On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:48:35 -0000, "Spider"
wrote:


Rick wrote in message
.. .
After getting fed up with the neighbors cats doing their business in
my garden, I got two kittens of my own to act as deterrents ( well
when they have grown up that is).

They are now about 6 months old and are settling in very well. However
one of the little blighters as soon as he sees a pot, immediately goes
and has a dig and a pee.

The question to all the cat owners / gardeners is how do you stop a
cat peeing in your pots?

Rick....

Hi Rick,

Give each kitten its own tray or pot of compost. When it is about to wee in
the wrong pot (any pot other than its own), grab the wee critter and put it
gently in its designated loo and ask it nicely (yes, really!) to perform
there instead. Make sure the siting of the pots is likely to make
moggychops feel safe and sheltered. Any anger or bullying on your part will
make the litter pot the very last place on earth it will want to go.

In the meantime, raise any planted pots out of reach or cover them with
mesh. It is important that the cats do not encounter these pots until their
scent is neutralised, otherwise they will feel the need to refresh their
scent-marking. You say that one of your cats is a male (I hope they both
aren't); its scenting/toileting activity may be Tom's way of saying he is
the more dominant cat. This is okay - one of your cats should be allowed to
be dominant. (If both cats are male, this is where you may have trouble; if
you're lucky, Tom 2 may happily become subordinate). So, even indoors and
especially at feeding times call Tom 1 first, then Tom 2 second. When
putting food down, say "this is 1's dinner, this is 2's dinner". Yes, I
know it sounds a bit daft, but it's worked for me for 25 years of cat
training.

Extra hint: until they're used to obeying orders indoors, be very careful
about giving orders outdoors. Moggychops can ignore you and run away
outside; this teaches Moggychops that you have no control over him. For
outdoor training, (say, if you want Puss to come in) take out a treat or
wait till Puss is on its way in, *then* call his name (it works because he
wants to come in). Praise Puss to glory so he thinks it's a great idea to
respond to you.

Hope this helps.

(Sorry to other urglers if this has become a bit off-topic).
Spider


Many thanks for the info.
Yes they are both males, but neither seems dominant at the moment.

Will try your suggestions at once.

Again , many thanks.

Rick...