip into our yard one time by accident.

[Blue-Jay]

15. Bwaaaaahahahahahaha!

You've been out-smarted by cats. Get used to it. The last time I pissed off my old hairball, he puked in my shoe.

You can't "punish" a cat. They do what they do for their own reasons.

[corarose]

17. Cat's don't live with us we live with them

:kick:

[Occulus]

19. Cat quote:

"I hate you right now. In a minute, you'll love me to death."

[corarose]

20. They pick their food we don't

Know what I mean?

God forbid you put a cheap brand down or give them the wrong flavor.

[Blue-Jay]

23. My latest cat-injury:

Happens all the time:

(hope this works)

EDIT: didn't work.

[Blue_Roses]

24. ROLMAO!

love it!

[Shakespeare]

21. You have a responsibility.

If you're sick of having them in your house, fine. But at least bring them in tonight, and take them to a no-kill shelter tomorrow.

[Blue_Roses]

25. damn--ok, ok, ok

I'm going to go get them...geeze...they win...as usual...now...what about MY sanity?

[Dookus]

33. heheheh...

I'm owned by three cats. Each one is capable of being a major brat. Each one is also capable of being my best friend.

Yes, it's hard to "train" cats but it is possible. I'm pretty permissive, but they know what's acceptable and what's not. The squirt bottle is your friend.

Bring'em back inside, give them a stern talking-to (for your sake, not theirs) and then love 'em to death. You may still be pissed tomorrow, but a year from now, you'll talk about this experience with humor.

[SoCalDem]

31. Cats just being cats..

I hope for your sake that you do not find one or both of them dead in the street.

I would never be able to live with myself if a pet of mine died over pizza crust:(


Sorry to be so harsh, but when you take in a living breathing creature that depends on you for its care, you have to cut them some slack..

My sweet Amber knocked a box off of a shelf and unhappily for me, inside that box was an antique doll that my aunt left me in her will. Naturally the doll landed face first on a tile floor and the beautiful porcelain head was smahed beyond repair.. This was a Armand Marseille , sleepy eye doll with ivory teeth, made in 18??.. It was worth thousands (although I never would have sold it).. Was I mad at Amber?? No.. She was just being a cat.. I should have put the box on a low shelf..

[corarose]

32. Ramona God Rest her soul

Urinated on tons of good things when we had our home and even the walls and fireplace. We never tossed her out at all She was one of us.

[Blue_Roses]

35. thanks

for all the wonderful advice and even for those who scolded me. You will be happy to know both cats are safe inside again. They spent the entire night outside 'cause I couldn't find them last night and I began to worry about them, so I punished myself!

I woke up to them meowing outside the door. Their furry little faces were pressed up against the screen--and yes, I felt bad. I have to admit I was relieved to see them.

We (Merlin and Monty--their names) have since kissed and made-up and I have laid some new ground rules for them. They listened (as they gulped down their food)hugged me, and we promised to never have another incident like the one that put them out in the first place!(yes, I know, it's a stretch)

Seriously though, I appreciate all the advice. I will get a squirt bottle and one of the books mentioned above. (I really do love the furry little guys)I've never been a "cat" person, but these guys have seriously grown on me, however, some things (mainly snatching the food off the table) gets under my skin--as we know. It's mainly the young one, so I'll keep working with him.

This all happened without my spouse knowing anything was wrong. (he was asleep and left early before noticing they were missing--whewww!)

Let's hope this is a better day for all! Thanks again!

:)

[AlabamaYankee]

36. When you use the squirt bottle, "Mist" it

We had a cat (sadly disappeared) who had a thing about the aquarium hoses. She chewed through so many feet of hose that the pet shp owner would just go to the reel of it every time we walked in. Anyway.. When I would spray her in the face with a stream she would just give me a dirty look. The light spray, however was extremely annnoying, and she would jump down - until I turned my back.

[Philostopher]

37. Something else that works fairly well ...

Especially when they're fighting, or somehow out of reach (somewhere, for instance, that you don't want to spray water, like around electronic equipment) is to take an aluminum pop can and drop four or five pennies in it. When they're really getting into it, or if they don't respond to you yelling at them, pick up the can and shake it vigorously. There's nothing like loud noise to break them up.

I have four. I don't know if I have exceptionally 'willing to please' cats or what, but they never come anywhere near the table when we're eating. My sister used to have a cat that would just jump up on the table and stick its face into your plate (and if you shoved her off, she'd jump right back up), so I understand the frustration of having them get into your food. That was one of the battles I picked to have with the cats in my house -- nobody is allowed on or near the table while we're eating. No exceptions. There can't be exceptions with cats -- one exception means the rule is broken, and after that, they'll constantly push you on it.

We don't leave pizza unattended, around here, because that's asking for it -- but we can walk away from the table for a few seconds when we're eating dinner, and they don't mess with our plates. How did we do that? Water bottle. And any time we're at the table, whether we're eating or not, we make them get off it. I know they get up there when I'm not home, because sometimes I come in and they're standing in the middle of the table (giving me a 'what, me worry?' look), but they're never there when we're there.

