Articles about Cats & Kittens

How to Train Your Cat or Kitten

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Training Attentive KittyDo you ever have trouble getting your cat or kitten to stay put, get into a carrier for traveling or stay away from certain areas? Have you ever been told that cats can not be trained?

Below, we are going to show you that there are efficient methods for successfully training cats and kittens just as there are for dogs. In addition to behaving well, a trained cat is more attuned to its owner, and the bond between cat and owner is usually enhanced.

The first thing to know is that cats and dogs have some fundamental differences when it comes to training. Basically, cats do not learn from any of the kinds of punishment or rebuke that one might see used with dogs. That is, cats often do not respond to commands unless they want to. The idea is to train or condition your cat to perform certain desired behaviors rather than to punish its unwanted behavior. For example, you cannot train a cat to stop meowing by punishing it. Instead, you would reward the silence that follows. Specifically, you would wait until the noise has stopped for at least three seconds, and then supply the cat some valued reward such as praise and/or a treat.

The ultimate goal of course is to wean your cat off of treats for rewarding and reinforcing good behavior, or it would become very fat and you would be spending a lot of money on treats! Fortunately, this process is natural and will not be difficult. Your cat will quickly learn to associate your behavior and certain sounds with good things. For example, the sound of you flipping open the top of a cat food can or shaking a container of treats will tell it that good food is coming up for it, and your cat will come running to you. For cat training, this means you can reinforce any specific behavior with a food reward, and after a while just using the sound produced prior to the actual food as the sole reward.

Of course, you would not want to have to create the sound of opening a can of food all the time! This is why most successful cat trainers use something like a small plastic or metal clicker – followed with the giving of an actual treat during initial training – to mark and reward the successful accomplishment of a behavior. This is called clicker training. It does not take long for cats to realize that the clicking signals something good, just like the noise made by a can opener.

Cat in GrassThe very first thing to accomplish is to give a click and a reward for nothing, to just associate a click with a treat. Do this a few times. Soon you should have your cat’s undivided attention. After some repetitions, you will notice that your cat reacts to hearing the click with some anticipatory behavior, as it has learned to associate the sound with the reward.

After the initial association above is learned, you can begin formal training. Begin to click and treat only when, and after, the cat has engaged in some complete behavior that you want, such as sitting. Or, you can try clicking and rewarding a behavior that you are trying to encourage. For example, click and reward your cat for taking a pace or two toward you when you are trying to teach "come." It is also a good idea to use your cat’s name along with the command you are trying to teach, such as "Garfield – come here," and if it obeys then verbally praise it with something like "good boy" in addition to the click and treat.

Below are the detailed methods for teaching a few of the most common commands:

Teaching Sit

Start by placing your cat on a table. Hold the food reward over its head. Say its name and give the command "Sit." Move the food back over your cat’s head. As its head follows the food your cat will naturally sit down in most cases. As soon as it sits, make the clicking sound and say "Sit" again to reinforce the command name, then give it the food reward soon after. Should your cat not sit as you move the food over its head, lightly press down on its hindquarters or lower back with one hand while holding the food over its head with your other hand, and say "Sit."

Teaching Come

Stand by your cat’s feeding station and click. Once your cat comes to the feeding station, and to you, at the sound of the clicker, say "Come" and then hit the clicker again. Give it some food and praise it. Continue this process but from other locations around your house. Eventually your cat should come to you reliably when you say “Come” without you having to click at it, though there should always be something worth coming for to reward it at least initially.

Another way to teach the come command is by sitting on the floor or crouching down and calling for your cat. Look enthusiastic and pat or scratch the floor in front of you, saying something like "Garfield, come here, good boy!" If Garfield comes, click and reward, and move to another location. Repeat this exercise many times. You can even incorporate a few other people, making the training process more fun while teaching the cat to obey several different people. Each one calls the cat in turn and whenever it responds successfully, have the person click and treat the cat.

Teaching Stay

Teaching your cat to stay is a bit more complex. Place the food down on the floor about ten feet away from it. As it approaches, put your hand out to stop it and say "Stay." If it stops, make the clicking sound and reward it. If it keeps on coming, hold your hand out again and repeat the command "Stay." Reward only when it finally stops, and repeat the process until your cat knows that "Stay" means it should freeze in its tracks.

A great alternative method is to treat stay as an extended sit. Once your cat has learned to sit or lie down in order to make you click, you can start shaping the behavior toward longer durations of these behaviors. To do this, do not click right away but rather delay the click and reward by a few seconds. From there, the length of delay can be increased to as long as you think is appropriate. The cat will learn that if it sits or lies down for long enough a click and treat will eventually come.

