Kitty Questions and Answers on Training a Cat and More
Q: Is it possible to train a cat?
A: Yes, training a cat is not as impossible as some the uninitiated assume it is. Kitties are not as responsive to training as canines are but they can be trained. Tasty treats offered as positive reinforcement is most likely the best way to successful cat training.
Q: Why and how do happy cats purr?
A: Grown cats purr because they are happy and contented and to manipulate humans — Can you resist a purring cat? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is usually theorized that the purring is a vibration of the voicebox as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.
Q: Why are the reasons quite a few cat owners are allergic to cats?
A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander generated from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies develop a reaction because their immune system is beginning to attack the foreign protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you break bad cat behavior such as scratching?
A: The best way to break bad 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 need to 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 make use of a litter box, but if your previously litter trained cat has started to avoid the litter pan you need to determine the cause. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to go to the vet. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have changed 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 the kitchen counter?
A: This is one of the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a challenging one. Cats like high spots and they often find food or food smells on tables and counters. It is best to keep the counters clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the counters.