Q: Is cat training possible?
A: Yes, training a cat is not as tough as most doubters think it is. Kitties may not be as attentive to training as Champ or Rover are but they are trainable. Tasty treats offered as positive reinforcement is most likely the surest means to train your cat.
Q: Why and how do happy cats make a purring sound?
A: Grown kitties purr because they are happy and contented and to manipulate humans — who can resist a purring cat? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to assist in bonding them. It is mostly assumed that the purring is a vibration of the larynx as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.
Q: Why are the reasons some people are allergic to cats?
A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander originating 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 fight the foreign protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you halt naughty cat behavior such as nipping?
A: The best way to change 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 undesirable behavior.
Q: How do you litter train a cat?
A: You really shouldn’t have to do any training for a cat to use a litter pan, 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 veterinarian. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have switched to 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 the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a tough one. Cats like high places and they can find food or food smells on counters and tables. It is best to keep the surfaces clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the tables.