Feline Questions and Answers on Cat Training and Cat Behavior
Q: Is it possible to train a cat?
A: Yes, cat training is not as hard as most doubters imagine it is. Kitties most likely are not as responsive to training as Spot or Champ are but they are trainable. Treats offered as positive reinforcement is certainly the most certain method to successful cat training.
Q: Why and how do pet cats purr?
A: Grown kitties purr because they are happy and contented and to manipulate humans — Can you resist a purring kitty? Kittens purr in answer to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is generally thought that the purring is a vibration of the voice-box as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.
Q: Why are the reasons some individuals 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 have a reaction because their immune system is trying to combat the enemy protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you halt bad cat behavior such as clawing?
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 must do this at the time of the bad 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 adult cat has begun to avoid the litter box you need to find out why. 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 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 table?
A: This is the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a difficult one. Cats like elevated spots and they may find food or food smells on tables and counters. It is best to keep the surfaces clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the tables.