MJ,
This may not answer your question exactly - but one thing I've done in the kitty psychology department seems to work very well for us. It's simple - If I call them and they come (they know their individual names too) - something wonderful is going to happen...lavish attention, treats, etc. If it's going to be something that might not be wonderful though - I never call them. If it's time for grooming, medicine, a trip to the vet, etc...I go and find them and pick them up. In this way, I can always be sure they come when I call them and that is very nice.
As to grooming, I usually don't take them to a specific place. I do, however, wait until a time when they are very calm and relaxed. I go right where they are and talk to them about what we are about to do. If it's grooming - I show them the brush or comb - let them smell it - and explain that it's time to brush. I start very gently - even if it isn't that effective just to get them used to it and put them at ease. I talk to them and pet their head with one hand and start the grooming with the other. Most of them really enjoy being brushed or combed now and will even get jealous if one is getting groomed and they aren't. :0)
With medicine, I go and find them and pick them up and put them in a place where I can hold them the best. That's usually on the couch where I can hold them between the arm of the couch and myself and medicate them. I'm gentle but very firm about it. No squirming allowed. (I just use a firm voice but not a mean one and and just hold them firmly so they know I mean business) I've been doing this for as much as eight years with some of them and none of them have been afraid to sit in my lap on the couch. They will also nap there. The rule though is that they are not allowed to go until I say "All Done!" in a very happy voice and give them treats and lots of praise. That way they know that whatever the unpleasant activity is -- it's all over and they can relax. They also know they will be greatly rewarded with lots of love and yummy treats. It works well for us...you'll probably develop your own techniques for what works best in your environment with your baby's personality.
It's amazing how well they understand what you tell them. They know what 'trip to the vet' means...even if I say it the day before.
Hope this is useful,
elizabeth
This may not answer your question exactly - but one thing I've done in the kitty psychology department seems to work very well for us. It's simple - If I call them and they come (they know their individual names too) - something wonderful is going to happen...lavish attention, treats, etc. If it's going to be something that might not be wonderful though - I never call them. If it's time for grooming, medicine, a trip to the vet, etc...I go and find them and pick them up. In this way, I can always be sure they come when I call them and that is very nice.
As to grooming, I usually don't take them to a specific place. I do, however, wait until a time when they are very calm and relaxed. I go right where they are and talk to them about what we are about to do. If it's grooming - I show them the brush or comb - let them smell it - and explain that it's time to brush. I start very gently - even if it isn't that effective just to get them used to it and put them at ease. I talk to them and pet their head with one hand and start the grooming with the other. Most of them really enjoy being brushed or combed now and will even get jealous if one is getting groomed and they aren't. :0)
With medicine, I go and find them and pick them up and put them in a place where I can hold them the best. That's usually on the couch where I can hold them between the arm of the couch and myself and medicate them. I'm gentle but very firm about it. No squirming allowed. (I just use a firm voice but not a mean one and and just hold them firmly so they know I mean business) I've been doing this for as much as eight years with some of them and none of them have been afraid to sit in my lap on the couch. They will also nap there. The rule though is that they are not allowed to go until I say "All Done!" in a very happy voice and give them treats and lots of praise. That way they know that whatever the unpleasant activity is -- it's all over and they can relax. They also know they will be greatly rewarded with lots of love and yummy treats. It works well for us...you'll probably develop your own techniques for what works best in your environment with your baby's personality.
It's amazing how well they understand what you tell them. They know what 'trip to the vet' means...even if I say it the day before.
Hope this is useful,
elizabeth
*Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.*
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 2:17 PM
Subject: Question #5: Routines
OK, I know that
cats are creatures of habit. A lot of the websites and info I
found on grooming says you should always do it in the same place.
Well...I get this when you're talking about something the cat enjoys
(like he's much more likely to come and sit with me when I'm sitting in
the recliner - where I usually am when I play with him or just relax
and watch TV). But it seems to me that if I do everything he
doesn't like (giving meds, brushing teeth, trimming nails, etc.) in the
same place, then he comes to associate that place with bad things and
it's harder to get him a) to come to me there, and b) to calm down when
I sit there with him). So...I'm not sure I get that.
What do you all think about that recommendation (doing all grooming in the same
place in the house)? I'm just confused! But then again, that's nothing new!!
Thanks again...especially for your patience with all my questions!!!
Prayers for all your furkids!
MJ
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