Cats like routine, even when it's not what they want. That's the most important thing to remember when you try to change their behavior -- you have to expect the same thing every time, and give them the same treatment every time. Having cats in the house is like having unruly thirteen-year-old daughters in fur suits.

[Blue_Roses]

45. I agree

I've noticed they do like their routine. I'm right there with ya. I just can't tolerate them on the table or snatching food from my children. My daughter was eating a hamburger and she left the table to go do something and she came back and he had eatern her hamburger. I didn't bother to mention the other morning when I made muffins for my kids and I left them on a plate on the table. They were getting ready for school and I happened to go in the kitchen for something and Merlin(the young one) had snatched one and was eating it under the table. My husband caught him the morning before eating some cornbread off the table again. So, this isn't just something that happened ONE time. It's becoming repetitive and I can't tolerate it. I will try the spray bottle and if it still continues I'm calling the vet to see what he says.

I think it is unsanitary (their paws have been in the litter box) and it looks tacky when I have guests for them to be sprawled out where we eat. I just won't have it. I'm pretty laid back about other places they hang out---like on our cable box (it's warm) my dresser, and other spots. They have a bed, but don't seem to want to sleep there much.

It really isn't as much drama as it seems. We (me, Monty and Merlin) just had a serious "melt-down" last night--lol!

[ldf]

62. could you find something sticky

i don't know, like shelf paper or something, and leave it sticky side up on the table and counters (at least when you weren't there to stop them), so that everytime they jumped up they would stick? i'm sure they would hate that, and maybe soon assume that it is always sticky there, so why bother....

[FlaGranny]

43. Another good method is to put

some pennies in an old soda can and put tape over the opening. It works better than the squirt gun sometimes because you don't have to be so close to the cat (or dog). When they misbehave, give that can a sharp shake. It startles them. At the same time, tell them "no."

I hope those cats haven't discovered how much fun it is to be outside. Once they do, there's no keeping them in. If they want to be out, every time you open the door a crack, they will BE out. Cats are risk takers, just like people who do extreme sports. They seem to love adventure and danger.

[Zuni]

47. Thank you for posting this

I am glad. I hope that everything works out for you and the cats.
I couldn't bear to think about locking my cat out, even when she is a pain---she is really sweet and a good companion.

[MissMillie]

38. Time for the spray bottle!

Fill it w/ water and keep it nearby at all times.

Does wonders for stopping bad behavior!

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Blue_Roses]

42. Look

first of all, I don't appreciate the attack--it's MY house and second of all, I'm not an animal abuser. I've grown up with many different animals and love them dearly. I will not tolerate them eating food off my table -period. You obviously haven't read my "thanks" post or you would know better as to where I'm coming from.

Human. Cat. They are two different species. I pay the rent, not them, so I make the rules. There's ALWAYS room for negotiation, but not where snatching food from my children or guests is concerned, so back off. It's already been a rough nithg for me.

[annak110]

49. By this time they may have been bitten by a cat with Felline AIDs

or suffered from any one of dozens of accidents that befall cats outdoors these days. When you brought these cats into your house you took responsibility for them and they took your house as the territory that belongs to the three of you, not just you. You can train them to stay out of your plate but if you approach their training with the idea that pizza means more to you than they do don't even try. Shut them in a single room over night with litter box, food, and water and take them to the shelter the next morning-after you've had your breakfast of course.

We have six adult cats, all of them mind their manners very well indeed and are wonderful companions.

My daughter just brought 3 kittens into the household. She, and the attentive dog with her, had found the kittens taped in a box and left on a road. The adult cats here have paid no attention to them until recently when they have begun to play with them. I've thought a lot about finding a box large enough to put the "Bubba" in who taped them in the box -I know I can find the highway.

[Dookus]

46. woah...

calm down.

I've owned five cats in my life. Three are still with me and the other two died at the ages of 16 and 14. One from cancer, one from a pancreatic tumor. ALL my cats are indoor-outdoor.
I don't believe in keeping cats inside... it's totally unnatural. Yes, it increases the risk of injury, but I prefer them to have a REAL life.

You're way over the top accusing somebody of animal abuse for letting a cat outside. Calling him/her evil and mean is a violation of DU rules.

[SammyWinstonJack]

40. That's the reason I have my little Yorkie

She came to live with me because her old Mommy threatened to throw her out into the cold night because she messed on an expensive Oriental rug. She was only 5 months old and weighed a little over 4 lbs. My husband was with his friend when his wife called too say she was going to throw the puppy out of the house or take her to the pound. My husband told his friend that he would take the puppy. I am so glad Sammy came to live with us. She is the sweetest little thing.

[corarose]

50. How are the Cat's doing today?

:kick:

[Blue_Roses]

54. we are all

much better today:) and thank-you for asking. I didn't expect to have all the drama with this situation, but I was so pissed. It wasn't the first time we had had problems with them snatching food. The little one, ate my daughter's hamburger one day when she got up to go to the bathroom. I was doing something and turned around and he had it under the table devouring it. That was one of many times this happened. I guess last night was the last straw. Emotions seem to be running high these days I guess.

