Cats, especially kittens, can get into all kinds of trouble at the least provocation or opportunity. While we don't mind most of their antics, we do want to lay down some ground rules for acceptable behavior. Take our cats, Gadget, Birdie and Albert, for example. We know that when we are not looking, they will be up on tables and counters looking into whatever seems interesting. But we have decided to draw the line at getting up on the dining room table while we are eating. So we have embarked on a program of using the same simple phrases and trying to be consistent in their use. "No, get DOWN!" These words are usually reinforced with action, lifiting the offending kitten or kittens, for example, and placing them on the floor. Sometimes this is emphasized with a look into their faces to establish eye contact while saying the words.
So far, Gadget doesn't seem to get up on the table during meals as often, but is older (and therefore heavier) to pick up and put down. Birdie does not seem to be able to take NO for an answer and keeps coming back. Albert seems to understand and will get down. Or he will play on my wife's sympathy and go to her. Her method of compromise is to put Albert on her lap and pet him. If he doesn't want to stay on her lap, he gets put down.
As far as my relationship to Albert, we have come to a sort of understanding. At the far end of the dining table, I usually have my laptop set up and, in order to make the keyboard easier to use, have the back end propped up on the edge of the carrying case. Albert has decided that this soft-sided case is a comfortable spot to be and most times seems content to stay there, so I let him be. Unfortunately, as I am writing this, Albert wants to come around to the other side and have me pet him. He is now on my lap and seems a bit too interested in the keyboard. So it seems his next homework assignment will be the phrase "Stay off the keyboard!"
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