Cat Q&A

Archive for May, 2009

Kittens tend to take to litter boxes fairly easily. Once shown the litter tray a few times, most will begin using it shortly after. Your new cat may already know how to use a litter box, since many kittens learn to use it from watching their mothers. Cats tend to be very picky by nature, and can snub things for several reasons (even if we don’t know the reason!). That’s why its important to choose the right tray, and train your kitten properly

Before you start litter training, its important to realize that cats normally desire to do their business outdoors. Unless they are marking territory, they prefer to go and then cover it up. Using a cat litter tray actually goes against a cat’s natural instincts, and that is why it is important to provide a litter tray that is acceptable to your cat. To achieve success in litter box training, observe the following tips and recommendations:

1. Your kitten will litter train easier if she uses the same type of litter she’s been used to. Find out what she’s been using, and purchase the same brand and type.

2. You will want to pick a litter box that easy for your kitten to get in and out of. Fill the box according to the cat litter manufacturer’s directions. The litter pan should be deep enough so that your cat doesn’t scatter litter all over the floor during use.

3. The litter tray should be placed in a traffic-free area of your home. It should be kept away from your kitten’s food and water, and easily accessible. You may even need to consider using more than one litter pan to provide your kitten with greater access to a tray.

4. If you have more than one cat, you will need to ensure that each cat has its own litter box in a different area. Many cats will reject a common litter pan used by other cats in the household, as they generally like to relieve themselves in peace.

5. The best way to start introducing your kitten to its tray is to place it in there regularly, particularly after meals. Praise your kitten whilst it is in the tray, and give even more praise if he/she actually uses it.

6. Remove any soiled litter regularly and give the tray a thorough clean at least once a week. It is best to use a pet disinfectant for cleaning the pan, as some household disinfectants can be toxic to cats. Some cleaners may also have a strong scent that your cat may dislike, and this could also prevent your cat from using her tray. Never change a litter box when you are pregnant, as there is a risk of toxoplasmosis.

7. Because cats can develop a condition known as cystitis from not “going” regularly, never leave your kitten alone with a litter pan available.

It is important to be very patient during the litter training process, as cats will not respond to commands like dogs will. If you see your kitten scratching or squatting, pick her up right away and place her in the litter tray. Most cats will begin to learn very quickly, however, sometimes it takes a bit more patience. If you find that your kitten still doesn’t get the message, then you could try using a spray that is specially formulated to attract cats to their litter boxes. Cat Deterrent sprays may be purchased for the cat that decides to use your couch (or other furnishings) as a litter pan. Hopefully, with a little encouragement, your kitten should soon begin to use its litter tray regularly without any further problems.

You may feel that training your cat is too hard or that it requires special skills. This impression normally comes from the idea that cats seem to be very independent animals. Of course cats do come across as being very independent, but training them can be done pretty easily. You can change any cats behavior problems with the right cat pet training techniques.

One of the main reasons that cat pet training seems difficult is that your cat probably doesn’t understand what you asking of it. Training your cat takes a little time and a little patience. The training methods have to differ to the training methods that you would use on a dog. Dogs fall to pieces emotionally if you rebuke them, cats don't do this, they will not respond to these methods of training, and will begin to avoid being near you. The chances are that it will either ignore you, or even avoid getting close to you in the future.

The perfect way to train your cat will be by using methods of reward. Always praise your cat when it does something that you are happy with. If you come across your cat misbehaving, avoid giving it any attention. This way your cat will soon learn that if it behaves in a certain way, it will get rewarded through praise, attention or treats. It will also come to realise that there is no rewards on offer for other types of behavior.

At the end of the day, all of us want attention, love, and rewards. Cats are no different, it is just a question of applying the right techniques to get your cat to behave in the way that you want it to. While it is always best to try and start training your cat at an early age, it doesn't mean that an older cat cannot learn new behaviors. You may need a bit more time time, it depends on your cats personality. However you will be able to change your cats behavior.

Clearly the first thing that you will want to happen, is for your cat to come to you. Always make sure that your cat cannot be distracted by anything else when you are trying to do this. Now all your cats attention will be on the matter at hand. You need a commanding word gor this exercise. Always keep the command short. Use 1 or 2 words, and don't have a conversation with your cat. Simple and short is the key.

Once you have chosen a word, think about the tone of your voice. This is important for training your cat. The tone that you use in talking to your cat is more relevant than the words that you use. So keep your tone low and make it sound as if you are happy and excited. Hold out a treat for your cat and sit on the floor. You do this because you are less intimidating if you look smaller.

Then you call your cat in your happy exciting voice. When your cat comes to you, make sure that you praise it. Try moving to different places and continue to repeat the exercise. Just do this cat training exercise for about 5 minutes each day, and very quickly you will see a massive improvement in your cats behavior when you call it.

Cat pet training is not that challenging, it's a question of using the right methods. Training your cat to change its behavior is all about having a little patience. Read the complete cat training review which shows you the most effective methods of cat training.