Common mistakes of new cat owners
While most cats are fairly independent creatures, it is a mistake to think that once you’ve brought them home, they don’t really need you. Your new pet will be frightened at first in the change of surroundings, and will need constant reassurance that everything is alright. They’ll need veterinary attention, proper food, a place to sleep, and things to play with, not to mention some quality time cuddled in your lap.
The first and most common mistake people make with their new cat (if they have never owned one before) is thinking that they can MAKE their kitty do anything it does not wish to do. For instance, while you are trying to litterbox train Fluffy, if Fluffy has no desire to use that litterbox, you can’t simply set him/her into it and hope for the best. Training a cat takes time, patience, love, and treats. In the same way you would give a dog a biscuit or bone for performing a trick, you should always reward your new kitty for doing something it is supposed to do. Over time, the cat will learn what it can and cannot get away with. (Note: this does not mean that your cat’s behavior will always be perfect-but they will at least understand what ‘no’ means.)
Another misconception is in regards to feeding. There is no one particular brand/type of food that is best for ALL cats. While some are higher quality than others, such as Iams or Purina, that doesn’t mean that they are the ONLY foods to feed your kitty. Case in point: I recently brought home my 3rd cat. I had always fed Iams to my other kitties, and they not only love it, but it agrees with them well (their coats are shinier, they are more energetic). My kitten cannot eat Iams of any type, it makes her sick. I’ve had to experiment to find what she can be fed, and have discovered that my local grocery store’s brand is best for her. Also, cats are picky eaters! Some cats eat everything they can get their little paws on, including popcorn, peanuts, table scraps, butter, or breads (I had a cat once that was partial to glazed donuts). Most cats, however, tend to have more distinguished tastes, so don’t be offended if your pet merely picks at a piece of meat that YOU thought tasted divine.
Cats are fickle. Bringing home that cute little kitten thinking that it will love only you and be as loyal as a dog is another mistake people often make. If you live alone, it may work as you want-but if there is someone else in the house, don’t be surprised if you find the little traitor curled up in their lap,
Teaching your cat not to be a predator – Part 2
Cats are not as prolific at catching birds as has been suggested. However it does happen. There are some ways that this can be discouraged, or at least reducing the possibility of it happening.
It is possible to purchase a cat bib. The bib interferes with the cat’s ability to be able to hunt efficiently. The bib does not restrict the cat from any other of its normal activities, such as climbing trees, playing in the grasses etc., in fact it only stops the pouncing for the bird. In addition the colour of the bib warns the bird.
Another way to prevent the catch being a successful predator is to attach a collar with a small bell on it. This pre-warns the animal that is being pursued.
Indoors the problem, if you have a bird or fishes as pets, is more difficult. You need to ensure that these other pets. To do this you need to encourage the cat to desist from attacking them. This can be done by using a cat repellent spray. Alternatively, there are ultrasonic devises that can be used to train cat to stay away from a certain area of the house.
Can Cats Be Trained?
It is commonly believed that cats cannot be trained. The independent reputation of cats makes some people love them all the more; others prefer dogs for the same reason. The fact is, as independent as cats are, they can in fact be trained to a greater extent than many pet owners realize. If your cat exhibits problem behavior, this should be a relief to you.
When cats cause owners a problem, such as regarding the litter box, destroying property or aggression, people too often think they have to either give up the cat or just tolerate the uncomfortable situation. For the vast majority of cats, this is happily not true. With a little effort, you should be able to train your cat into being a much better pet.
One unpleasant, not to mention unsanitary, cat behavior problem involves the litter box. Since cats are very clean animals, they are easily trained to use the litter box. If a litter trained cat suddenly stops using the box, something is definitely wrong. This is sometimes a medical issue, so the first step is to bring the cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.
If the cat has been medically cleared, make sure that the litter box is kept clean. Also, the litter box should be kept in a quiet area, and not right next to the cat’s food and water. In this respect, cats are like people; they like a separate “bathroom” that has a certain amount of privacy. The box should also be the right size; big enough to accommodate the cat comfortably, but not too big.
Do you have an aggressive cat that claws at you or bites? This can be a nuisance, as well as painful. Fortunately, in most cases cats can be trained out of such behavior. Once again, if this is new behavior on your cat’s part, have it checked out medically. If this is a long-term problem, you may have a cat who is not well socialized, or even feral. For such cases, you can usually tame the cat, but it takes some extra time and patience.
