Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure. If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access. Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high. Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out. Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that totally dislike cats, such as Dobermans and Pit Bulls. Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out. All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away. After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore. If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats do not like the smell. You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are additional repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers. They work great in keeping cats out of your garden. Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat. In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans. You can find numerous different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, you will need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well. Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and should not be used near any food crops. Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.

If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops. Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try applying water first. If water does not seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

Cat Behavior : More Oddities

In my previous article on cat behavior, we discussed some interesting and unusual behavior displayed by the family of cats that live on my farm. That was only the beginning. These cats seem to delight in unexpected behavior. I thought I would share a few more gems with you.

There are three female cats on my farm. They consist of matriarch, Patch, and two of her daughters. There have been other female cats on the farm, but I have been able to find new homes for all of them. Cats, being solitary hunters, aren’t expected to show any kind of social hierarchy. My three female cats do have a definite hierarchy. The top cat is, of course, Patch. It's the two daughters that have been interesting. The older daughter, Calico, is from Patch's first litter she had on the farm. She is a sturdy, healthy calico that has not had any real problems. The second daughter is Little Girl. Little girl is a couple of years younger than Calico. She is the smallest cat on the farm. A black cat with flashy white markings, little girl is active and elegant.

Since her birth, Calico has been Patch's favorite daughter. Calico and patch hung out together much of the time. Patch even allowed Calico to help her with her kittens. When Patch wanted to go do something, Calico was right there to baby sit. Even when Patch was there, Calico was often right there with her. She could often be seen washing a kitten or even just providing a nice warm place for the little guy to sleep. When Little Girl arrived things continued quite awhile in the same way. Little Girl grew up and had her first litter of kittens. Calico, as occasionally happens with calico cats has turned out to be sterile. She has never had any kittens. Because of that, when little Girl had her kittens, Calico lost her favorite daughter status. With Little Girl's kittens, Patch became the doting grandmother. She was always helping Little Girl with her kittens. The two of then could often be see lying together, bathing the kittens or watching them play. Calico was banished. She was not allowed anywhere near those kittens or any other litter since.

Calico did not just lose kitten privileges. She was not even allowed to hang out with Patch anymore the way she used to. Poor Calico, she was very upset. She knew exactly who to blame for her predicament. Little Girl. Calico and Little Girl fought several times. Unfortunately for Calico, Patch would sometimes jump in on Little Girl's side and run her off. Calico was banished to hanging out with her brothers. It has been a couple of years since then. Little Girl is still favorite daughter. Calico's position has eased somewhat. Last summer, Little Girl allowed Calico to help her with her kittens once in awhile. Patch has allowed Calico to hang out with her again from time to time. Who knows? One day Calico may just be able to work herself back into her mother's good graces. Little Girl seems to think so. She watches Calico very carefully. If she thinks things are going too well for Calico, Little Girl will start a fight with her. Oh well, Life goes on.

It is not only the girls showing some interesting behavior. This past year two brown kittens were born. Thomas, a handsome cinnamon brown with lots of flashy white, was born in the spring. Pudge is solid brown without any white at all and was late summer. What is interesting about these two is that they are both fascinated by horses. We have three horses and every day you can find Thomas or Pudge (or both) strategically positioned to watch them. When I call the horses out of their pasture, often I find Thomas trotting in along with them. If I throw hay into their mangers I have to check before I throw. Quite often Thomas or Pudge will be sitting in the manger, ready for a close up study of the horse. When the horses are grazing, Thomas will creep along, nose to the ground until he's almost nose to nose with the horse. He will stay there for a few moments until the horse gently swings his nose at the kitten to push him out of the way. Pudge has recently developed a fascination with horse's tails. He will come right in behind the horse's heels and start playing with the tail. Fortunately for him, the horses have refrained from launching him into orbit.

Cats are funny and entertaining creatures aren't they. You just never seem to know what they are going to do next.

Cat Behavior

Cats are known as solitary animals. They do not hunt communally or share the spoils of a hunt. Sometimes cats with adjoining territories will get together for a pleasant evening grooming session, but on the whole they aren't the most social creatures with others of their kind. This general wisdom doesn't always seem to hold up.

