I recently ran a column about why it’s not a good idea to use a water spray bottle in an effort to change a cat’s behavior. Soon after, I heard from John in Utica, who told me about his experience with his cat, Sammy.

“A friend recently gave me a kitten after my cat unexpectedly passed away. I wasn’t used to the high power, total speed and destruction of the kitty. My friend told me to use a squirt gun, and even provided one. I tried a few times, and it didn’t work at all. Sammy loves water, and she loved this new game. Arghh!

“So I decided to take stock of what my new guest’s needs were. I increased the number and duration of interactive play sessions. And I decided that some of the things she wanted were natural kitty desires I could learn to live with. Finally, those few things that ticked me off, I either waited for her to outgrow them or tried looking at her and firmly saying ‘No!’ I think for a week or two her name was ‘No, Sammy!’

“The good news is that at 6 months she is calming down, and I have a kitty who has a strong bond to me. Not only that, I actually enjoy our interactive playtime. All it took was understanding her needs as a cat and giving something to her.

“I promise, every small effort you show your cat will be returned tenfold in building a happy, healthy cat-human relationship. People need to remember that, as in any relationship, there is a give-and-take necessary for the relationship to be rewarding.”

All I can say is, thank you, John, for writing my column for me this week. I couldn’t have said it better!

katz_pjs@yahoo.com