Cat Care

Getting a pet is just the tip of the iceberg especially if the owner decides to keep it indoors.  Before deciding on which animal to get, it is best to read up on the frequent problems that happen so one can be ready to overcome them.

A cat is a cute furry animal that do not usually need to be given a bath like dogs.  This is as cats are able to clean up themselves very well.  But there is more to just giving them food or brushing their fur and these are things the owner must anticipate.

Cats like dogs that have not been trained how to behave indoors can create a lot of problems.  The claws of this animal can scratch and ruin the furniture.  If the creature has not also been toilet trained, the house will smell and the owner will have to clean up after it.

There are ways to solve the clawing problem.  One way is declawing it when your pet is still a kitten.  Since some people find this to be cruel to the animal, then one would have to buy a scratching post and teach it to scratch on the surface when the animal feels like doing it.

Since the kitten does not know what the scratching post is for, it is best to teach it by grabbing its paws and doing the motion.  This will take some time to learn so one should observe that cat and practice it often.

Another product for training cats is a litter box.  This is to solve the waste problem that will happen if the cat has not yet been trained on what to do should it feel the urge.  These can be purchased at the local pet store and choosing one should depend on the size of the cat.

Using the litter box will take some time and practice so one should keep a close watch on the cat.  Should it start behaving like it is about to do it, one should carry the cat immediately to the litter box. Another way of teaching it is picking up the waste, putting it in the box then putting the cat in the box to get used to the smell.

Cats like other animals need time to exercise.  To prevent this animal from ruining the house, one should buy toys such as a stuffed animal or a ball for the animal to play with.

There are many varieties of cat training products available on the market which can be found in the local pet store or online.  The person has to know what is needed in order to make the pet good for the indoors.

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Any cat owner will tell you, cats are wonderful pets to have around. However, that same owner can also tell you that one of the downsides is needing to deal with their pet’s toilet business.

But that should not be a drawn out problem if you take the time and proper care in training your cat to use the litter box.

Before any training should commence, make sure you have the right litter box. Choose one that is made of durable plastic for easy washing. It should also be deep enough to contain just a little less than 2 inches of litter.

Do not think that by putting more litter in the box will mean fewer times you would have to change it. Your cat will very likely refuse a soiled box even if there’s a lot of litter in it.

Cat litter comes in different varieties of grades and scents. However, the benefits of scented litter only applies to the pet owners. In fact, cats dislike scented litter because it seems unnatural to them. They will very likely reject eliminating in the box and go somewhere else.

The kind of litter grade your pet will prefer varies with each one, but it is observed that cats are particularly fond of smaller grades. Perhaps this is because smaller grains make the litter softer.

Next, place litter boxes in areas where your cat usually soils. You are building on the cat’s association of places and activities. Eventually, you may move the litter box around when your pet has gotten used to eliminating in the box.

Now that you have a good litter box set up, it’s time to teach your pet to use it.

Cats usually do their business after a meal or a nap. So take note of these times. Before feeding take 10-15 minutes to play with your pet.

Allow about 15 minutes for the meal and clear up leftovers after that period. When the meal is finished, play with your cat for another 10-15 minutes, this time somewhere near the litter box.

Lead your cat to the box. Move the litter around with your hand to intrigue the cat with the texture of the litter, inviting it to step into it.

Encourage your pet once it steps inside, speaking to it in gentle tones. Make the cat feel that the box is a nice and comfortable place. Whether your cat soils in the box or not, be consistent with that tone. Eventually, your pet will like the litter box and do its business there.

Finally, be consistent and patient. Results may not come right away, but the training will pay off in time.

Learn More:  Cat Care Compendium

There is more to cats than the cuddly and lovable pets who purr on one corner of the house. At times, they can be a menace to housekeeping too. Scratches in furniture, broken ornaments, and ruined stockings are just a few things that misbehaving cats can do.

There are reasons why cats misbehave. And by knowing these reasons, cat owners can be capable of controlling their pets’ actions.

Here are some things about cats which cause misbehaviors together with tips on how to make them behave.

Cats misbehave when they are bored

Cats that don’t have much to do have no choice but to do obnoxious things. They may be looking for attention, or they just needed something to do to spend their energy.

Whatever the case may be, these can be solved by allotting time for your cat to play with you. However, do not do this immediately after your cat misbehaved. Your cat will associate its misbehavior with you giving it more attention.

Cats are naturally nocturnal animals

Cats are more active during nighttime. They can do more exciting activities by that time.

With this in mind, make your cat busy in the morning. By doing this, the cat will be too exhausted to do things when it is time for his owners to sleep.

Cats misbehave when they are sexually-driven

Expect misbehavior when cats feel that it is time to mate. Expect a lot of misbehavior for cats who are confined inside their homes when it happens!

Surgical procedures can be done to prevent misbehaviors caused by sexual urges. Female cats can undergo spaying; male cats can undergo neutering.

Cats misinterpret owners’ reaction to its misbehavior

Owners usually get mad when their pets misbehave. But they are vague in telling their pets that they are mad. When owners reprimand their pets for misbehaving, cats think that their owners just want to play with them.

Owners must be clear with their reactions. If their pets misbehave, owners would make it clear that it is a punishment and not a game.

Remember that cats seek reward. They avoid punishment. Do not make misbehaving enjoyable to your cat by giving it a lot of attention when it happens.

By associating punishment for misbehaving cats learn what should not be done.

Cats enjoy playing with certain things in the house

There are things that cats love. It may be a curtain, or a pillow.

The good thing is they hate certain smells too. Spray unpleasant smells on those things to keep cats away.

By knowing why pets misbehave, owners have a better chance to correct these bad habits earlier!

Recommendations we found worth mentioning:

The Pampered Pet Mart - An array of quality supplies and products for dogs and cats and owners who like to pamper their pets with the very best. Cat Beds, Grooming Aids, Collars and Leashes, Feeders and Bowls, Crates and Carriers, Drinkwells, Treats, Toys, Health, and Travel

Dog, Cat, Etc. - A full selection of cat items for grooming that includes allergy relief, bath wipes, anti-shedding wipes, trimmers, moisture sprays, a full line of dental products, arthritis and joint care, flea and tick and supplements. A very full line to review.

Pet Blessings - Custom Engraved Religiuos Pet ID Medal Tags

Pacific Pet Shop - You’ll have to visit this store to see all the toys, feeders and training items. Nicely displayed items and fun to view.