Q: Can cats be trained?

A: Yes, training a cat is not as difficult as the majority of cat owners predict it is. Cats are not as responsive to training as dogs are but they can be trained. Food rewards given as positive reinforcement is definitely the main procedure to train your cat.

Q: Why and how do kitties purr?

A: Grown kitties purr because they are happy and contented and to play on the emotions of humans — Can you resist a purring kitty? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is usually theorized that the purring is a vibration of the larynx as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.

Q: Why are the reasons some cat owners are allergic to cats?

A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander generated from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies demonstrate a reaction because their immune system is beginning to combat the enemy protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you halt bad cat behavior like biting?

A: The best way to halt bad 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 should do this at the time of the naughty behavior.

Q: How do you litter train a cat?

A: You really shouldn’t need to do any training for a cat to make use of a litter pan, but if your previously litter trained cat has started to avoid the litter pan you need to determine the cause. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to go to the vet. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have switched to 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 the kitchen counter?

A: This is the most asked about cat behavior problems and can be a tough one. Cats like high places and they can find food or food aromas 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.