I spend entirely too much time talking about kittens.

[scyllacat]

The kitten is really suddenly discovering the thrills and chills of disappointment and misbehavior.

Last night she dashed up to Charlie's plate and stole a piece of fish. We spent the rest of the mealtime removing her whenever she tried to climb up by us. I did not give her my last bite, like I've been doing, and the plates went in the dishwasher immediately. After dinner was done, we allowed her to play with us some more, punishment over, but I could not believe how bold she was.

Now, I'm going to 6 Flags.

Comments

Hee!

[sslaxx.livejournal.com]

Kittens are daring little creatures!

[(Anonymous)]

She's in the "see what I can get away with" stage. Invest in a cheap spray bottle and fill it with water. Use it only to deter her from getting into or onto something she shouldn't (clawing furniture, getting on the table, etc). The water doesn't hurt her, and it is an immediately "If I do this, I get sprayed with water" learning experience. We did this with both of our cats, and now all we have to do is show them the water bottle and they stop what they are doing.

[(Anonymous)]

Sorry, the anonymous comment was from me. LJ is not letting me log in for some reason.

Eeyore

[lihan161051.livejournal.com]

Too much time? *shrug* Watching kittens learn things is often fascinating, especially when they're clearly acting on their own motivation .. :) .. of course, the same can be said for puppies (although not so much), and babies for that matter .. :D

[brightlotusmoon.livejournal.com]

No you don't. I love reading about kitten development. When I brought Luna home, she was all I could talk about for many posts. And when I asked if I was talking too much, the general consensus was no, I couldn't talk enough.
So, more kitten!

It's best to correct food-stealing behavior when they're young. We don't allow Luna or Jupiter to eat scraps at or near the table. If they beg, we get them their own little plates, put a few pieces of food on the plates, and put the plates on the floor far away from where we are eating, so tehy get the hint. Luna, especially, loves to know what we're eating and will eat just about anything you give her. In fact, if I am making food that is safe for her, I'll give her a few bites on a plate on the floor (of course, afterwards she just asks for more). The trick is to consistently, gently, and thoroughly remind the kitten that she must not swipe the human food from the human's plate, but if the human gives her food on her own plate, it's okay -- they can be trained to expect their own plate of food eventually. The main problem with this is that may they come to expect it every time, even when the food in question is not meant for them to eat. So, it's a compromise. Usually when this happens, I give them lots of kitty treats on their little plates, and they're tricked into thinking they're sharing my meal.

[heofmanynames.livejournal.com]

The reason this raid on my plate was so successful is because it was the first manifestation of such, and utterly ruthless. when I tried to wave her away from my plate, she attacked my hand instantly, drawing blood, then snatched the fish & darted away. She didn't actually *get* the fish she stole, as I threw it out. I contented myself with being frosty and uncomfy until she curled up against my leg while we watched TV.

FTR we have NOT fed her off our plates, nor have we put bits on her plate while we were still eating.

She's still a sweet, funny little thing, and we enjoy her a great deal.

[jackothegreen.livejournal.com]

And how do you feel about the kitten?

[heofmanynames.livejournal.com]

the kitten's okay, too...

[scyllacat.livejournal.com]

I'm actually encouraged, because that's what I've been doing, giving her the last bits when I'm done eating, but ONLY on HER plate, which she already RACES to when I stand up, to await her bit.

But of course, forays into our plates... well, it's obvious by her growls and claws that she knows this is an aggressive move. I want her to be aggressive, but mealtime with us is not the time.

Unsolicited Advise

[starkittyjustic.livejournal.com]

A simple spray bottle you find in the beauty department filled with plain water is great punishment. It hisses like an angry cat and gets them wet two things they don't like and you don't have to get fur all over your hands when your eating.
Six flags, you lucky dog, and I'm stuck in an office *paws at the door*

Re: Unsolicited Advise

[scyllacat.livejournal.com]

Yup. I know we have some extra spray bottles around here, but if we don't, I know I can pick up a couple.