Feline Q&A on Training a Cat and Cat Behavior

Q: Is cat training possible?

A: Yes, cat training is not as tough as the majority of individuals think it is. Kitties may not be as attentive to training as Fido or Rover are but they can be trained. Tasty treats given as positive reinforcement is certainly the surest way 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 cat? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is widely thought that the purring is a vibration of the voicebox 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 generated from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies have an allergic reaction because their immune system is trying to combat the foreign protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you stop naughty cat behavior like scratching?

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 must do this at the time of the bad behavior.

Q: How do you litter train a cat?

A: You really shouldn’t be required 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 box you need to find out why. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to visit the veterinarian. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have started using 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 challenging one. Cats like elevated places and they may find food or food odors 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.