Q: Can you modify cat behavior with training?
A: Yes, training a cat is not as hard as most doubters believe it is. Cats may not be as responsive to training as Spot or Fido are but they can be trained. Tasty rewards presented as positive reinforcement is certainly the surest procedure to train your cat.
Q: Why and how do kitties purr?
A: Adult kitties purr because they are happy and contented and to manipulate humans — Who can ignore a purring cat? Kittens purr in answer to their mother cat’s purr to assist in bonding them. It is mostly assumed 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 folks 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 demonstrate a reaction because their immune system is trying to fight the enemy protein and creates histamines.
Q: How do you stop naughty cat behavior like nipping?
A: The best way to break 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 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 adult 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 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 counters?
A: This is the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a difficult one. Cats like high platforms and they can find food or food smells 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.