Watch your cats movements and body language when it is aggressive. Learn when it is “safe” to touch him/her (until your training efforts have paid off, when it should be safe most of the time). You should also make sure your cat gets enough exercise. Make time to play with your cat, every day if possible. This both gives the cat exercise and is a bonding ritual. If your cat is not spayed, you should have it done; this will make the cat calmer and less aggressive.
These are some rudimentary tips in addressing cat behavior problems. You may need to further your education in this area if you have a more long-standing problem with your cat. The main thing to remember is that a healthy cat can almost always be made into an exemplary pet!
Issues regarding cat declawing
Many people have their cats declawed. This occurs for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the vet has recommended doing it at the time the cat is spayed or neutered. Perhaps the owner thinks declawing their indoor cat is “the thing to do”. After all, everybody does it, right? Perhaps the cat is scratching furniture, and the owner doesn’t know about alternatives. There are many reasons people give as to why they might get their cat declawed.
But what many people don’t know is what is actually involved.
You see, the term “declaw” is a misnomer. It implies that the vet simply removes the claws and that’s it. However, this isn’t the case. When a cat is declawed, the veterinarian must sever the toe at the first joint, thus removing the end bone of the toe, called the distal phalanx. The vet must do this because if any part of that bone remains, there is a good chance the claw will try to regrow, albeit abnormally and painfully. This requires more surgery to correct the problem.
Because cats are digigrade, meaning they walk on their toes, this is a very painful procedure. It alters the cat’s gait and can cause many physical problems down the line, such as early onset arthritis. Some cats suffer from chronic pain their entire lives. Some cats get infections in the short term.
Aside from the physical problems that may result from a declaw, many cats suffer behavioral problems as well. Because a cat digs in its litter, a declaw will make this painful. Thus, some cats begin to avoid the litterbox and find some place softer to eliminate. Other cats become biters after they have been declawed. Still others become more skittish, and less outgoing.
Some cats don’t seem to suffer long-term effects, but whether they’re in pain or not we may never know. This is because cats have a very strong instinct to hide their pain. So many people may think their cat isn’t suffering, but there is a chance that it is and is simply not showing that it is hurting.
Thus, declawing is a painful and inhumane procedure. Fortunately, though, there are many alternatives, so it is also an unnecessary procedure.
Alternatives include clipping the claws, which, if started early in the cat’s life, is a very simple thing to do. It’s only the sharp “hooks” that cause damage, so clipping those hooks off should be sufficient. There are also plastic caps to glue over the nails, which are called Soft Paws. They have to be replaced every four to six weeks and make the claws blunt, so scratching cannot do damage. There is also a product called Sticky Paws, which are clear pieces of double-sided tape that you put on whatever you don’t want scratched. Cats do not like the sticky feeling on their paws and will soon find anything with Sticky Paws applied to be unappealing.
It is also possible to train a cat where it is and where it is not acceptable to scratch. Have a good, tall, sturdy scratching post near an area where the cat likes to scratch. A good choice in scratching material is a post covered in sisal rope. Another type of post many cats like is made out of corrugated cardboard. It is good to have a variety of scratching posts. When the cat goes to scratch something inappropriate, squirt it with a spray bottle of water, or rattle a tin can full of pennies, and then redirect the cat to an appropriate scratching post.
With patience and love, it is possible to keep your cats, and your furniture, intact. Please don’t declaw your cat, but instead train it to scratch in an appropriate location.
Bribing And Training Your Cat
Cat and owner relationship is a complicated thing. To give a statement on how it will go is more complicated. But for someone who knows how to use bribery to his advantage, he can sum it up in a statement: Cats love rewards the same way that cat owners love obedient pets.
Using the “bribe” method is not as easy as just giving rewards to pets. It cannot be contested that bribery has a lot of things to offer to trainers. But certain principles must be employed. A systematic program must be adopted to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Here are some thoughts to consider in training cats using the “bribe” method.
1. Cats are rewards seeking, punishment fearing creatures.
Cats will only do things that they find enjoyable and satisfying to do. If trainers want them to do something that they find pleasing, they will be more than willing to do so if the “bribe is right,” so to speak.
2. Cats associate their actions with consequences.
Cats learn through experiences. They behave based on what they recall. Let us take these two cases to further explain this concept:
- Trainer A uses force whenever he sees his cat defecating in the wrong places. He shouts at the cat, telling it to defecate in the assigned area. He then presses its butt on the litter box. He has done this routine a lot of times, but his cat never learned.
- Trainer B rubbed his cat’s belly when it misbehaved. The cat did stop misbehaving in that instance. However, Trainer B observed that his cat misbehaves more often than before.
Because cats associate their actions to the consequences, the trainers in both situations did not achieve their desired result . This failure can be associated with the use of wrong tactics to motivate the cats.