My barn cats are a single family descended from a lone female who wandered onto our place one day and decided to stay. She and her children and grandchildren police the local rodent population. Their behavior does not always match the solitary hunter of common wisdom.

The original female, Patch, used to like to take her kittens for daytrips around the area. I have watched her bring her little brood back from wherever they have been in the evenings. One evening I watched her stop and sit down near the edge of a small, lightly used road running next to our farm. Two of her kittens stopped next to her. As she turned her head one way and then the other, carefully looking for traffic, the kittens mimicked her actions. The only one who did not was the little orange tiger who became distracted by a butterfly. Patch retrieved her wandering kitten and brought the whole family home. Walks are still a part of kitten lessons.

I recently watched Patch, her daughter and three of their kittens taking a walk around the boundaries of our farm. Patch and her daughter led the way. The two younger kittens were in the middle. The oldest kitten, not quite a year old brought up the rear. When one of the younger kittens stopped too long, he tried to move them along. If he could not then one of the mother cats would come back and get the little guy moving. I have wondered what this little jaunt was about. Possibly Patch was showing the newest members of her family where their territorial boundaries were?

Some of the most interesting behavior I have seen regards family member who were injured. One of Patches' sons is a big burley black and white adult tom. A very handsome and friendly boy, he unfortunately has a talent for trouble. One day he came limping heavily into the yard wailing at the top of his lungs. His mother and sisters raced up to him as fast as they could. While he continued to cry, Patch began washing his face and ears while his sisters lay down over top of him. They stayed that way for some time while I called the vet. I am happy to report that he recovered just fine with only a hitch in his giddy up to remember his adventure by.

Another of Patches sons, a brown and white tom just under a year old, got into a fight with his eldest brother. During the fight his foot was injured and began to swell. I found him limping along on three legs the following morning. I brought him onto our porch where I could keep a close eye on him and he could recover without further injuring his foot. While he was recuperating, various members of the family perched outside the porch windows, keeping him company.

These are just a few examples I have seen among my cats. Maybe they are unusual. I have certainly never seen cats act this way before. Or maybe, just maybe, cats are not such social isolates as everyone's always thought!

Litter Cleaning For Cats

Almost everyone, adults and kids alike have a natural fondness for cats. They are loving, quiet, and very playful pets that can provide you with years of entertainment. Although most of us have a fondness for cats, that fondness can rapidly diminish when it comes to the litter box. Even the most hardened cat lover may get tired of litter box duty, especially when it comes down to scooping “you know what” from the litter box.

Cats are very intelligent, instinctively knowing how they should use the litter box. After the cat has finished using the litter box, someone in the family will need to scoop the waste from the litter box. This can be a very dirty and somewhat smelly job, one that is often overlooked during the day when the workload gets heavy. Cleaning up the litter box does not take but a few minutes, although most would prefer not to do it at all. Although the litter box will need to be scooped out daily, it will also need to be changed once a week as well, by throwing the current bag out and replacing the box with a new bag and fresh litter.

Those who do not like to scoop out the litter box should invest in one of the best inventions ever - the self cleaning litter box. These litter boxes are easy to use, and will keep the area clean. After the cat has used it, the self cleaning litter box will automatically clean the litter either by sifting or using a device that resembles a rake.

Self cleaning boxes that use shifting will often times have a round design. Once the cat leaves the covered box, the dome on top will revolve for the box to clean. The litter in the box will be shifted with the waste being put below the litter where it is discarded. Once the waste is properly disposed of, the litter will be returned to its normal position in the box for the cat to use again.

Boxes that have raking systems will often times sport a rectangular design. Once the cat leaves the box, the rake will automatically come out and clean the litter. The rake will clean all of the litter in the box, including the clumps of waste as well. Rakes are popular, although the shifting litter boxes are by far more popular and more common.

