3 Easy Steps Cats Can Take to Avoid Getting a Time Out.

I thought this would be a perfect time to teach some of our less experienced kittens on how to avoid getting a time out when you are just about to get caught in what might appear to be an act of mischief.

I have the technique narrowed down to 3 Easy Steps.

1. Stop
2. Drop
3. And Curl!

Here is an example.

As you know, the Office Cactus and I have an ongoing rivalry.  The cactus insists on teasing me whenever the wind blows and I do my best to ignore the long dangling branches that dance just above my head.  Today I have been super well behaved but I have to tell you that I am giving the Office Cactus one more chance to stop teasing me, and then it is going to be “tiger time!”  I must be super quiet while I stalk, I mean wait patiently for the plant to make one more move.

That’s it! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I am going to get you for swaying in the breeze and distracting me from my thinking circle.  I must stretch just a little further up and I will be able to snag the entire branch and then run and hide it for later chomping.

Uh Oh!  Rats! I am pretty sure that I hear my mom coming into the office.  I heard the microwave reheating a cup of coffee and now I can hear her heading this way.

Now, please remember if you are to avoid getting a time out, no matter how tempting, green and succulent the plant that you are going to chomp might be, getting a time out and not allowed to be in the office alone will prevent you from getting another chance to chomp for a very long time.

Muster up all of your strength and discipline and avoid getting caught.

Think quick on your paws and strike an adorable pose. Use whatever props might be around you at the time of your mischief, I mean when you were defending yourself from a provoking plant. Don’t take the chance that your ears are paranoid and that your parent is not really just around the corner. If it is a false alarm, it is better to be safe, than in a time out.

Notice how quickly I leapt into my thinking circle.  Where ever you are, when you are about to be caught, just assume the curl position.  You know our parents think we can sleep anywhere , so just:

1. Stop
2. Drop
3. and Curl.

Remember to only leave your eyes open in a squint so that you give off the appearance that you are annoyed at being awaken from your nap, I mean having your deep thoughts interrupted.

This worked perfectly.  My mom looked in on me and said “That’s a good girl Gracey.  You are being a little angel.” Then she left the office and I heard her telling my dad that I was sound asleep in my thinking circle.

Now this is super important! Wait for the double back maneuver. This is when your parent turns around and pops their head around the corner just to make double sure that you are not getting into any trouble.  Once the second “pop in” is completed and you have avoided getting caught proceed with caution.

I hope this helped you refine your feline skills of looking super cute and innocent and helps you to avoid getting a time out.

Let me know if this maneuver has worked for you too.