Employing the “bribe” method will be more effective in this situation. Just remember that cats seek rewards.
3. Systematic training will do the trick.
Trainers must design their training programs. The program depends on their cats’ attitude. Things to be included in the program are the specific tasks that the trainers want their cats to do and the corresponding rewards. This method will deliver the results that you want only if you stick to the program that you did. Consistency is a key factor at this stage.
As for the trainers, the only bribe that this article has to offer is that after this program, you will have more obedient cats.
The Top Five Steps to Toilet Train Your Cat
Most cats are easily litter trained, providing that you train them from as early an age as possible. They quickly learn to relieve themselves in the same place whenever they need to. This makes your life a whole lot easier, as you do not always have to rush to let them out.
Then again, with litter trained cats comes a dirty litter box that stinks up your house. Wouldn’t it be nice if your cat could use the toilet? Well, did you know there is a way for you to train your feline friend to use the toilet? Sound hard? Well, it’s not. Here are the 5 simple steps to toilet training your cat.
1. Newspaper Training Box
Your cat must be trained to use a litterbox before it can use the toilet. Make sure you use newspaper in their litterbox when litterbox training and after. It comes in handy later, since litter cannot be flushed down, and newspaper can. The closer to the bathroom or toilet they will be using will help later on in the five step process.
2. Moving the Litterbox
It is impossible to jump straight from the litter tray to the toilet. Your cat likes routine and they will go to the toilet in the same place as they always do. If the litter tray is moved too much then they could refuse to use it. They have to feel comfortable and so this means you have to move the litter tray closer to the bathroom in stages. Moving it a little each day will slowly help your cat to get used to going in a slightly different area.
3. Lowering The Sides Of The Litterbox
As you move the box closer to the toilet then you need to trim down the sides of the box. Since the box needs to be as similar to the toilet as possible. If you don’t trim the box down your cat will notice the drastic difference. (Use caution when using a plastic litterbox. Make sure when you cut it down that it does not have any sharp edges.)
Lower the sides of the litter tray down as you move the box. That way once again the cat will be getting used to the new routine gradually.
4. Place the Tray in the Toilet
When you have managed to successfully move the litter tray into the bathroom and you have trimmed the sides down, it is then time to place it in the toilet. Make sure that it is tied to the toilet at first so that the cat will not fall off it once it jumps onto it. If something were to happen it would scare your cat and they would not go near it again. So ensure that it fits properly. Be patient with your cat as they learn to use the new tray. It could take them a while to get used to the new routine!
5. Cut a Hole in the Tray
Finally, once your cat is used to jumping up onto the toilet and using their new litter tray, it is then time to cut a hole in the bottom of the tray. This will ensure that whatever the cat does in the tray will immediately fall into the toilet. Once the cat is used to this setup, you can then take the tray away completely and they will happily use the toilet without any fuss.
Cats and litter training – Part 5
ASK Snap…..Why do cats pee outside the box?
Category: Pets and Animals
WEll…several reasons could be causing this to happen…
1. First..illness go to the vets and tell them whats going on…get tested for (A.) Sugar ,(B.)Urinary track infection,(C.)cysts..ect
2.IS the cat box kept clean? As we get older…things change…our own smells can cause us to not want to be in the box…we try to cover up the smell we can’t get rid of..even with clean litter…if the box is not emptied out and scrubbed with a germ killer..we can smell the urine..and if this is a multi cat box..it’s worse.Some of us do not want to poo and pee in the same place..needing 2 boxes.HEY so we’re clean animals by nature…So if you have alot of cats…you need alot of boxes…clean ones.
3.Did you move the box? If there is alot of people traffic…who wants to crap in public?
4.Is your cat DECLAWED? If it is and your having problems…I hope it pees in your bed…you deserve it…De clawing you cat is about the cruelest thing you could ever do to a living thing…I know due to ignorance..some owners did not realise what they were doing..BLAME YOUR VET…I know most of you love your pets and would never do anything to hurt them…but it almost ALWAYS causes some behavioral problems..one of which is not wanting to scratch the litter…hurts …HURTS…..If this is the case try using paper shredded in you litter box ..changing it everyday..yes it ’s a pain to do this but …It is NOT the cat’s FAULT…UNDERSTAND?
