Feline Questions and Responses on Cat Training and Cat Behavior

Q: Are cats trainable?

A: Yes, cat training is not as challenging as some doubters consider it is. Cats are not as responsive to training as Champ or Rover are but they can be trained. Food rewards presented as positive reinforcement is most likely the most certain route to successful cat training.

Q: Why and how do happy cats make a purring sound?

A: Grown kitties purr because they are happy and contented and to manipulate humans — Who can ignore a purring cat? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is widely thought that the purring is a vibration of the voice-box as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.

Q: What is the reason a number of people are allergic to cats?

A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander coming from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies have a reaction because their immune system is attempting to attack the foreign protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you curtail undesirable cat behavior like biting?

A: The best way to curtail 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 need to 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 use a litter box, but if your previously litter trained cat has started to avoid the litter box you need to figure 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 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 tables?

A: This is the most asked about cat behavior problems and can be a tough one. Cats like elevated spots and they often find food or food smells 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 counters.