Cat deterrent

Anyone know what the most effective way would be to deter my 4.5 month old cats from getting near certain areas? Are there any sprays that actually work?

They don't seem to respond to praise or punishment and have already broken a picture frame from the mantle (2nd time they have knocked it onto the floor) and a candlestick from the dining room table.

Thanks!

Sometimes spray bottles can work....although some kittens like to play....hehheh.

Ahhh the kitten stage!!

Enjoy!! It doesn't last, all too soon they will be couch potatoes!! :D

but how about when you're not there to supervise?

This is what kittens do as they hone their skills. They play, and jump and climb and should not be punished for it, especially if you didn't catch them right in the act. I suggest you take down fragile and breakable items until they are older. That's what I did.

The only way to keep them from going certain places is to make it unpleasureable for them.

If you want to keep them from going on mantles and tables, try putting down sticky double sided tape. Most cats HATE anything sticking to their paws and will avoid it.

You can remove the tape when they are older and the habit of jumping up is broken.

Now that is a great idea! Wish I had thought of that when I had my cats.

citrus worked well for me. not only did my house smell great, but it kept the cats from digging in my plants. You can put some lemon, lime, orange peels and/or slices in the off limits places such as the mantle. There are citrus sprays available also.

I really don't think there is anything you can do to keep kittens from being kittens,the sticky-tape probably would,but I would just remove everything that is breakable,especially since you are not home when this happens.
Please do not physically punish your cats,they have no idea why you hurt them :sad:
As they get older,you'll be amazed at how carefully they'll avoid knocking anything over,one of my cats,likes to sleep on the mantel and I have some expensive items on it,he just carefully lays down without touching anything,so be patient and kitten-proof your house.
A tall cat-tree would also help,maybe with a bit of cat-nip on it,something big enough so they can climb and jump and have fun.

That is a tough one, I went through it 4 yrs ago, and occasionally still. I had two the same age, what was I thinking! LOL

I too, just moved breakable stuff and tried the double-sided sticky, extra sticky, tape. Harley, does avoid it, but I think Huxley likes it, I put some on the arm the couch to keep them from clawing it, and Huxley would sit there, reach out and touch the tape and pull back slowly! Musta felt funny to her! At least she didn't claw the couch, they both learned to really love the scratching posts.

As for enjoy it or just put up with it now, that is so true! The kitten stage goes away too fast. Occasionally the girls will tear off through the house and act silly and make the dogs bark, but mostly they curl up and sleep like most cats.

Good luck.

Diane