Can You Train a Cat?

All cats poop. Most cats use a litter box. Some cats use the toilet. So yes, cats can be trained.

Buy a spray bottle that has a straight shot. You know, one that shoots a straight single stream all the way across the room.

When the cat starts to do something you don't like you secretly shoot the water at them. They don't see it coming from you, they start associating water, getting wet, not liking that area.

As for cats on the counter, cats are among the cleanest animals. If you just wipe the counter off before you start a task with some sort of kitchen cleaner it's clean.

yes, cats can be trained to stay away from certain places and avoid certain actions. but they're not like dogs, so it's rarely 100% of the time.
my 3 are 'trained' not to get on countertops or claw furniture, and it's very rare that they break the rules. a simple water spritzer and a sharp NO are all that are required.
but if you're going to freak out and get rid of a cat for occasionally breaking the rules, don't get one. cats are pretty rules-averse when it suits 'em.
khaireet
S.

Cats are the best pets.
Mine don't jump on the counter while I'm cooking or preparing food or eating, but I do catch them up there once in a while. They know they aren't supposed to be there. If I say "get down or off my counter", they get right off. If they are somewhere I don't want them, I clap really loud or squirt them with water. They learn quickly. Just start early! You don't want bad habits...
We are cat people. We will always have a cat or 2, I'm sure.
LBC

Cat's for the most part march to the beat of their own drum. you can control things within reason, but they're still going to do what they want to do.

As for counters, my cat rarely jumps up there. Only does it if she's hungry and I am taking to long to feed her. However, it's not that big of a deal. I pull out some 409 and clean them down. Takes all of two seconds to do.

Cat's are also very low maintenance. Can there be problems? Of course, that just a fact with anything living. Does that mean there will be? No.

You can try the spray bottle, but there is no guarantee it would work. My cat gets on the counters and table all the time. We keep a spray bottle on the table at mealtime so we can squirt her if she tries to get up. Otherwise, I clean and sanitize the table and counter tops a lot.

One bit of advice: If you would like to get two, it's best to get them both at the same time from the same litter. They will already be used to each other, and there won't be jealousy issues. If you get one and wait until it's an adult to get another, there will likely be major territorial issues that could result in one or both spraying your carpet and furniture.

Ladybug is right. Anyone who says that their cats never go on the counter tops may be lying. I had that rule but I caught Samantha up there when she was alone but she'd jump right down when she saw or heard me.

I would get only one cat. The smell of more than one is horrible.

Some cats CAN be trained, but rarely do all obey all the time. They are up there when you are not home. Guarantee.
Can you handle the thought of that?

If you can't, don't go there.

Get a water gun. Keep it loaded and on your person at all times. Every time you see the cat doing something unacceptable, squirt it and say "No!" It will learn.

I stopped with cats because they can be more vendictive than dogs. I had a cat that Peed on my BED when a certain friend came over because she did not like them.

I had two others that would scratch anyone BUT me.

I have also had a number of cats that were kind, gentle and loving but mostly those were my mother's or sisters and we lived in the same house ... my cats were always blessed with a uniqueness. One would bring me dead birds as a gift.

So ... if you are adverse to cats at all then I say "No!" Do not bring a cat into your home.

I don't have cats but from what I can tell, their personalities are as varied as people. I've seen/heard of all types. We found a stray and gave it to a friend and she turned out very similar to a dog. She comes when called, does tricks, and wants to be with her all the time. Her other one wants nothing to do with anyone but her. If you have a certain personality in mind you might want to think about getting one from someone who has to surrender their pet due to a hardship. You might want to ask a vet. They often hear of people who take care of their pets but for some reason need to give them up. That way you could "prescreen" ....

You absolutely can train a cat. Just like anything, it takes time. Mine rarely get on the counters.