Cats and litter box training – Part 5

How to Stop Feline House Soiling

House soiling is a fairly common problem, but cats often do this for a reason. The difficult part is figuring out what that reason is. Cats are very clean animals by nature, and often are no happier using the floor, a beloved couch, or even a bed for a toilet than you would be. They do not house soil out of spite. Usually there is a valid reason for their behavior. What follows is a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the problem.

1. Observe where your cat is defecating. Often the place where your cat is leaving you presents is an important clue to what the problem is. If the leavings are near the litter box, the problem probably has something to do with the litter box. If they are near a window, the cat may be spotting a wild animal and defecating from fear. Sometimes it can be as simple as a new piece of furniture that the cat is not accustomed to. The location usually lets you know what the problem is.

2. Check for blood in your cat’s urine or feces. If defecation is painful for your cat, they may start to associate the pain with the litter box and look for other less painful places to conduct their business. The solution for this is to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

3. Is it territorial? Male cats have a habit of spraying around the house to mark their territory. Watch where your cat is spraying. There are products you can buy that have the pheromones, one of which is called “Feliway”. You spray this where your cat is spraying. If a place is already marked, your cat won’t be as interested in re-marking it.

So, what now?

If the house soiling is not due to a medical issue and not part of marking their territory, then we need to look at the clues. If the cat is defecating just outside the litter box, then chances are, there is something about the litter box that your cat just can’t stand. Try changing the litter. Some cats do not like the scented or odor-controlling litter. Hartz makes an excellent non-scented cat litter, and it’s usually cheaper than most. To make up for the extra smell, I’ve found it especially helpful to put a cardboard box over the litter box with a small entrance hole cut out. This also lets the cat have more privacy from other curious or aggressive cats in the house that may be harassing the cat in the litter box.

Also, if you haven’t tried it yet, make sure you clean the litter box more often. For one finicky cat, this should be done at least twice a week.

Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? – Part 20

You will never know how a certain pet will behave if the cat or dog is a puppy or kitten. You can purchase a dog which behaves very well and you can purchase a cat which pees on the carpet and scratches your furniture. Some dogs will be very nice and friendly and some will be vicious. Some cats are the same way. It depends on how well socialized the animal is.

When it comes to maintenance, cats are easier to take care of. You do not have to take your cat for a walk or let the cat outside every 10 minutes to go to the bathroom. You will need to pick up the dog poop from the yard versus scooping cat poop out of the litter box.

Cats are not completely dependent on you. You can leave a cat home all day and have no problems. Dogs need to be let outside and they also need exercise. You will not have to take your cat outside and walk the cat.

Cats can be very friendly. Dogs and cats will both sleep with you at night and cuddle with you on the couch as long as you socialize with your pet. Knowing which pet would make a better pet would depend on how the pet reacts to socialization after that pet reaches at least one year of age.

I would say that cats make a better pet for somebody who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with a pet. Dogs make a better pet for somebody who has the time and dedication to give to that animal.

Why cats are difficult to train – Part 24

If you do not know this yet, it is time you did! Cats CAN be trained, BUT, to their advantage and not to yours. I have had cats and still have cats all throughout my life. I have somehow managed to teach them when to get off the table by just calling their name and giving them a stare, and say the words “come” or “come here” to have them running to me whether there is food or not.

There is one thing I have never ever managed to do and that would be tricks! Cats might be able to learn tricks, but so far, I cannot vouch for that, through my experience. As far as a cat is concerned, you work for them, so if you are a cat owner, you should know that you are certainly not regarded as the master, and you shouldn’t probably look at yourself as a master!

My cats have learned how to “come” because of my manipulation tactics and as expected, food, during the younger months is almost always involved. As for jumping off the table, my cats are never threatened by a beating or anything, but they seem to know that being on the table is wrong and when they hear a change in the tone of my voice, and I look at them the way they look at their prey when they go hunting outside the garden, they just know! Cats are extremely intelligent and extremely cunning animals… I adore cats and I know they do not like to be told what to do. If you are looking for a pet to play dead for you when you want to, fetch the paper, jump up and catch a Frisbee, you might want to look for a dog, because a cat will not ever play dead unless it’s asleep on your couch, fetch the paper if it’s going to read it, and catch a Frisbee it it’s a big slab of meat!