But back to your question. They (Merlin and Monty) have been SOOOO good. They have not gone near anyone's food today. It's just gonna take some time for the little one.

All is well---at least for now.

Thanks!

:)

[TrogL]

51. Same happened to me

The new kitten taught the older cat all sorts of new stunts to pull. There's 3 a.m. cat stampedes in the hall. Banzai kitty at every doorway.

[VOX]

52. You've taken these animals into your life...If you no longer want them,

Please give them to a rescue group that will adopt them out to people who have the patience to accept them and to love them.

Cats are independent, but they don't do particularly well if you simply leave them to their own devices all day, every day. They do desire interaction with you, which is best expressed in play. If you just let them fend for themselves and don't interact with them, they will get bored and start getting into all kinds of trouble.

In many ways, having a four-legged pet is like having an infant -- they cry, they barf, they get sick, they will make messes, they will go where they shouldn't. Accepting this is part of the responsibility of being a pet owner.

[jumptheshadow]

53. Blow air in their face

They hate it. My cats stop misbehaving when I do it.

[absyntheNsugar]

55. Hmmmmm...well with dogs

You separate them if they have bad chemistry....put up one of those toddler barriers so each cat stays on their side.

[sam sarrha]

56. If i pissed of my first and last cat he'd shit on my pillow, he could

hit the pillow both sheets and the blanket with one pile. he didn't last long... my wife has a cat..we get along great, all she does is once a nite sit on the arm of my chair and look superior..never wants to be touched...good cat, shits outside too

[scucci]

57. THAT'S HORRIBLE!

Would you throw your children out because they weren't getting along? Our animals depend upon us to take care of them. You just betrayed them and they will never understand why. You need to go out and find them immediately then find a decent home for them.
You should be ashamed of yourself.

[Blue_Roses]

59. You should be

ashamed of yourself for not reading post #45 and 54. It is OVER! They are in safe and sound. I really hate all this drama.

[marigold20]

58. Glad you posted this

I have two kittens, male and female, who are fairly wild. They are just about able to jump up on the kitchen counters and we're dreading it. Our deceased 18 old cat didn't do anything but eat a little and sit in the sun on the deck. I had truly forgotten what it was like to live with kittens. We have recently taken to eating standing up as they will not leave us alone. Thanks for all the hints on this thread - I'm getting a couple of spray bottles tomorrow!

[Blue_Roses]

60. I didn't

have this much trouble with our other cat who is almost 2 years old. However, this kitten has been kind of like "Dennis the Menace." Maybe it's just a phase that they go through. Once we had our older cat neutered all he did was sleep, eat, and cuddle with me--just the way I like it--lol! But now with the "young one" it's been like a shot of viagra for him. He kept his distance from the "young one" all day today!

[grasswire]

61. sounds like the cats are hungry

Do they like their regular food? And do they get enough of it?

That said, a cat will always try to snag something particularly appealing whenever it can. I'd never leave a hamburger on a plate and leave the room. My dear old cat Chester (who is very near to death this weekend) would be munching on it.

If you can train them to act against their natural instinct to hunt down food, more power to you. Some never will change.

[NNN0LHI]

63. I have been told that cats have no natural instinct to hunt down food

I have read that it is taught by the mama cat. And if they are not taught before they get 8 weeks old they never will hunt. They may play with a mouse, but they will not kill it if they never learned how to kill. Not sure if this is 100% true, but it seems to hold true with all cats that I have had.

Don

[annak110]

66. This is true and, as a matter of fact, we have a cat that would

run if a mouse showed up. No training you see.

My kids once brought home a kitten from a neighbors litter. The neighbors cat had a great reputation as a mouser. The kitten had only been around a couple of days when I heard an announcement MEOWED at my feet. I turned to look and sure enough there the kitten sat with a dead mouse in front of her, smiling, very pleased with herself, not much larger than the mouse. We were in farm country where no one ever neutered their cats. I certainly do now, but, at the time, our kitten grew up to have kittens and I had my kids watch her teach her kittens to hunt. They were good mousers too. I used to watch this kind of training when I was a kid as I have always had cats come to my house to live.

[NashVegas]

64. You WILL Regret It

When they bring fleas inside with them.

You know what works great? Get a canister of compressed air, like what they sell at computer stores. When they act up, if the sound doesn't freak them out, a blast of air in their direction will.

On edit: and another thing - if you let your cats climb on the table and kitchen counters in the first place, you is BEGGING for trouble.

[Blue_Roses]

65. already been

dealing with this since we got this kitten. Took him to the vet for his shots and the vet said he was infested. Vet said he got them from the mama. He has been giving he weekly doses of Advantage. I've had to bomb the place cause we have them hopping.

That's a whole new story. Yes, the fleas suck (no pun intended!) bigtime.

How do you finally get rid of them? I noticed a few today on my bed. This stuff the vet has been giving him works great, but he still seems to get them after about a week.