Training your cat
Although cats are independent by nature they are highly intelligent and can be trained to show desirable behavior rather than undesirable behavior.
To discourage a cat from scratching furniture provide a scratching post for your cat. If the cat scratches the furniture admonish "no" in a gruff, loud voice or spray with a jet of water from a water pistol.
Cats are naturally clean animals and kittens learn from their mothers to bury their faeces. This is why kittens are so easy to toilet train and readily use a litter tray. Litter trays should be placed in a quiet area, be readily accessible and kept clean.
You can be sure that your cat prefers his or her litter box to be clean and fresh. Scoopable litters are preferred by most cats. Both urine and feces should be scooped from the litter box daily and the entire litter box contents should be changed periodically. Clean the box with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. A litter box liner may help reduce cleaning time but may deter some cats from using the box.
Keep one suitably sized box for each cat, plus an extra litter box. If your kitten is still very small, make sure that the litter box is not too deep so that she can easily climb in and out. Once your kitten is larger, you can switch to a deeper box to prevent her from tracking litter around your house. If the litter box is too small, your cat might be reluctant to use it or, if she does, she might urinate over the edge, missing the box.
If your cat begins to have litter box mishaps, the first step is to see your veterinarian so that he or she can rule out any medical problems that may be contributing. Once a clean bill of health is confirmed, your veterinarian will be able to advise you about the treatment of this behavioral problem.
Scratching removes the nail sheaths, outer layer of dead cells, from the claw. It also serves as a visual and olfactory territorial marker. Cats naturally claw trees and prominent objects in their territory. If they're not provided with an adequate surface in the house, they'll choose their own, so it's best to provide attractive scratching posts - attractive to the cat that is. Scratching posts made with sisal rope covering are best; rug coverings are pretty, but not as effective. Scratching posts should be tall enough for the cat to stretch to full height and should be stable. Short, wobbly posts are no good. The scratching post can be introduced to your cat through play. The cat should be praised and rewarded for scratching on the post. If he uses another surface, he should receive an immediate, mild punishment, such as loud handclap or loudly exclaimed, "No!"
To discourage a cat from scratching furniture provide a scratching post for your cat. If the cat scratches the furniture admonish "no" in a gruff, loud voice or spray with a jet of water from a water pistol.
Cats are naturally clean animals and kittens learn from their mothers to bury their faeces. This is why kittens are so easy to toilet train and readily use a litter tray. Litter trays should be placed in a quiet area, be readily accessible and kept clean.
The Litter box
Since most cats prefer to eliminate in private, put litter boxes in places that are easily accessible but away from heavy foot traffic. Recesses or the corners of rooms are suitable locations. Position the litter boxes away from your cat's feeding or bedding area to avoid sending mixed signals.You can be sure that your cat prefers his or her litter box to be clean and fresh. Scoopable litters are preferred by most cats. Both urine and feces should be scooped from the litter box daily and the entire litter box contents should be changed periodically. Clean the box with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. A litter box liner may help reduce cleaning time but may deter some cats from using the box.
Keep one suitably sized box for each cat, plus an extra litter box. If your kitten is still very small, make sure that the litter box is not too deep so that she can easily climb in and out. Once your kitten is larger, you can switch to a deeper box to prevent her from tracking litter around your house. If the litter box is too small, your cat might be reluctant to use it or, if she does, she might urinate over the edge, missing the box.
If your cat begins to have litter box mishaps, the first step is to see your veterinarian so that he or she can rule out any medical problems that may be contributing. Once a clean bill of health is confirmed, your veterinarian will be able to advise you about the treatment of this behavioral problem.
Scratching
Cats' instinctive urge to scratch and claw has ruined many a couch and stereo speaker and has created a market for declawing surgery. Some simple advice based on normal feline scratching behavior will help protect your furniture and allow your cat to remain whole.Scratching removes the nail sheaths, outer layer of dead cells, from the claw. It also serves as a visual and olfactory territorial marker. Cats naturally claw trees and prominent objects in their territory. If they're not provided with an adequate surface in the house, they'll choose their own, so it's best to provide attractive scratching posts - attractive to the cat that is. Scratching posts made with sisal rope covering are best; rug coverings are pretty, but not as effective. Scratching posts should be tall enough for the cat to stretch to full height and should be stable. Short, wobbly posts are no good. The scratching post can be introduced to your cat through play. The cat should be praised and rewarded for scratching on the post. If he uses another surface, he should receive an immediate, mild punishment, such as loud handclap or loudly exclaimed, "No!"