Here are some more general tips for successful and efficient clicker training:

  • Choose a quiet location where you can be alone and undisturbed with your cat. Turn off the television, stereo, etc.
  • Have a supply of delicious food treats in your hand or in a bowl, but out of your cat’s reach. The treats should be diced up into pea-sized chunks.
  • Hold the clicker in your hand or have it attached to your belt so it is quickly at hand.
  • Teach only one command at a time and repeat the lesson daily until your cat responds reliably. Once it has learned the first command, move on to the next one.
  • If your cat appears frustrated or impatient, quit and perform the lesson at another time. Keep each session about ten or fifteen minutes long at maximum. Teaching one command may take anything from one or two days to about a week, so be patient.

In conclusion, when the cat learns that if it performs a behavior you approve of then it can make you click (and that means food), it will try all kinds of ways to make you happy. All you have to do is decide what you want to reward and promote, and what you prefer to ignore. And rewards do not have to be used forever, remember the concept of delaying the reward by a few seconds to longer. Once a behavior is occurring with the appropriate hand movements, clicking, and praise, simply stop using the actual reward (food).

Try to start training your cat or kitten at as young an age as possible. Make the training sessions fun for your cat and for you and make them something your cat wants to participate in. Soon your cat will begin to associate the food reward with the command and you will no longer even have to use the clicker to make it sit – simply saying the command will be enough.

Protect Your Pet From Summer Heat and Heatstroke

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Chillin’ safely with your pets this summer

Shaggy DogIf you have a dog, cat or any other type of pet, you will want to take some precautions with regard to summer heat. We will talk about how to avoid the dangers of summer heat and what to do if your pet suffers heatstroke.

Pets in the car – Stay out of the oven!

One of the biggest causes of heatstroke in pets is leaving your pet in a car. Leaving your pet in a parked car when it is about 90 degrees outside, will bake your pet alive in a short amount of time. This is because the temperature inside the car will become much higher than 90 degrees in only a few minutes.

Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage, or die from heatstroke or suffocation in such conditions. Dogs can endure these conditions even less than other pets. A panting dog produces heat and humidity every time it pants to lose heat, and this hot, damp air will re-circulate in the small space of a car and will quickly build to frying hot temperatures! Note that parking the car in the shade or leaving the car window cracked open slightly will not be sufficient help for such fast and extreme increases in temperature.

In addition, know that leaving your pet in a car makes it very vulnerable to thieves – thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended or unlocked cars. Furthermore, in many states, it is against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the animal, this includes the danger posed by summer heat. Therefore, always avoid leaving your pet in a car, and especially in the heat of summer!

Pets at Home – Precautions and Prevention

Little KittenAt home, there are many ways to prevent summer heat from damaging or even killing your pet. For dogs, doghouses are not the best shelters during the summer as they can trap heat. You will want to make sure your dog has some other oasis in the backyard, such as a shaded resting area by a tree. You may also want to get a child’s wading pool for your dog and fill it with some water, in case your dog wants to cool off when it gets very hot. Of course, also prepare a large bowl of fresh water for your pet each day.

Lastly, do not tie up your pet outside! If its leash gets tangled, it can cut itself off from access to its water dish and shade. And if you are not home to rescue it, the consequences can be fatal.

In the home, make sure that any cages and tanks do not receive direct sunlight through a window. Always make sure that your pet has access to water, and make sure the water is kept clean and fresh. In addition, make it a habit to regularly check the temperature in your pet’s cage or tank to ensure that the temperature in the cage or tank does not get too high. Inexpensive stick-on thermometer strips from your local pet store are easy and convenient for monitoring temperatures for most kinds of cages and tanks, not just aquariums.

Consider trimming or shaving the coat of a longer-haired pet. It will feel much more comfortable, and you will have less shedding to contend with. It is also wise to avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings when the sun’s heat is less intense. Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt, concrete or sand which can burn your pet’s paws.

Heatstroke – The Signs and Treatment

If you think that your pet has been exposed to high temperatures, be alert for these signs of heat stress: heaving or heavy panting, glazed or widened eyes, rapid pulse, restlessness or lethargy extremes, dizziness in the form of unsteadiness or staggering, excessive thirst, excessive salivation and drooling, vomiting, or a deep red tongue.

As the heat stroke advances its mouth can become very dry and pale in color and it will quickly become unconscious and collapse. Keep in mind that if you have a short-faced dog such as a bulldog, Pekingese or boxer, it will have an especially hard time in the heat because it does not pant as efficiently as longer faced dogs.

