Cat Training Tips And Tricks » Behavior Training

Dust Free Cat Litter – 3 Different Brands Reviewed

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:28:55 +0000

Anyone who owns a cat knows that the little guys do their absolute best to keep themselves and their environment clean at all times. As cat owners, we can help out our pets by getting them a dust free cat litter. There are a few reasons for this. Cats tend to kick up quite a storm after finishing their business. If the kitty litter you use is a dusty one, chances are you’ll be breathing all sorts of allergens whenever you’re around the litter box. This, alone, is a good enough reason to switch kitty litters. Open any health magazine these days and you’ll see at least a couple articles about the importance of indoor air quality. Your cat will also appreciate a dust free clumping cat litter. Low quality litters tend to stick to your cat’s feet, annoying him or her to no end!

Now, with so many different kitty litters available, it’s tough to know which one right for your pet.

One of the best dust free cat litter products on the market is the Swheat Scoop Natural Wheat Litter. This stuff, as you’d expect, is actually made from wheat! It’s completely biodegradable and can even be flushed down the toilet. This isn’t the case with a typical clay based litter. This product is also completely dust free so your home will benefit here as well.

Another product you may want to consider is Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra litter. This clumping cat litter is of the clay variety. Because of this, it can’t be flushed down the toilet. Some folks don’t mind throwing out their litter with the trash though. This is, after all, what cat owners had to do for years before the whole “green” movement started. I like the Dr. Elsey’s litter because the little chunks of litter aren’t that little at all. Because of this, the litter clumps very well and also ensures that the bottom of your cat’s box remains dry. Like the Swheat product discussed above, this litter is unscented and dust free.

Arm And Hammer also makes a dust free clumping cat litter. This product is, as one would expect, made out of baking soda. Baking soda is known for it’s odor killing properties and this is great for a cat litter. This product is scented and some people don’t like that. I’ve used this litter before and never really been bothered by the smell though. I guess some folks have more sensitive noses than others. Because this cat litter is made of baking soda, flushing it down the toilet isn’t recommended.

The best dust free cat litter really is dependent on what you’re looking for. Read a few reviews, check out a few websites and try some products. It won’t be long before you find something that works for you and your cat.

How To Keep A Cat Off The Counter

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:24:51 +0000

Counter tops are not good places for cats. Although a lot of pet owners think that their kitties look super cute when they’re exploring various counter tops, it generally isn’t a good idea to let them do so. There are a few reasons for this. First off, counter tops can actually be fairly dangerous places for felines. Think about all the potential hazards that exist in your kitchen. Counter tops are often very close to the hot elements found on top of stoves. These elements can burn your cat’s paws, causing permanent damage. Knives are another thing that don’t agree with cat’s paws. Even if you keep your kitchen spotless, there are still invisible hazards like cleaning products and bleach. Cat’s tend to sniff and lick various surfaces just for the heck of it. The last thing you want to do is let your cat ingest some kind of a toxic substance.

In order to discourage our pets from climbing up on to the counter, we need to understand why they like doing so. This really isn’t that hard to figure out. First and foremost, there is the potential for food on counter tops! Naturally, any animal is going to want a little piece of cheese or sausage. It’s possible that your cat is just hungry for a little treat of some kind. Another thing most cats can’t resist is running water. These smart little guys are quick to pick up on the fact that sinks are basically just fresh water fountains. Cats also have a natural inclination to climb. This is why outside cats are constantly getting stuck up trees and on the roofs of houses. It’s not uncommon for indoor cats to actually make their way on to the top of a fridge either. Being on the counter also gives your pet the chance to look you, it’s loving owner, in the eye. I think kitties get sick of rubbing up against our legs all day long. The want some face time!

So how can we keep our cats off the counter? Well, the way I see it, this is really a two part method. First off, you have to discourage your cat from doing so. Secondly, you need to give him or her something else to climb!

How To Discourage Your Cat From Jumping On To The Counter

The best way to do this involves the use of some kind of a noise. Cats don’t like loud noises and you can use this to your advantage. A lot of people recommend using a tin can filled with coins. Others prefer to make the noise with their mouth. I find that a loud “PSSSSSSST!!” sound will usually do the trick. The type of noise that you use doesn’t really matter. What is important is the timing. You have to watch your cat carefully. When he looks like he’s about to pounce up on to the counter or table, make the noise. If you’ve timed it right, your cat will be startled and not jump. Continue with this routine. It won’t be long before your little buddy learns his lesson.

