Q: Are cats trainable?

A: Yes, cat training is not as tough as many the uninitiated predict it is. Kitties may not be as responsive to training as canines are but they can be trained. Food rewards presented as positive reinforcement is assuredly the best procedure 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 — Can you resist a purring kitty? Kittens purr in response to their mother cat’s purr to help bond them. It is mostly assumed that the purring is a vibration of the voicebox as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.

Q: What makes quite a few people 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 develop an allergic reaction because their immune system is attempting to attack the enemy protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you curtail bad cat behavior like clawing?

A: The best way to halt 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 unwanted behavior.

Q: How do you litter train a cat?

A: You really shouldn’t have to do any training for a cat to use a litter box, but if your adult cat has begun 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 tables?

A: This is one of the most asked about cat behavior issues and can be a tough one. Cats like elevated perches and they may 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 counters.