We have a rather clever cat. We generally focus on a positive reward strategy; it is more effective and less frustrating than punishment. He's even learned some tricks/commands. However, we, like many cat owners, do have a water squirt bottle which can be used to modify undesirable feline behavior if necessary.
Our cat has figured out that if nobody is wielding The Spritz Bottle of Doom, then it cannot squirt him with water. He's started hopping up on the counter (where cats are Not Allowed, and he is well aware that he is Not Allowed there but hops up anyways) and cuddling brazenly right next to the squirt bottle.
As soon as you pick up the spritz bottle, he goes to condition orange. Once it has been pointed at him, he winces and considers relocating.
Its almost like the cat understands ability, opportunity and jeopardy; he can operate in the Cooper Color Code system; he realizes that inanimate objects are generally inert unless operated by someone.
That's pretty impressive considering what you can find on the internets about people.
WIN!
ReplyDeleteYou need a concealed spray bottle.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I do fit a stereotype. The cat knows that I usually don't really have the heart to pull the trigger so he's likely to rip the spritz bottle away and have his way with me. So maybe I shouldn't own a spritz bottle.
ReplyDeleteNow Heather, on the other hand... The cat knows she means business!
This is so absolutely perfect!
ReplyDeleteCats understand the reality that inanimate objects are incapable of action on their own parts, and cannot hold motives - malicious or otherwise - intrinsic to themselves.
ReplyDeleteSome humans, on the other hand, do not.
I wonder what that says about our species?
That too many people are trying to think with their hearts instead of their brains. There's a time and a place for emotions, but many people can't help but let them run their lives, making one 'feel good' or 'meant well' decision after another. 'Just follow your heart' doesn't always pan out in real life.
DeleteI had a cat that knew the counter was off limits, and wasn't really interested in it per se, but she would poise herself to jump up there, then watch me until I looked her way. She was playing with me, on a rather sophisticated level. When she wanted attention, she knew she would get it by knocking something off a shelf or whatnot. She did learn some tricks, as well.
ReplyDeleteI see what you did there...well played.
ReplyDeleteI see the same behavior out of our two youngest cats.
ReplyDeleteThe smallest is the most problematic. She is unbelievably smart though. How smart, she will drink out of your glass even if she cant get her tongue to the bottom. She will stick her paw in and then lick it clean. She will also put it on it's side to allow the reminiscent to come further forward.
She recognizes the sound of us getting up when we think she's up to something. There is no doubt that cat knows Yellow, Orange, and Red when she's up to no good.
Heh. Smart kitteh
ReplyDeleteSome people think cats are stupid because you can't teach them tricks like a dog.
ReplyDeleteOthers know cats aren't stupid, because you can't teach them tricks like a dog, but they can sure learn behavior that benefits them... whether you want them to or not.