Those who are often times away from home could greatly benefit from a self cleaning litter box. They are great to have for cats that spend a lot of time by themselves, as they virtually eliminate any scooping of litter on your part. You can find them at your local pet or department store, even online as well. They are very affordable - and ideal for anyone who does not like scooping waste from their litter box.

Things to Know Before Breeding Your Cat

The population of cats is the United States alone is unbelievable. Nearly all experts will tell you that you should spay your cat instead of breed it. No matter what experts have to say, a lot of people want to have a litter of kittens from their cat. Before you decide to breed your cat, there are a few things that you should think about.

The first thing you should know is that breeding cats takes time. For the next two months after the litter is born, you will need to clean the area on a daily basis. You will also need to watch over the kittens as well, and keep a close eye on how they are developing. If you plan to breed a litter of cats, you won’t have time for much of anything else.

Breeding cats will also require a good degree of space as well. If you have a small apartment, you should not attempt to breed a cat. You should also make sure that your family agrees with the idea, as it is not good for the kittens if you keep them locked up. Keep in mind that kittens like to see things; they will end up going all over your home as well.

Breeding cats also requires a degree of responsibility as well. You should always have a plan of approach, including homes for the kittens to go that you are not planning to keep. Keep in mind that things can change, someone who wanted a cat may change his mind once the litter is born. In this event, you must decide whether or not you can keep a kitten that does not have a home.

Breeding also requires some education as well. You should be prepared for any problems along the way, as well as what takes place during birth. From cutting umbilical cords to delivering early, you will need to be well prepared. You should also have the proper supplies, and know how to handle things in the event of a c-section. You will also need to know what to feed pregnant cats, as their diets are very important if you are breeding.

Breeding will also cost money as well, with kittens costing a lot more money than you may think. The food is not the only thing that’s expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive. Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, you will still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well.

In short, there is a lot to think about where breeding is concerned. If you have your mind set on it and you want to breed, you should be sure that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand. You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding – and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.

Caring For Persian Cats

These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They're great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.

Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they're divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, bicolor, particolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they're best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.

Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You will need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you will need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.

The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They're very playful, yet they do not require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They are not destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.

Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it does not get out of control.

When you compare Persians to other breeds, you will notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like climbing or jumping, as Persians don't like to do either. All you will need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy and beautiful Persian cat.

Cats and Ring Worm

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think differently, this skin disease is not caused by any type of worm. It is actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they're more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around 6 weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

Tips For Introducing Cats

When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it's normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 - 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isn't in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesn't go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.

At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesn't belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when he is near the new cat's door. As he starts to act calm, you should pet him and give him praise.

When your first cat starts to go by your new cat's door and doesn't howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each others scent. You can start letting them eat out of the same food dish, although you'll want to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, the scent of each cat will be present at the food dish, and each cat will get the scent when he eats his food.

Once both cats have got used to the scent, you can begin to feed them closer together. To do this, you should keep your new cat in the safe room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with his food dish. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without any hissing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to one another.

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each others scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart.

It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do - they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on - it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home.

Siamese Cat

A Siamese Cat Makes a Purr-fect Pet

For hundreds of years the Siamese cat has been in existence, making it one of the oldest established cat breeds. Even though the precise origins of these cats are in dispute, it is generally suggested that they stem from the area of Southeast Asia. A plausible speculation is that they are distant descendents of the King of Siam's revered palace cats. In the late 1800's the first pair of Siamese cats was transported from Siam (now called Thailand) to Britain. Since then, their popularity has increased so much that they are one of today's most admired cat breeds.

There are two very distinct varieties of Siamese cats. The first one is the Traditional or Apple-head type. These cats have a circular head with proportionate rounded ears. Their eyes are also more rounded. They are normal-sized cats with stockier athletic bodies. This type maintains the original characteristics of the early imports from Siam.

The second variety is the Modern or Wedge-head Siamese. In comparison, they have elongated wedge or triangular heads with obviously large pointed ears. Their eyes are almond shaped and somewhat slanted. Their agile bodies are long, slim and graceful with whip-like tails. This type was refined by breeders and is the kind you will see competing in cat shows.

