Cat Questions and Responses on Training a Cat and More
Q: Can cats be trained?
A: Yes, training a cat is not as difficult as some the uninitiated consider it is. Cats most likely are not as responsive to training as Rover or Spot are but they can be trained. Treats offered as positive reinforcement is definitely the best means to train a cat.
Q: Why and how do kitties purr?
A: Adult cats purr because they are happy and contented and to play on the emotions of humans — Can you resist a purring cat? Kittens purr in answer to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is generally theorized 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: What is the reason quite a few 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 develop an allergic reaction because their immune system is beginning to combat the alien protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you curtail bad cat behavior such as nipping?
A: The best way to curtail unwanted 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 unwanted 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 box, but if your previously litter trained 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 visit 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 tables?
A: This is the most asked about cat behavior problems and can be a tough one. Cats like high perches and they often find food or food aromas 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.
