# What level of autonomy does your cat have? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 17, 2013, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555 "2013-12-17T14:55:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/21 "2013-12-17T18:30:15Z")
My cat shares 75% of common area with me. She has a small territory that is hers and she will defend, I have a small area which is mine and I will defend. There are some areas she is allowed to pass thru but no camping there, she has to keep moving - such as counters. She has her own furniture which she has to agree to be able to change it or move it. She has her own cat door (hard won on her part), and she has the right to come and go as she wants using that door - the only exception is when weather may prevent her from accessing it and I lock it (such as snowfall potentially blocking it), But she has recently proved she can back out of it if it is blocked - so I think that rule is out (she has to navigate 2 doors, main and storm - my concern was she would get stuck inbetween of snow blocked it, but she recently showed me she can get back inside). She does not tolerate closed doors in the house so every door is left open. I am allowed to put her outside 2 times per day at my will without issue or argument, she is allowed to come right back inside if she wishes - via her cat door, thankfully cats are very distractable and will find something to do out there on the way. If needed I can drop her 3 ft off the deck, that is saying her behavior is not good. She is also allowed to get out of the house by whatever means needed if it is deemed to her as a emergency, including popping out a screen window, which she was able to do when a dog came to visit. When I leave I can leave her for 2 nights unattended if needed, if more she has to OK it in advance or I need to get someone to come in and feed her. No collar. She has the absolute right to go over my head and make her request know to God. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/22 "2013-12-17T18:56:00Z")
I voted for \*My cat is allowed on furniture, but I draw the line at counters and tables. \*However, in practice we have a hard time keeping her off of tables and counters and have to keep after her. We try but fail often. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/23 "2013-12-17T19:00:44Z")
Everywhere but the kitchen counters. That will earn a strong NO! and a swipe. Repeat offenses merit the spray bottle. Usually the only time it’s a problem is when there are noisy birds outside the kitchen window. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/24 "2013-12-17T19:01:20Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > How does one “not allow” a cat on a table or counter, short of putting up a barbwire fence or engaging in 24 hour supervision? > > The only places our cats don’t go are places they haven’t figured out how to get to. Allowing has nothing to do with it. That’s been my experience too. I do know that there are certain foods that Abigail will try to eat right off the plate or out of the bowl (the main ones being salmon and chocolate ice cream) and if I’m eating those, I put her in the bathroom. She does get to lick the plate if I’m having salmon, but chocolate is off-limits because it’s poisonous for cats. ---
**Author:** ![Grapefruit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@Grapefruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grapefruit)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/25 "2013-12-17T19:04:31Z")
I try to keep him off the tables and counters, but the reality is that he goes anywhere he wants when I’m not around. Recently, it seems like he’ll try to sneak on the coffee table, but avoids the kitchen table even when there is food around. It might have to do with the fact that I was working with resin a while ago (jewelry making) on that table and he brushed his big hanging belly on some that hadn’t set yet. When it hardened, he took a chunk of his own fur out trying to get it off. Sleeping on the bed, is of course, mandatory. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/26 "2013-12-17T19:09:35Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > How does one “not allow” a cat on a table or counter, short of putting up a barbwire fence or engaging in 24 hour supervision? Put a door at the entrance(s) to the kitchen. A door facing the dining room/living room can usually be left shut for about 23 hours a day anyway. A door that gets much more use(usually facing the family room/hallway/whatever) can be a very light weight sliding door. Your house will never be featured on next month’s Achitectural Digest, but your cat doesn’t subscribe to it anyway. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/27 "2013-12-17T19:24:55Z")
[Perfectly apt for today’s discussion](http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=3209#comic). ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/28 "2013-12-17T19:25:14Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > How does one “not allow” a cat on a table or counter, short of putting up a barbwire fence or engaging in 24 hour supervision? By chasing them off the counters and tables immediately from the first time they’re able to jump up on them. After awhile they get the idea. While I do occasionally hear the thump of a cat jumping off a table or counter as I approach the kitchen, it’s a pretty rare event. Now that my cats are older (the youngest is 13), keeping the chairs pushed all the way in under the table usually suffices to keep them off; the direct jump to the table or counter is one they can still manage, but it’s more difficult for them than it used to be, so they’ve got to be extremely motivated. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/29 "2013-12-17T21:25:12Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > Free Range Cat. Same here for all five of our cats, with two exceptions: [ul] [li]Part of the kitchen counter has always been available for special treats for our cats.[/li][li]We have three kittens. They haven’t earn counter privileges yet.[/li][/ul] At times it gets crowded. Say every morning taking a shower (bath tub) I have two or three kittens on the edge of the tub peering through the clear shower curtain, with the rest in the bathroom waiting. Waiting! Or in bed. California King. It gets crowded with **Mrs. Duckster** , two adult cats and three little ones. No Australian three dog night for us. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/30 "2013-12-17T21:27:42Z")