In the past, Siamese cats had unusual traits, such as, kinked tails and crossed eyes. While these tendencies can still be found in the Siamese, they are considered flaws and through breeders using discriminating breeding practices, occur much less frequently. All Siamese cats are shorthaired and have brilliant blue eyes, except for albinos.

Siamese cats are recognized for their point color pattern. Which means the body coat is lighter in color, while the points are darker. The points are the cat's face, ears, lower legs, paws and tail. Siamese kittens are born entirely white. Slowly but surely, the color points begin to appear and improve until one year of age when most color points are totally developed. Siamese come in four basic color points. The first is the well-known Seal Point. The body color is fawn with dark brown points. Next is the Chocolate Point. As the name suggests, the points are a chocolate color and the body is off-white. After that, comes the Blue Point, which has a white body color with a bluish tint. Its points are a deep bluish-gray. Finally is the scarce Lilac Point that has a white body and pinky gray points. Besides these basic colors, there are many variations. They include an assortment of other color points, torties, lynxes and albinos.

Along with a curious nature, Siamese are regarded as extremely intelligent being a social animal that is very loyal and loving to their people. They can form a strong bond with their owner. In fact, they require a fair amount of attention from their humans or they may become lonely if not given their proper affection. If that becomes the case, the owner may hear what these cats are famous for which is their ability to communicate vocally that at times can be considerably loud. In fact, it can sound as if the cat is hurt and in pain.

It is very easy to care for a Siamese cat, since they are able to groom themselves. However, it certainly will appreciate an occasional brushing. Generally, it is a healthy breed, although there are a few genetic diseases as with most purebreds. By keeping inoculations up-to-date, spaying or neutering and not allowing the cat outdoors, you can have an enduring friendship. This cat is tolerant of smaller children and its calm temperament is perfect for seniors making it a terrific all-around family pet.

Potty Training for Cats

Initially, cat toilet trainers should know that cats learn one trick at a time.  Changes are made after a first trick is mastered.  A cats' motto: "Slowly but surely."
The capacity of cats to learn differ and so are expectations, control them to avoid disappointment.

Consider the kind of cat to be potty trained.  There are pampered, indoor, and spoiled cats.  These types are the ones can be toilet trained.    It is vital to maintain a house that does not smell like there is a cat living in it.  

Follow these steps on how to effectively toilet train cats:

1.      Start by placing the cat's litter box near the bathroom door.  He should know the new location and uses the litter box as usual.

2.      After about a week, put something underneath the potty trainer to elevate it.  It could be a bunch of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, or floor mats.

3.      Raise the litter box an inch higher every other day until it reaches the level of the toilet seat.

4.      At the start of the training, the cat just steps onto the litter box as usual until it slowly jumps up and down from it.

5.      Lift the toilet lid up in order for the cat to learn how to tromp with only the seat to step on.

6.      Next, move the potty trainer above the toilet seat.  Leave it this way for a week or two.

7.      The most exciting part: remove the litter box from the toilet bowl but put down the metal bowl inside.  Put a few litters for cat's recognition of purpose.

8.      Once the cat is used to using the toilet bowl, tutor him on how to squat the right way and that is holding the legs for the correct posture as often as possible until mastered.  If the cat has his all fours on the toilet seat, begin by holding the two legs in front.

9.     As soon as he knows how to squat properly, lift the hinds out.  Assist the cat as he learns how to balance in that position.

10.     Start removing the litter from the metal bowl. Now put water at the bottom and increase the contents everyday.

11.     Once the feline is already comfortable with the water in the metal bowl, take it all off the toilet bowl.

Cat toilet training is a slow process.  Time and effort are invested to obtain a kitty litter free house.  Not only does an owner get rid of the ghastly chore of cleaning the litter but get more time to enjoy the cat’s company.

Tips on Training Cats for Harness

Cats, like children, have to be harness trained with persistence and concern.  Hard treatment and physical stress can only induce fear in cats.