If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke, you must lower its body temperature immediately but in gradual steps. First, move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Next, apply cool – not cold – water all over its body gradually. You can do this by slowly immersing it in a shallow tub of cool water or running cool water over it gradually from a pitcher or faucet (not a hose). Make sure the water gets to its skin and does not just roll off its fur. Pay close attention to the undersides – the stomach and around the legs. If there is not a sufficient running water supply by the pet, at least wet some towels (or use ice packs if available) and apply them to your pet’s head, neck and chest.

Finally, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water, or chew on or lick some ice cubes. If your pet is unconscious and not able to drink, at least run some water over its tongue and mouth, but be careful not to run it down its throat as you do not want to choke or gag your pet! If your pet does not get better quickly and if the heat stress was severe, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. But remember that you need to start the cooling-down process before seeing the veterinarian.

Observing these common sense ideas concerning summer heat and pets will help to ensure that your best friend leads a healthy and comfortable life.

Cats – What Makes Them Such Ideal Pets?

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A Playful KittenCats make very good pets for both children and adults, and are a welcome addition to just about any family or home. They have been adored as pets for thousands of years by people all over the world, and of particular interest is in ancient Egypt – where they were almost worshipped and given elaborate funerals when they died.

Cats are relatively easy to maintain and they usually have a lifespan of ten years or more. As pets, cats are usually very loving, curious, extremely playful and acrobatic, and a lot of fun to watch. Cats also come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colors for your choice.

A new kitten is one of the most playful and fun-loving animals there is. A kitten, once acclimated to a new home, will play for hours at a time. They can be very acrobatic and can jump higher than any gymnast. Some kittens can jump straight up four to five feet. Adult cats have been known to jump seven feet down to the floor and take off running. As you can imagine, cats and kittens are tremendously entertaining to watch and to play with.

In addition to being fun-loving, cats and kittens can be very affectionate friends. They will sit on your lap and beg to be petted. They will purr for as long as you will hold them. As cats get older, they may lose some of their playfulness, but they still remain very affectionate if not even more affectionate than before.

Something else that makes a cat an ideal pet is that you do not have to take it outside to go to the bathroom. Just put a litter box somewhere in your home, and a cat or kitten will usually start using it by instinct. This makes it easy for those of you that work all day. All you have to do is put some food and water out for your cat and make sure its litter box is not too dirty. Then your cat will be patiently waiting for you when you return, and you will not have to worry about it having made a mess anywhere else besides the litter box.

A Playful KittenBeing very active and acrobatic, cats and kittens enjoy a lot of different kinds of toys. And there are a lot of fun and interesting toys available at your local pet shop for cats. There are fuzzy toys, sound-making toys, moving toys and more to really make your cat go wild. Sometimes a curious cat will even play for a long time with an empty sack or a box.

Toys are an enjoyable and easy way for cats and kittens to vent their energy and get exercise. It is also a good idea to invest in a cat tree or some other type of cat furniture, for your cat to play on and scratch up.

Cats do have a history of being mysterious. For example, a lot of people associate the black cat with witchcraft, fear, bad luck and a lot of other such myths, especially around Halloween. Some people even think cats, especially the black ones, are related to demons! In reality, a cat or kitten is almost the perfect pet for just about anyone. They have been, and are, great pets for millions of people around the world, and it is very unlikely that they are related to demons.

It may be true that cats can look mysterious, untrustworthy or aloof at first, especially to strangers. But once you get to know a cat and it gets to know you, it is full of love, affection, and playfulness. As with most other pets, it is a good idea for you to spend a little time with your cat each day, to build that special bond with it. In general, cats are intelligent animals that really understand and appreciate the owner that shelters and feeds them.

So if you have never had a kitten or a cat, do not be afraid to get one. They can be one of the most playful, loving, and easy to care for pets that there is. And if you are willing to provide for a cat’s basic needs – a safe home, food and water, occasional grooming, and the necessary vet care when needed – you will be a great cat owner.

Kick Out Fleas and Ticks!

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Collie PupDid you know that for every ten fleas you see on your pet there could be 25,000 flea eggs in your house? Battling fleas may seem like an impossible war, but with the right products and information you can get rid of them once and for all.

Fleas go through four stages as they grow: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Only the adult stage flea may be found on your pet, and the victims are usually dogs or cats. The others live in carpeting, on furniture, in the yard or at any other place that you pet has access to. To win against fleas you must attack them at all of their four stages.

Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter, easy-to-use flea and tick control products available at your local pet store to help you win the war against fleas. We will list two examples for your reference below. Most of these flea control products will also control ticks.

First, the Farnam Company offers Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control, which is a good spot-on topical flea killer and repellent. One spot application on your dog’s or cat’s back will combat fleas for up to three months. This product uses the natural oils in your pet’s coat to repel and attack fleas, and the flea does not have to bite your pet to be affected.

