Q: Is it possible to train a cat?

A: Yes, training a cat is not as hard as some people think it is. Cats most likely are not as responsive to training as Fido or Rover are but they can be trained. Food rewards given as positive reinforcement is definitely the best route to successful cat training.

Q: Why and how do kitties purr?

A: Adult cats purr because they are happy and contented and to play on the emotions of humans — Who can ignore a purring cat? Kittens purr in answer to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is usually assumed that the purring is a vibration of the vocal chords as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.

Q: What makes certain 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 trying to combat the foreign protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you change bad cat behavior such as nipping?

A: The best way to stop undesirable 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 must do this at the time of the unwanted behavior.

Q: How do you litter train a cat?

A: You really shouldn’t be required to do any training for a cat to use a litter pan, but if your adult cat has started to avoid the litter pan you need to find out why. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to visit the vet. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have changed 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 counter tops?

A: This is one of the most asked about cat behavior problems and can be a challenging one. Cats like elevated perches 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.