Starting at age six months, a cat can start to undergo the training.  Confine the cat in order to diminish its need to wander.  It is very vital that the right harness is purchased and used since a cat can easily struggle and free itself from the leash if a puny one is used.  The harness should be of sturdy yet of comfortable quality, one that is specially made for cats.  

The H shaped harness made of nylon material which is light, although it has buckles for the neck and the cat’s tummy, is a sure buy.  Make sure that there is a metal ring for the cat’s I.D., which is located near the backside of the cat.  The cat size can be measured by using a tape measure for the neck and tummy.  

The harness can be placed a little firmer after about five days.  It can then be adjusted to a two-inch width off the neck and the cat’s tummy.  Leave the harness on for five to ten minutes each day and do this for two weeks.  Keep in mind that cats are more jumpy than dogs so they really need more care and guarantee of a no hard treatment.

Use a walking collar with an L shaped fabric that hugs the cat’s body.  Choose a jacket that is breathable and provides enough aeration for the cat’s comfort.  A 5/8-inch wide nylon harness that has three buckles is used for effortless fitting and strapping.  Its collar should be one that can be adjusted from 9-12 inches to prevent suffocation.  

Have the cat wear the leash while wandering inside the household for twenty to thirty minutes a day for a week.  However, never let the cat out of sight as they may be prone to getting snarled in chairs, tables, etc, and this would frighten him.  Once the cat has gotten used to moving around with the harness on, then it can be held on to and the cat is ready for a walk in the park.  Felines will eventually realize that there are corresponding limitations attached to being leashed.  Position the strap with the ID tag and leash where the cat can snuffle, touch and have fun with it.

Being consistent and patient with the routine is the best key to accomplishment.  Cats love routine and habits, following a sequence can make them expect what is next, thus, preventing any straying and disagreement.  Once the cat is used to the harness, he’ll never even notice its there at all in the future.

Choosing a Toilet Training Kit

Tips on Choosing a Toilet Training Kit for Cats

One major problem encountered by pet owners of cats is the litter.  Cats litter everywhere especially when they are not trained to litter in the proper places.  It is recommended that cats be trained to litter in proper places to avoid dirt and unwanted smell inside the household.

There are many toilet training kits that are especially made for cats and are sold in the market.  However, there are things that need to be considered when choosing the best toilet training kit for the cat.

1. First, the owner needs to consider the curiosity level of the cat.  If the cat is not much interested in discovering things then toilet training kits may not be that effective for them. Different toilet training kits sold in the market should also be considered.

2. There are kits that have basic tasks that may be applicable for kittens while there are some kits that are too complicated for other cats.  Therefore, it is important to really assess if the cat will be able to be trained using the toilet training kits.

3. There are many other alternatives that can be used in place of a training kit.  Owners can just improvise rather than buying commercially made ones.  Aside from saving more money, it can also give the benefit of making a litter box and training the cat based on the cat's capability the way the owner sees it.

4. Toilet training kits for cats that are sold in the market have different prices. T hey may vary depending on the needs of a certain cat.  It is still best to have enough information before choosing on a certain kit.  Researching and asking questions from those who have tried the product is also recommended.

5. Some toilet training kits also offer various tips on how to make the training easier for pet owner.   Others may also include tricks that pet owners can make use of.  The kits will include everything the owner may need in training a cat to use the toilet or a cat litter box.

Although there are many kits that are sold in the market, the effectiveness of the kit is not mainly dependent on the kit itself but also on how the pet owners use it   Since toilet training kits require gradual steps, patience and consistency of trainers are needed to become effective. If pet owners are dedicated to train their cats, then in just a few weeks, the cats will be able to litter in the proper places.

How to train your cat to stop biting people

Cats look cute and adorable.  That is until they start biting poor unsuspecting human beings.  Cats need to be taught good behavior.  A lot of biting that is done by cat is a result of uncorrected bad behavior.

Keep in mind that cats came from the wild.  Even though now cats have been domesticated and live in close contact with humans, their instincts remain the same.  They are born hunters and are equipped with the natural tools designed to hunt a prey.

