Handicap proofing a kitten?

Kobster · 17-06-2010, 10:28 AM

So we've encountered our first problem with Ninja. My mother is disabled and relies on mobility aids, (crutches for short distances, wheelchairs in all other circumstances) to get around. Our other cats/dog just stay out of her way. I brought Sully home three years ago and he seemed to just "know" to stear clear of her when she was on the move.

Ninja doesn't seem to have that kind of sense. My Mom actually stepped on him today and was HYSTERICAL for nearly an hour. (Ninja was fine). One would think that being stood on would teach him to steer clear, but no. He still wants to run about under her feet and play around the wheels of her chair. Not only does it present a risk to Ninja but my Mother will go to great lengths to protect the pets and might injure herself or fall in an attempt to avoid the kitten.

Not sure how to go about "training" him out of this behavior. Any suggestions welcome!

angieh · 17-06-2010, 03:48 PM

That's a difficult one and a problem that we've had with Pip. My MIL uses a walking frame and Pip seems particularly attracted to it and likes to walk in between the legs. Like your mother, MIL tries to be so careful not to hurt Pip but obviously he distracts her from concentrating on her own safety. If we are around, we can whisk him out of her way. It is a worry that one day either he will get hurt or she'll fall over him one way or another. Honestly, if someone else comes up with a solution, I'd be very interested too!

PoshPuss · 17-06-2010, 04:14 PM

Is it true that cats don't like the intense smell of lemon? if so can you quirt a jiffy lemon on the wheels or on the legs of the walking frame? Myabe Ninja and Pip will keep their distance from these things then?

dandysmom · 17-06-2010, 04:29 PM

Brilliant idea, PP! Worth a try. Other than that I have no idea.

Kobster · 19-06-2010, 09:38 AM

Good idea! Will try the citris smell.

angieh · 19-06-2010, 02:00 PM

Certainly worth trying - thanks for that idea PP!

Kobster · 20-06-2010, 07:14 AM

I had an epiphany last night! Background, we had a similar issue with Kobie in that he would run under my moms feet to try to get outside whenever she was going in and out the door. So we would bribe him with treats to go to the dogs crate and we would shut him in there until we were done coming in and out of the door. It got to the point where all Mom had to do was walk towards the door and Kobie would run to the crate and sit and wait for his treat.

No reason why the same won't work with Ninja. I have to find a way to condition him to go to the crate when Mom heads towards the kitchen. I'll have to find my clicker. This could be fun!

angieh · 20-06-2010, 11:55 AM

Good luck with that Kobster! If you've done it once, you have a good chance of managing it again - do let us know how it goes.

dandysmom · 20-06-2010, 04:03 PM

Good luck! Await the report with interest!

Kobster · 21-06-2010, 05:00 AM

Well sadly this is no longer a problem. My mum has had a fall and broke her hip (no kittens involved) The doctors say she will have to stay in a care home when she is released from the hospital.

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