Redirecting our cats is something that's worked for us. But I know all cats are different and what works for one cat might not work for another. Some are more stubborn..like my son lol.
But cause and effect can work. The tone of my voice and sometimes panic can set the stage. For instance, I saw my cat on the counter his head was in the sink and drinking dish water. My reaction was no no no get down! It seems my cat sensed I was nervous and now he's hard pressed to go up there again. Sure soap water might not be a big deal but that was my reaction because he saw I was concerned about him drinking it!
Some people say cats will be cats and there's nothing you can do.. But on the contrary I give them a lot more credit than that, they're smarter than we think. We can help them from being destructive in our home and or keep them out of harms way.
But cause and effect can work. The tone of my voice and sometimes panic can set the stage. For instance, I saw my cat on the counter his head was in the sink and drinking dish water. My reaction was no no no get down! It seems my cat sensed I was nervous and now he's hard pressed to go up there again. Sure soap water might not be a big deal but that was my reaction because he saw I was concerned about him drinking it!
Some people say cats will be cats and there's nothing you can do.. But on the contrary I give them a lot more credit than that, they're smarter than we think. We can help them from being destructive in our home and or keep them out of harms way.