Cats have predatory instincts

Biting is a part of a cat's defense mechanism.  They do this when they feel threatened. Since biting is a cat's way to protect themselves, humans have to be careful that their cats don't think they are threatening them in any way when they are playing with their cats.

Remember that cats are predatory by nature.  They exhibit this trait by playfully pouncing and biting the hands and feet of their owners.

It's important for owners not to tolerate this behavior.  Otherwise, their cats will think it is acceptable.

Cat owners should not encourage their cats to think that their hands and feet are play things.  A lot of cat owners who tolerate this behavior have scars to prove this unfortunate mistake.

Look for the cause

Sometimes cats exhibit bad behavior such as scratching and biting when they are ill or have an injury.  They also do this when they feel anxiety or fear.

Cat owners need to pay close attention to the health of their cats.  They also need to examine their cat's environment to assess if there's something about their surroundings that is causing their cat's bad behavior.

Train your cat

When training a cat, owners should reward their pets for their good behavior and obedience!  This encourages the cat to maintain a good attitude.  You  can do this by giving them treats, or showering them with affection.

Fun activities

Sometimes cats bite when they get listless.  When a cat starts to scratch and bite, owners can put a stop to this by distracting the cat with a fun activity.  Give the cat a toy to play with.  This will get the cat's attention, and keep the cat preoccupied.

Cats are wonderful pets to have.  Not only are they clean creatures- they keep themselves clean by licking their fur.  But they are also very useful.  The Ancient Egyptians used to keep cats to catch rodents.

But first things first, cats need to be trained and taught the rules of the house.  Luckily for cat owners, this means, no more biting!

Litterbox Training for Cats

Training Cats at Home

Most people love animals and it is the preference of the person which type of pet is ideal his or her own home. This could be a fish that is in an aquarium that has to be fed and the tank cleaned at least once a week, a dog that has to be fed and walked and bathed or even something as furry and cute as a cat.

Cats are one of the cleanest animals around since by nature, they have the ability to clean themselves without any assistance. Even if that is the case, it does not prevent these pets from soiling the apartment or the house so the cat has to be trained through the use of a litter box.    

Choosing the right litter box for the cat will really depend on the size of the cat that is inside one’s home. The box has to be big enough for the cat to move around in and easily accessible for it to go inside.  

This begins by making observations of the pet at home. When the cat begins to move in a strange manner, then it is time to pick it up and rush it to the litter box. Some people have already had the experience of not making it in time which will mean cleaning up the trail of what the pet left behind.

Another unfortunate instance is coming home and finding waste. The best way to train the cat when this happens is picking up the waste and putting it in the box. Then one should pick up the cat and let it stay there for some time which will help the animal realize what to do the next time when there is an urge.

The interior of the box should have some form of filler that will make the place comfortable for the cat. A person can use some old newspapers or old rags. And if this does not work, then one can ask the advice of neighbors who may have some experience with cats at home.  

If the house is quite large, it is advisable to provide more than one litter box to make it easily available for the cat. Since the waste of the cat smells just like that of other animals, one should get rid of it immediately and replace the litter so that the odor does not penetrate the entire home.

Cats, just like any other animals, will require some form of maintenance. Training the cat to use a litter box might take more than a day but in the long term, it will keep the house clean of waste lying around.

Cat Training Supplies

How to Choose the Best Cat Training Supplies

Choosing the supplies needed for training a cat need not be expensive. What is important is to know the supplies that are really needed for training and are found to be the most effective. Choosing the cat training supplies needed is never complicated. The only thing that needs to be considered is  to determine what the cat owner would like to improve in  the behavior of the cat.

Here are the most important supplies needed for training :

1. Litter Box

A litter box is very important in training a cat especially if the cat will be trained to litter in a proper place. When choosing a litter box, the size of the box and the sides should be considered. The cat should be able to jump to it easily, which is why enough space is needed. Cats scratch when littering. The sides should have some height so that the litter will not be scattered when the cat scratches.

