Q: Is it possible to train a cat?
A: Yes, cat training is not as challenging as some individuals take for granted it is. Cats most likely are not as attentive to training as Spot or Fido are but they can be trained. Treats offered as positive reinforcement is definitely the most certain way to successful cat training.
Q: Why and how do kittens make a purring sound?
A: Adult cats purr because they are happy and contented and to play on the emotions of humans — Who can ignore a purring kitty? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is generally thought that the purring is a vibration of the voice box as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.
Q: Why are the reasons some cat owners are allergic to cats?
A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander coming from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies develop an allergic reaction because their immune system is trying to combat the alien protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you halt undesirable cat behavior like clawing?
A: The best way to break undesirable cat behavior is the same way the mother cat controls an errant kitten. This is by scuffing the cat. You firmly but gently grasp the cat by the scruff of the neck and hold it down until it calms down. You must do this at the time of the bad behavior.
Q: How do you litter train a cat?
A: You really shouldn’t be required to do any training for a cat to use a litter pan, but if your previously litter trained cat has begun to avoid the litter pan you need to find out why. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to go to the veterinarian. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have started using litter you may have to change back or sprinkle a little catnip in the litter to attract the cat to the new litter.
Q: How do you keep cats off counter tops?
A: This is the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a challenging one. Cats like elevated places and they may find food or food smells on counters and tables. It is best to keep the counters clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the counters.