You could also try placing tape on to the counter top. This tape isn’t meant to hurt your cat. It merely annoys them – hopefully to the point that they leave the counter. The problem with this method is you end up with double sided tape all over your counter top! This isn’t really convenient if you plan on having people over…

How To Encourage Your Cat To Climb Something Else

Keeping a cat off the counter is about more than just discipline though. Your cat wants to climb and you shouldn’t discourage this behavior all together. It is, after all, in their blood. This is why it’s important that you give your pet something else to climb. The best way to do this is to offer your kitty a cat tree. These cat towers are great and most felines take to them quite quickly. In order to make sure your kitty prefers his new condo to the counter top, hide some treats at the top of the tower. You may even want to make your own cat tower!

Apply these basic strategies and it won’t be long before your counters are kitten free!

How Can I Train My Cat To Stay Close To Home?

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:37:55 +0000

It is natural for us to be protective of our pets. After all, they are not just animals – They are part of our family. If you have a cat, however, it seems unfair to confine them to your house. They are naturally curious animals and will have a lot of fun exploring places outside your home. It’s important to let your kitty play in the yard but how do you train a cat to come back home?

Since there are a lot of terrible things that can happen to your pet outside your home, it is best to train him to stay near your place. Houses with yards, in particular, are wonderful. Training a cat to stay in your yard is great in the beginning. As he gets more comfortable with the idea of being outside, you can let him leave the yard. If you’re planning on training a cat to be outdoors some of the time, do not be too eager to let him out. Kittens should NOT be allowed outside your house until they have had all their vaccinations or are at least three and a half months old. Additionally, they should only be allowed outside with supervision. You should accompany your kitten on his first ventures to the outside world. It’s also a good idea to keep his first experiences in your own yard. Follow your cat as he explores this new environment and learns to find the back door of your place. After he is neutered at about six months, you can begin to let him out by himself.

If you have an older cat, keep him inside your house for about a month before letting him out. This will make him familiar with your house. Once he is let out it will be easier for him to come back home. It is also wise to let him out on an empty stomach so that he will return to your house when he wants to eat. We all know that a cat won’t miss out on a tasty meal!

No matter how old your cat is, it’s always best to have a cat flap so that he can enter your house anytime. This way, your cat will have easy access to both of his worlds – inside and out! Try not to worry too much about your little buddy as he makes the transition from indoors to outdoors. I find there’s no real need to teach a cat how to stay close to home. Cat’s are naturally curious animals, but they’re not stupid! Chances are your kitten won’t go too far away from his home.

Good Luck!

How Should I Train My Kitten To Use A Litter Box?

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:43:23 +0000

If your new kitten won’t use a litter box, read on!

Cats are naturally clean animals. When they see or smell something that they don’t like, cats will instinctively try to mask the scent by scooping dirt on top of it. They will do this even if they are standing on wooden or concrete floor inside your house. Ouch!!

This is why training a kitten to use a litter box is pretty straightforward.

If you have an older cat in your house that already knows how to use the litter box, training your new kitten becomes even easier. This is because kittens will naturally mimic an older cat’s behavior. However, if you have no older cat to teach your young kitten – do not despair. There are numerous easy things you can do to litter box train your kitten.

First, you have to familiarize your kitten with the litter box and its purpose. You can do this by immediately taking him to the litter box after he eats. You may need to do this quite a few times for several days but he will eventually figure out what the litter box is for. If you have a hard time getting your pet to approach or stay in the litter box, you have to find ways to lure him. You can do this by placing catnip around the litter box. If he likes the smell of catnip, he will feel that it is okay for him do this business in the litter box. Another thing that you can do is play mama cat… Give this a go. Put your kitten inside the litter box and scratch his paws in the litter for him. This is an effective method and quite a bit of fun too! It won’t be long before your kitten is doing his business in the litter box.

Whatever method you choose to use, make sure that the litter box stays clean. If you leave it soiled, your kitten will not like the idea of using it. Remember: Cat’s are naturally clean animals and want no part of a stinky litter box!

Good Luck!