2. Bed for the Cat

A bed should be also be prepared for a cat especially if the cat is be trained not to sleep anywhere he wishes. A bed should be specially made for the cat. The trainer or cat owner can improvise a bed that is made of a soft pillow. It should be inviting and appealing to the cat. Cats love to sleep in warm places. That is why it is important that the bed should provide enough warmth for the cat. A scent can also be added to the bed, which is more appealing to cats.

3. A Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch. Much of the time they scratch anywhere they like. They scratch on the walls, couches and even on other furniture. Therefore, it is necessary to have a post where a cat can scratch. A scratching post can be bought commercially or the owner can improvise.

When making an improvised scratch post, the post should be sturdy enough. It should not tip over once the cat touches it. It can be covered with a rough mat or the other side of a carpet. However, it is not recommended to use the same coverings used for the couches or furniture otherwise, the cat will do the same to them.

4. Yarn or Balls as Toys

When teaching a cat some tricks. The best tools are the yarns and balls. Cats love to play with things that are light and moving. There are toys that are specially made for cats but yarns and small balls are the cheapest yet most effective.

Cat Training Tips for Different Breeds

Training Different Breeds of Cats

There are many cat breeds available and one should do some research on the behavior of each kind before getting any as a pet.  Cats in general are not like dogs who want to please the owner. W hen this creature wants to perform a trick or something, it is because the animal finds it amusing and will continue to do so as long as it is having fun.

The best way to start training a cat is getting it associated with a certain sound.  When the animal responds immediately to it, the signal could mean it is time to eat or to go to the owner when the pet is being called.

The owner should call out the name of the cat first then make the distinctive sound.  Since this may take some time to practice, this should be done quite often and reinforced with some kind of reward to make the animal know what will happen when hearing it.

One good way of training the cat is with constant observation. This works well when training the cat to sharpen its claws on the scratching pad and not on the furniture. The owner should gently pick up the animal, bring it to the scratching post then hold the pet by the paws and start the action.

Since not all cats are toilet trained, one will have to watch over the cat.  When it is time for the cat to go, the person should carry the cat to the litter box for the "deed" to be done there.

Should the cat dump its waste before reaching the litter box or when the owner suddenly finds some in the house, this should be picked up and placed in the box. Afterwards, the cat should be placed in that box to make it get used with the smell, which will help the cat learn where to go should it happen again. When this happens, the cat should be rewarded with a little treat.

Cats, regardless of breed, can be trained to do tricks.  Though some do not perform the tricks in the presence of strangers or other people, it does not mean the creature has forgotten the trick.  It just means it is not comfortable in the presence of other people.

Cats can also be trained to be responsible enough to go to the proper place whenever nature calls.

For all of this to happen, it just takes some time and patience for the owner to train and reward the pet for its efforts.

Cat Training Requirements

There are several things you have to know before training your feline companion:

•     cats are not very enthusiastic in being trained, and;
•     they are not interested in pleasing their owners.

Therefore, PATIENCE, consistency, a good reward or positive reinforcement system and an enjoyable experience for your cats are the key ingredients towards successful cat training sessions.

Training your cats for proper toilet, litter box, playing and leash manners and patterns require a good amount of time and patience. The task of your cat is to do the lesson at hand but yours is the patience.

Because of the known independent nature of cats, some owners view them as untrainable which is wrong. Besides, physical exertions and mental stimulation are good for your cat’s health. Your veterinarian may even suggest some helpful exercises and games for your cat.

Behavior and psychology are the things you have to understand before training your cat. You may want to ask your veterinarians or consult books about cat training.

Cats respond to REWARDS or bribery very well. This is how they learn basic tricks. By words of praises, affection from pats, rubs and a loving voice and of course food, they can learn what you want them to learn fast and well done. They, too, have natural instincts and behaviors that help them do the tricks. At times, you would want them to use these instincts and aide them too in their training.

There are some tips you can do to ensure success in training your cats.

•     Keep in mind that cats are not dogs. Their endurance for longer activities is less compared to dogs. Be sure to keep your training sessions to at least 15 minutes maximum per day. They respond very well to trainings before mealtimes when they are hungry.

