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~ Cat Training ~
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Cats can be trained to do tricks or general obedience just as well as dogs. An astute cat owner will see their kitten exhibiting behaviours that if rewarded and encouraged can to do them on command. We had a cat that used to fetch a small plastic ring and bring it back each time. We didn't teach him to do this, but once we saw he was capable, we certainly encouraged him over and over again. And the children had a marvellous time getting the fat old tom cat to retrieve his plastic ring just like the dog retrieved his ball.
Most cats really don’t need any training to go to the toilet in a litter tray but there is a small number that do.
There are literally hundreds of different types of kitty litter on the market. Once a cat has developed a preference for one, it can take up to 2 weeks to gradually get them used to using a different type. It is worthwhile then to start with a good litter when the cat is young.
Crystals are noisy but they do hide the smell very well. Paper based, recycled litter is messy and doesn't hide the smell very well but it is cheap.
I prefer a wood based litter called Oz-Pet Litter which is made from recycled wood. It comes in pellet form and you only have to cover the bottom of the tray so you don't need much. When it gets wet it turns into a dry powder and solids just clump. When it is used up, you can just put it into your garden and it will break down into the soil. Unlike clay or crsytal litters that will hang around for months, if not years.
There are a few things you can do to train your cat to behave in a well mannered way at home.
Use aluminium foil on bench tops to discourage your cat from jumping up and stealing food. The noise and the slippery surface should be enough to dissuade him from jumping up again.
Use citronella and orange peelings to stop your cat from going anywhere in your house or garden that you don’t want him to go. Cats don’t like citrus smells. This will only work while the citrus smell is fresh so it may need replacing regularly until your cat has re-learnt to go somewhere else. By placing a few quarters of oranges near your front door you will stop any unwanted cat behaviour from cat cawling to urination.
If you have a couch scratcher - put aluminium foil up the sides of the couch or any piece of furniture where your cat is likely to scratch. The feel and noise will put him off. You only need to do this until the behaviour stops.
Use catnip - it really works! You can grow it in your garden from seeds or buy it as a spray in a bottle. Cats love it and if you spray in on scratching posts or specially designated areas, it will keep your cat from destroying your furniture.
Cats may begin to urinate over your furniture if they are stressed. This may happen if you introduce a new member to the family (whether human or animal); if you have moved and cats have even been known to do it if you move your furniture around. The most effective method to cure this is to purchase a product from your vet called Felway - a similar one will do. It is a plug-in deodoriser that will emit feline hormones that relax your cat. It is expensive but not as expensive as having to replace urine soaked furniture or shoes.
Don’t buy expensive books, there is plenty of information available for free on the internet. As well, you should talk to your local pet store owner or a cat breeder if you are having difficulties with your cat.
