Things You'll Need
- Water bottles
- Water
- Vinegar
Instructions
Fill several spray bottles with 3 cups of cold water and 2 tbsp. white vinegar. The white vinegar will leave behind an unpleasant taste and odor.
Place the water bottles around the home. Make sure that the bottles are easily accessible and that there is at least one water bottle ready for use in each room. Tell everyone else in the household the location of the bottle and to use them each time the cat is exhibiting the unwanted behavior.
Watch the cat and wait for it to perform the unwanted behavior. Once the cat is performing the undesired act, spray it near or on the face with a small squirt from the water bottle. Make sure to avoid spraying the cat in the ears because the excess moisture can lead to a yeast or bacterial infection.
Continue to spray the cat when time it performs the unwanted behavior. Do not do it after the cat displays the behavior. Tell the cat "No" in a firm voice when spraying it with the water bottle. This will be an extra reinforcement and eventually all that will be needed to stop a cat in the future is the "No." Eventually, the cat will begin to associate the water bottle with performing the undesired act and will cease to do so.