What you need to consider before getting a pet – Part 16

Care 4 Life

Costs, must be considered for routine care as well as emergency care. Consider housing/ feed, and medical requirements, for the pets entire life.

Allergies. Check with all family members and friends keeping in mind that families sometimes change

Room, housing and space requirements, for exercise, equipment, and supplies. Do you rent or own your home? Prepared to live only where pets are allowed for the rest of the pets life?

Education, are you committed to learning everything about this pet, are you prepared to train, and socialize, and train your pet?

4

Lifestyle, does your pet fit it? Does the care of this pet fit your schedule? Remember that lifestyles change, and surprises happen, are you committed to work around this pet?

Interests, will this be something you will still have interest in a week or two, in two years?

Future, think about forever, where will you be, who will you be with. Does this pet still fit?

Everyday, are you committed to spending your spare time everyday with this pet? Will it be part of your daily routine?

Before you purchase a pet ask yourself:

What do you want from a pet? Why do you want a pet?

A helpful tip when determining what type of pet you pet you suit the most, there is a big difference between a pet to sit on the couch and cuddle with, and one to go jogging with. Ask yourself these two questions first. Are you looking for a something to observe, or an interactive pet?

Are my children old enough for a pet?

If your children are not old enough to understand the word “no” then it is not safe for your child or the pet to bring a new pet in the home, unless you are prepared to supervise at all times. What pet is appropriate for my child’s age? 5-10 years old – A great age for “shelf pets”. Fish and mice for the younger in this category, as they require little handling and little maintenance. The older in this group, (8+) are better suited for the more interactive shelf pets such as gerbils, hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs. These children tend to be more gentle, and are capable of their upkeep. Remember that all of these pets need appropriate sized homes, exercise, stimulation, medication and proper feed. This prevents health concerns, and behavior problems. Remember to keep cages and tanks clean and to wash your hands after handling, as these pets are exposed to fecal matter. Pay close attention to the medical needs and cost for these pets, as well as life expectancies.

10-13 years

Friendlier cats: Male or female? – Part 2

Wherever you are, that is right where your kitty wants to be. If you are reading a book, kitty wants to lay down on the book. If you are on the couch, kitty want to sit in your lap. And if you are eating, well, kitty want to eat too! Cats make loving and heart-warming pets, but there are things that make one cat a better pet than another. One big factor is the cat’s individual personality. But in my experience with people and their pets, any pet’s personality becomes endearing over time. They become a member of the family and nothing they do can make you love them less.

But what about male cats versus female cats? This is a debate I have heard before and I am inclined to agree with the view that male cats, or toms, are often better pets. In my experience, male cats tend to be the most affectionate, playful, and have easy-going personalities. Certainly many female cats share these same characteristics but if there is a general trend that would be it. I have also met far more female cats who are skittish and will run from strangers. They also tend to be the type of cats who will scratch and hiss. I believe this could have to do with the fact that females may be more likely to suffer a trauma as a kitten or to be dominated by bigger or male cats at any time in their lives.

That said, I believe that gender is a moot point if you’ve found a cat that you know has a great personality. The other most important factor is whether the animal has been spayed or neutered. A cat who has not will not make as good a pet, whether male or female. This is also socially responsible as it reduces the numbers of animals that end up in pounds. There are millions of animals waiting to be adopted or left to die in the streets. If we all got our loving companions from a humane animal shelter and spayed and neutered, we could solve the tremendous problem of dog and cat overpopulation.

The main point to getting a cat is to add a loving, entertaining member to your family. Regardless of gender, you will grow to love your new pet more than you ever thought possible! Whether male or female, the cat will respond to gentleness, kindness, healthy food and an active and social lifestyle. Cats are independent but that is no excuse to neglect a pet. Do so and a cat that could have been an exemplary companion may end up withdrawn and without sufficient socialization. Just remember that if you love and care for your kitty, you will reap the rewards tenfold.