Learning the meaning of "No" and other words
By scribe1
@scribe1 (1203)
United States
May 21, 2008 7:41am CST
I've been trying to teach my Columbus cat, who is 11 years old, the meaning of "no," as in "don't even think of eating Mimi's food" and "don't you dare chase Maxie" and "don't poo there (on the floor)". And so far, my efforts seem to be paying off, as Columbus does indeed back off when he hears that word. He stops in his tracks and looks at me, then either obeys or in a few cases, goes back to whatever he was about to do anyway. I'm still determined to turn that word into something he totally understands and obeys.
Does your cat respond to any words such as "no"? What seems to work, or not work, so far?
3 responses
@icequeen123 (934)
•
21 May 08
I think that much of it is the tone of voice which you use as opposed to the actual words. Facial expression and what you do with your hands also show that your cat knows when it is doing something it should not be.
Have you ever walked into the kitchen and found the cat on the worktop licking your lunch? It looks up and there is guilt written all over its face. He knows by looking at your face, without your saying a word, that he is being naughty.
Keep it up, cats are intelligent enough to learn, if they want to. If they don't want to, they won't.
:) 
@cosmicsnail (10)
• Switzerland
21 May 08
I find it rally hard to get my cat to listen to me too. Her main behaviour problems are scratching the furniture and carpets and chewing wires. I find making noises is the best way as it distracts her. For instance, if we are playing and she starts to bite, I hiss at her. If she scratches I make a loud 'Ah' sound from my throat, which at least gets her attention. Hand gestures seem to help too.