•     Cats are good in doing tricks especially when they are given rewards like foods and affection. Yelling, beating and force never work for them.

•     If you catch their attention by using distinct sounds and commands, be sure that it is brief and repeated not more than twice. It will lose its effects if overused.

•     Make your training session not only short but an enjoyable experience.

•     Always make use of your cats name when commanding them. Afterwards, praise and reward them.

•     Choose the best reward for your cat training.

•     Cats have this sense of performance, the best time and who to perform for. Do not force them to do a trick in front of visitors.    

•     Be consistent in your training. Cats have very good memory.

For all you feline lovers, learn to do the tricks and practice PATIENCE.

Cat Training Products

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.

Reinforcing Cat Training

Training animals in the zoo or circus is just like training the cat at home. It starts by getting the tools necessary then practicing daily until the pet does it right.

One of the most dreaded things that the cat can do to one's home is ruining the furniture with its sharp claws. Studies have shown the cats do this to mark their territory  -  similar to dogs that urinate in a certain place. To stop this bad behavior, it is best to buy scratching posts and install them in areas the cat frequents in the house.

Given that there are many types of scratching posts available and cats can be picky, one should experiment with the different kinds until one is able to find the kind that your cat will love. When the cat does scratches the post instead of the furniture, the pet should be praised and given food to let it know it is correct and will get the same treatment again in the future.

Another problem that cat owners face is waste. Should there be some found lying in the house, it will make the house smell and nobody wants that. To solve this, one should get a litter box and teach the cat where to go when there is an urge.

This may take some to learn so you should be patient and oversee the cat’s behavior. When the cat begins to show signs that it is about to release, the person should pick the cat up and rush it to the litter box. Hopefully, the pet will reach the litter box in time but if not, then the owner should be prepared to clean up the trail of waste left behind.

Since many people work or are gone for long periods of time, one may come home to a house with waste in the living room or in another part of the house. The best way to train the animal is putting the waste in the litter box then bringing the cat to the box for it to get used to the smell.  

When the cat begins to do it on its own, then the pet should be rewarded with praise and food.

There are many ways of teaching the cat how to behave if you decide to keep it indoors. The best way is still reinforcing that behavior instead of punishing the animal since it will make the cat learn the rules of the house faster.

Treats While Training Your Cat

The Importance of Treats While Training Your Cat

The felis domesticus, or simply cats, are known for its sharp senses. In fact, most zoologists assert that cats have the best senses among mammals. This is because they have sharp sense of hearing, smelling, and keen eyesight.

However, with all these remarkable characteristics, cats are little known for learning tricks. Some people contend that it is so hard to teach cats some tricks.

The problem with those people is that they do not know how to train a cat properly. In fact, dogs can be as hard to train as well if improper techniques were employed.

The point here is that since cats have very strong senses, then, it would be better to train them and use their senses as a good target area. This can be done by using treats while training the cat.

Generally, cats respond more when they are given some rewards immediately after they were able to perform the tasks that were required from them. It is important that these rewards be given on an instant so that they can associate the rewards with what they have just done.

Some animals, like dogs, can respond simply by receiving a pat or a good verbal praise after the task. However, cats are more independent animals that seem to have their own sense of thinking. That is why it needs more incentives for them to respond to the commands.

In spite of this, it is not also healthy for the animals to respond to the commands simply because they know that there will be some treats in the end. Hence, it is important to limit the treats while training the cats. It would be better to use treats in commands that are hard to teach like the “come” order.

Nevertheless, treats are very effective tools in training your cats. They are the best tools whenever trainers want to boost the preferred behavior from their cats.

People should understand that cats are not given the same intellect that humans have. Hence, they need something to associate with so that they can understand that the action that they have just made is acceptable.

Boiled down, training a cat is just a matter of employing the best technique and the right treats. All of these things can assure the cat owners of a wonderful execution of commands done perfectly by their beloved cats.

Cat lovers just have to understand that cats, like humans, and like any other living creature in this world, need some praise, love, and rewards so that their pets will return the goodness that they receive.