Pets and Animals World

Cat Training Techniques and Information

The most popular form of cat training is that of teaching them how to use the litter box. This is especially important for indoor cats, but is also ideal for an indoor/outdoor pet. Many people are surprised to know that cat training can also involve an actual toilet, which will eliminate the expense and odor associated with a litter box. This type of cat training will consist of several weeks during which time the litter box is elevated and moved until it is near the toilet. The move should be gradual so as to not cause the cat a great deal of confusion or, even worse, cause him/her to misplace the litter box. During this type of cat training, the litter can be suspended above the toilet using either a small bowl or box. At the conclusion of cat training involving the toilet, the cat will be able to use the toilet by perching over the bowl.

Cat training for indoor cats may also involve the implementation of a scratching post, which will prevent them from ruining furniture or carpet with their nails. While it is very possible to trim the nails, great care must be taken so as to avoid cutting a vein if the nails are cut too short.

It is best to begin cat training as early as possible. If you have a kitten, start early and teach him/her the basic behavior that is expected from an indoor pet, such as not clawing the furniture and how to use the litter box.

Experts believe that cats can and often do bond with their owner. In fact, cats are thought to be able to initiate eye contact in an effort to convey a message or may even mimic the actions of their owner. The bonding process is especially important while you attempt cat training. As with any pet, training can be very daunting and often stressful to the owner. It is much easier to instill cat training techniques on a kitten as opposed to a cat, which is something that every pet owner should consider prior to selecting a new addition to their family.

Cat training is the best way for indoor pets to live a happy and healthy life with their owner. A cat that is not properly trained will not understand what is acceptable and what is not, which is why cat training is so important to both the cat and his/her owner.

Cat Training Techniques and Information by Maxine Schel

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Feeding your cat

High-quality commercially prepared cat foods have been scientifically developed to give your cat the correct balance of nutrients and calories. Your shelter or veterinarian will be able to recommend the best diet to keep your cat healthy. Buy the highest-quality food you can afford. Lower-quality foods may cost you less today, but they can increase your cat’s chances of developing health problems in the future.

Obesity is a serious health problem in cats. Ask your veterinarian to help you determine the ideal body weight for your cat, and adjust your cat’s diet to attain and maintain that weight according to your veterinarian’s suggestions.

A word about food boredom: It’s not uncommon for cats to tire of the same old thing day in and day out. Provide variety in the form of different flavors and textures. Always gradually introduce any new brand of food to prevent digestive upset.

Never feed your cat human food such as table scraps, bones, or high-fat meats. Contrary to popular myth, milk is not necessary for cats and may cause digestive upset. Meat, however, is necessary for cats (because it produces essential metabolites); that’s why placing your feline on a low-meat or no-meat diet is never recommended.

Feeding your cat

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Cat Care

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you’ll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

• Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your companion may slip out the door - an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.
• Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local governments protects both cats and people in the community.
• Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.
• Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
• Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.
• Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
• Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.
• Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.
• Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.
• Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved.

Feeding your cat

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Cat - An Introduction

Cats are small, mainly carnivorous animal, Felis catus, member of the family Felidae, popular as a household pet, and valuable for killing mice and rats. Like other members of the cat family, the domestic cat has retractile claws; keen hearing and smell; remarkable night vision; and a compact, muscular, and highly supple body. Cats possess excellent memory and exhibit considerable aptitude for learning by observation and experience. The natural life span of a domestic cat is about 15 years.

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