Q: Can cat behavior be modified by training?
A: Yes, cat training is not as tough as most owners believe it is. Kitties may not be as amenable to training as dogs are but they are trainable. Food rewards offered as positive reinforcement is most likely the surest method to successful cat training.
Q: Why and how do kitties purr?
A: Adult 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 widely 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: What makes certain cat owners are allergic to cats?
A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander coming from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies develop a reaction because their immune system is beginning to combat the foreign protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you stop naughty cat behavior such as biting?
A: The best way to curtail 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 should do this at the time of the naughty behavior.
Q: How do you litter train a cat?
A: You really shouldn’t be required to do any training for a cat to make use of a litter pan, but if your previously litter trained cat has started to avoid the litter box you need to determine the cause. 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 changed 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 counter tops?
A: This is one of the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a tough one. Cats like elevated spots and they can find food or food aromas on counters and tables. It is best to keep the counters clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the tables.