5.If none of the above apply..then it’s Jealousy..plain and simple. If you have a multi cat home, especially if some go in and out and others or one has to stay in…the dominant cat does not want the others to have the house,chair bed…or you..so they pee…knowing that the other cats will not lay next to or in the urine smell(unless it’s their own.)What can you do to stop it?….mmmmmm …NOTHING… DON’t YELL at your cat…don’t rub their nose in it PLEASE…they will only REBEL and make matters worse…TRUST ME…your not dealing with a dog..WE think ahead…plan…it can get scary!You can cause other behavioral problems,biting…crapping..in you bed.
http://www.mynicespace.com/” target=”_top”>..http://i.mynic espace.com/1/104.gif” alt=”myspace codes” border=”0″>
Myspace Codes: MyNiceSpace.com
.ouch!
Illness…not eating…chewing out fur…The only thing you can do is take up your rugs…bare floors are easy to clean.Covers on your furniture..washable.Some
Training your cat is possible! – Part 10
So is training your cat possible? Yes it is! All animals need to be trained. All animals need training.
#1:Abusing your cat when it is not doing something right is wrong.
It takes time to train a kitten. I actually just got a kitten a few days ago. It is black and white. It is the cutest cat I’ve ever had.
#2:I had to litter train it.
All you have to do is keep putting the cat in the room with the the litter box and try to get it to learn to go to the bathroom in it.
#3: Also, cats are a hyper animal but only because people spoil them so much with treats.
My cat knows tricks like it spins around in a circle if I say spin munchkin! It is so cute. When the kitten is spoiled it will start to
do whatever it will want and not care and it could damage things by scratching them or biting. My cat is well trained and behaved.
It is possible to train your cat or kitten.
#4:If you do not train your cat well it is going to be a aggressive cat and you will not be happy with the actions the cat does. It
will not like people and you might have to get rid of it if it is acting bad. If you just train your kitten right you will not have to
worry about these things.
For example; not using the litter box to go to the bathroom. Its attitude and behavior will be bad.
#5:The training an animal needs is from a loving family that will love and care for it and train the cat to be the best cat it could
ever be.
Training your cat is possible! – Part 1
Training a cat is like training the wind change direction. Naturally, cats are independent and self focused. A dog lives to please, but cats lives to be pleased. However, humans have opposable thumbs and higher brain functions. This may possibly lead to successful training despite kitty’s smug refusals.
Actually, training cats is similar to training dogs. Both pets appreciate praise and treats. We can use this to our advantage to manipulate . . . uh, train the little darlings. One of the best ways to train a cat is by the clicker training method. It’s simple: when the cat does something you like, you click and give a treat. This associates the sound with good things in the cat’s mind and makes him or her putty in their owner’s hands. Well, maybe not, but it is better than being ignored.
Yelling and shouting at cats is counterproductive. Cats are part prey animal, part predator. They are naturally wary of anything loud and threatening. This is, however, a good way to get your cat to run when they see you. That really isn’t something most people like to train for, though.
When teaching a cat to use the litter, it is important to use praise. Yes, watch the princess go hold your nose, too. When she’s done, you can click and give her a treat my cats love tuna. If princess goes where she isn’t supposed to go, no amount of yelling will communicate the absolute horror of her actions. Best just to clean it up and take up vigil at the litter box. Placing her in the box and treating just for standing there is a good way to associate the box with praise.
Scratching is another common problem. There are clicker training methods, but deterrents can also be successful. Use a small water bottle and good aim when prince charming starts flexing his claws on your antique side chair. One burst of water should startle him enough to send him flying. The secret is not to harm, but to scare. Eventually, his mind will associate the action with the startle and dissuade him from his scratching.
There are many other dog-like tricks that cats can perform, and they aren’t difficult to train. Clicker training is probably the best for it, but praise and treats for preferred behaviors can also be influential. Remember, your cat is not a dog, but he can be manipulated . . . uh, trained with the right know-how.
Cat Training Techniques Made EASY in 4 Steps!
First thing you must know is that the Cat Training Techniques are much more different then the dog training Techniques.
Step # 1:The Basics.
“Some important things to keep in mind before using this Cat Training Techniques”
A cat or kitten has her own way of living and sitting down is not one of them. They will always move around, eat, litter,play with you and basically have fun. But a dog on the other hand can be trained to do chores, be a good boy, and other fun stuff. If you are looking for super obedience, go get a dog.
Since you decided to bring a cat home, here are some of the things they will do and you must know this beforehand to properly train her. She will do many things to get your attention. In fact they tear up furniture, wake you up in the morning and litter nearby you just to get your attention. In order to rid of her bad habit and teach her the proper way of living in your house, you will have to adopt patience and teach him through experience.