Our cats are not allowed on the counters. They still get up there, but I “help” them down when I spot them. Being considerably pig-headed, they do what they want. But they aren’t allowed outside - not only was that the agreement I made when I adopted them, but it reduces the flea problem in the summer. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/31 "2013-12-17T21:32:22Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > I voted for \*My cat is allowed on furniture, but I draw the line at counters and tables. > \*However, in practice we have a hard time keeping her off of tables and counters and have to keep after her. We try but fail often. This is sort of how it is in our house. My boyfriend started allowing one kitty on the kitchen table, so it’s pretty much accepted now. I’m still not wild about it. Other than that, we’ve never had any issues with cats being on the counters or table. I heard something on the Animal Planet show My Cat From Hell. Jackson Galaxy (I like that guy) said that cats are either tree dwellers or cave dwellers. The kitty that likes to be on the table is definitely a tree dweller, the higher the better (too bad if it scares the hoomans)! I think the other cat is also a tree dweller, although not so much as the table kitty. I’ve also had cats that definitely prefer lower, dark places. I found that an interesting insight. ---
**Author:** ![Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/32 "2013-12-17T22:19:01Z")
I voted option 4 but since I don’t allow myself on counters or tables I’m afraid my cat has more priveleges than me. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/33 "2013-12-17T22:26:46Z")
Back when my mom had pet cats (which included all the time I lived at home), they were allowed everywhere humans were. They were in principle not allowed on counters or tables, but enforcement of that is nigh impossible, so they were often found there anyway. And if I ever have pets (cats or dogs), I intend to use the same rule. Currently, though, Mom doesn’t quite have a pet cat, but she has a tenant, a retired rodent control contractor who lives underneath the play-house in the back yard. Although Miss Mousie does occasionally intrude into the house, she most certainly does not live there. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/34 "2013-12-17T22:32:34Z")
He goes everywhere except the kitchen and on the tables. He usually sleeps with me all night. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/35 "2013-12-17T22:38:24Z")
> [@sandra\_nz](#): > > She’s allowed on the beds and on the couches. Her favourite spot is on window sills, we have very deep window sills and she can spend all day on the main lounge windowsill, watching the world go by. I call raising the blinds in the morning “turning on the cat TV”. She gets annoyed if I don’t do it and sits on the corner of the computer desk, batting pens, pencils and whatever else is there onto the floor. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/36 "2013-12-17T22:41:01Z")
I live on a third floor south facing apartment. There are sliding doors onto a deck in the living room. My cat (less than a year old) was extremely put out the first time she went out to her perch in the morning and her window was frosted over. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/37 "2013-12-17T22:54:25Z")
We don’t have a cat now, but our cat Archie in the 60s had 100% autonomy. I would say this is really true of all cats. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/38 "2013-12-18T02:47:44Z")
Mmm, I voted for no counters/tables, but that’s not really true. She doesn’t make an attempt at the counter, but if she did, I’d put her down until she got back up again; rinse and repeat. (Note: No cats will actually be rinsed during this process.) But tables… my coffee table I don’t really give a rats about. I’d _rather_ she not get up on the dining table, at least while I’m eating, but… well, she does. And watches me eat with great interest. I’m ok with this. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/39 "2013-12-18T03:28:03Z")
I have three, and they go where they want. The kitchen counter holds little interest except as a platform to get to the fridge and the top of the kitchen cabinets. I just wipe it down prior to food prep. The kitchen table, pretty much the same thing. No one really hangs out there, except to watch me from there at dinner time. I just wipe it down prior to using it for meals. They sleep with me, follow me from room to room, and do whatever. They’re indoor-only, though I’m starting to train the biggest and youngest one to a harness which may turn into leash training and maybe try out the deck when the weather’s better. I’m also considering getting him another youngster to harass since I let my oldest go a few weeks ago. It’s weird having just the three. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555/40 "2013-12-18T04:15:04Z")
Anyone who climbs on the tables or counters gets a sharp “down!” then swatted at if they don’t get down. The cats are not allowed in bedrooms or outside without express invitation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-level-of-autonomy-does-your-cat-have/676555.md?page=3)