This product works well enough and fast enough for light to moderate flea infestation problems, when you probably do not want to or need to spray/treat your entire house or yard. Simply treat your pets. Fleas jump on pets, fleas die.

Next, the Adams Company makes a carpet and furniture spray which kills fleas in all their four stages from egg to adult. Just one good application can destroy the entire flea population in your home. There is also Adam’s yard spray, which is usually used around your dog’s kennel area to prevent the dog from bringing fleas back home from outside. This product is good if you have moderate to heavy flea infestation.

FleaIt is important to thoroughly and carefully read the labels, directions, and warnings on your flea/tick control product. You may need to consult with your local pet store and your veterinarian before using the product on your pet, especially if your pet is very young, elderly, pregnant, sick, or known to have a lot of allergies. Also make sure never to use flea and tick products designed for dogs on your cat, or vice-versa.

There are also some alternatives or supplements to the above pesticide products for controlling fleas and ticks:

  • Comb your pet regularly with a flea comb
  • Vacuum frequently and dispose of the bags immediately after use
  • Mow areas of the lawn where your dog spends time
  • Wash pet bedding and your pet regularly, say weekly
  • Try to keep indoor cats and dogs in the house at all times

Protecting your pet (and your home) from fleas and ticks is an important part of responsible pet keeping.

Preventing & Treating Excessive Shedding

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Furry CatExcessive shedding in dogs and cats is such a common thing that most people generally consider it normal for their pet to constantly shed and leave a trail of hair everywhere they go. In reality, excessive shedding is not normal and can lead to a number of problems if not treated. Fortunately, there are also simple solutions to treat and prevent excessive shedding.

First of all, let us see exactly what shedding is. Almost all dogs will shed some hair normally and naturally. Shedding is affected by, and may also be triggered by, weather changes, stress, and sometimes diet and care. Some breeds will tend to shed more than others.

Shedding caused by changes in the weather is considered normal and accounts for most shedding. Normally, most dog breeds will develop a thicker coat during the winter months, then shed that winter coat in the upcoming spring or summer months, just like many animals in the wild do. However, the shedding is excessive and unnatural if your dog is shedding year-round! Healthy coats should be tight and shiny, and fur should not fall out easily.

Now, why exactly is excessive shedding bad? In dogs, excessive shedding often leads to physically unpleasant results such as matted and tangled hair, visible hair loss such as bald spots, and a dull coat. Sometimes, if severe excessive shedding is left untreated, it can also lead to certain skin problems and disorders such as dry, itchy or flaky skin, smelly skin, dermatitis, and rashes.

Excessive shedding also causes problems for the dog owner. Owners of excessively shedding dogs often have their hands filled with messy hair every time they pet their dog, and their homes tend to be covered with a fine coat of dog hair year-round.

Most of the problems above encountered by dogs can also occur in cats. There is, however, one additional problem unique to cats with excessive shedding – hairballs.

If the cat has excessive amounts of hair to shed, it will want to lick the excess hair off. This hair then usually gets into the cat’s stomach or throat, resulting in a retching cat that coughs up smelly, sticky hairballs. So, how do you prevent or get rid of excessive shedding and hairballs, and the unpleasant problems that can result for both owner and pet?

First, one of the nicest things you can do for your cat or dog is to brush or comb its fur on a regular basis using a pet rake or slicker brush. This is helpful if you want to keep excess hair and matting from bothering you and your pet. A bonus advantage is that most pets also enjoy being brushed. Regular brushing , up to once-a-day, is good for the hair coat and will remove those hairs that would normally fall out.

It is certainly better and easier to have the hairs come out on the brush than around the house. If you bath your pet, do not use human shampoos because they can cause hypersensitivity reactions that include excessive shedding. Bathing too frequently can also dry out the hair coat and cause excessive shedding, so do not bath your pet too often.

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, diet is very important to the health of your pet’s skin and hair, and is a factor that can affect shedding.

Always make sure that you feed your pet a complete and balanced diet. Some companies provide special pet products that you can add to your pet’s food to help prevent excess shedding. Allen’s Shed-Stop and Lambert Kay Shed Relief are just two of these helpful products. Science Diet, Nutro, and Iams pet food companies also make foods to help the skin and coat of dogs and foods to help with hairballs and shedding in cats.

As you can see, proper nutrition and a bit of regular hair care can turn a constantly shedding coat into a tight, shiny coat that will not fill your hand with messy hair every time you pet your cat or dog. You will also have less mess and hair around your home, and you will have a happier and healthier pet!