Yes, a cat learns through experience. If you put her through a good experience she will repeat it but if it is a bad one she will avoid it. An experience that is good to her is when she wakes you up 5 in the morning. Normally you would find it cute,and praise her. Give her food, water and play with her. But in her mind, she’s thinking “Oh Awesome, to get more good, and love I have to wake my dad up early in the morning.” So, don’t fall for this trap. If she bothers you early in the morning, don’t wake up or wake up but don’t show her too much affection.
Step # 2:Cat Litter Training Techniques.
If you have just gotten a new kitten, chances are it’s already litter box trained. This is because cats who have been raised by mothers who use litter boxes themselves have already been taught to use a box by their mothers. If the mother is trained, then the kitty, too, is going to be trained to use a box. If not, though, the kitten will need to be taught cat litter training.
If your kitten was raised by a mother in the wild or is an orphan, chances are you’re going to get a kitten that is not trained. Not to worry, however. By nature, cats are very clean creatures, and would prefer to have one special place to go to the bathroom. Therefore, even though your little guy (or girl) may “do his business” in indiscriminate locations throughout your house when you first get him, it’s very easy to train a kitten how to use a box if he does not know how to do so already.
Remember that if the kitten is very tiny (less than six weeks old) and/or has been orphaned, then it may not have had a mother to show it how to use litter properly. It’s very easy to show him how, though. First, get a box or container with low enough sides that even a very tiny kitten can climb in. One of the best containers to use is an old dishpan with one side cut out so that it’s only a couple of inches high. This is low enough that even the tiniest of kittens can climb in easily.
The box must be easy to get into for your kitten to be able to use it. Immediately after you’ve set up the pan, put just a small amount of litter (no more than half an inch or so) on the bottom and put your cat in. Instinctively, even tiny kittens will usually like to scratch around even if they don’t exactly know what it’s used for.
Step # 3:Scratching & Spraying.
-Scratching
“This Cat Training Techniques are going to help you with this issue.”
If your cat does not have at least one scratching post, get one or two. This should solve most of the inappropriate scratching problems. Ideally, each cat in the household should have his own scratching post, and it should be in a place he can easily find it.
If you have a scratching post, examine it. Is it worn or all scratched out? If so, it is time for a new post. If the post is new and your cat does not want to use it, rub some catnip along the sides and top.
This will attract him to the post, and he will associate the pleasant scent of catnip with scratching. You also can dangle toys off the top of the post or place treats at the top. The more appealing the scratching post is, the more your cat will use it.
If you catch him scratching something he should not, correct him with a loud “No” and clap your hands. This will startle him and he will stop what he is doing. Pick your cat up and move him to the scratching post.
Place his front paws on the post and make scratching movements. If he does not seem to understand, run your fingernails down the post and pretend to scratch the post yourself. Praise your cat whenever he uses the post, and give him a treat afterward. He will make the connection that when he scratches the post he gets rewarded.
To prevent your cat from scratching things when you are not home, cover the edges or corners of the furniture with plastic strips or double sided sticky tape. Pet product manufacturers sell transparent, non toxic strips or double sided tape designed to repel cats without harming them.
Declawing is not an appropriate solution for a scratching problem. Pet supply stores sell little plastic caps that fir over a cat’s nails. You can also trim the tips of your cat’s nails every few weeks, which will prevent him from clawing anything.
-Spraying
Both males and females spray urine to mark their territory, although the behavior is much more common in males. One way to address this is to spay or neuter the cat. Generally cats will exhibit this type of behavior when they feel their territory is threatened, such as bringing a newcomer onto the scene.
Consult with your veterinarian about possible health problems that may be causing this behavior.
Step # 4:Cat Nutrition.
Read this Cat Training Techniques very carefully nutrition is one of the most important factors in any pets life.
You need to consider what cats will need in the wild to determine the best food sources for them. In the wild, cats will eat mice and birds, and drink water. Obviously this is a diet high in protein and it is essential that your cat gets sufficient protein to maintain a good healthy diet.
What many people don’t realize is that cats can get diabetes from having a diet that is too high in carbohydrates. By constantly feeding your cat carbohydrates it can become insulin resistant and unable to keep its blood glucose levels at a suitable level. Some signs that your cat is becoming diabetic include drinking a lot of water and eating considerably more than they usually do. You might also notice a sign of weakness in the back legs as they tend to wobble a bit when walking.
Dry biscuits are particularly bad for cats as they are generally very high in carbohydrates and even though your cat might love eating them, because of the additives that have been put into these dry foods, it certainly won’t do their health a lot of good. The reason why these dry biscuits are so popular is because of the convenience and the fact that cats are very fussy eaters. Most cats like dry biscuits except possibly those that have been found straying in the wild.
