Litterbox Training – Proper Litter Training to Avoid Cat Urine Stains by Lee Harris
The best way to avoid cat urine stains and odor is to properly train your cat. Litter-training comes easily to most kittens and cats, much more so than house-breaking a puppy or dog. There are chapters in books and articles on the internet that are devoted to how to litter-train and the new cat owner is smart to seek them out in order to prevent costly problems down the road. Even more experienced cat owners are advised to buff up on their knowledge as veterinarians and animal behaviorists are continuing to learn more about cat urination issues and are passing on this information to the general public.
The first thing to start with is to maintain the health of your cat with a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water and regular veterinary check-ups. If your kitten or adult cat is healthy, litter-training should be relatively easy and come naturally to your pet. Cats are prone to urinary tract infections if they have a poor diet and limited access to fresh water. A balanced diet with both dry and canned wet food and water that is changed daily are things that are essential to the health of your pet.
The next thing to provide is an environment that is nurturing to your cat. Cats are playful animals and born hunters. Games and play that stimulate your cat are important to its mental health and keep a cat from becoming overweight, bored and unhealthy. Cats that are overweight are also more prone to diseases that can lead to urination problems. Something as simple as playing fetch with a crumpled up piece of foil or paper and playing chase with a string can be loads of fun for your cat. Consider getting a friend for your cat if your time and space allow for it. After an initial phase of minor quarreling, many cats welcome a feline friend and will play together well, providing stimulation that can stave off boredom and other problems.
The most important part of litter-training is the cat box itself. Available in many different sizes, it is essential to get a litter box large enough for your cat. It is also recommended to get one litter box per cat plus an extra one. If you have two cats, there should be a minimum of three boxes and so on. The type of litter you purchase is a personal decision and there are many choices from clay to material that clumps when wet. Don’t forget that your cat may have a preference that differs from yours too. It is worth trying a few different products if your cat doesn’t seem keen about your first choice. Cats also tend to prefer litters that don’t have heavy perfumes, so you may need to examine your options at the store until you find what works for both of you. Finally, make sure that the litter box is kept clean. Feces should be removed daily and the litter should be changed weekly at the very least. Litter-box odor can be kept to a minimum by following these simple steps, even without scented litter.
Cats scratch as a natural part of their urination and defecation ritual. They scratch to clear a spot initially and they scratch matter over the soiled area to cover it. When a kitten is young, it is important to keep showing them the proper place to relieve themselves and in time they will get the hang of it. When a kitten is weaned and is old enough, begin by placing them in the litter box periodically throughout the day. By gently taking a paw, help your kitten scratch in the litter to trigger its natural instinct to scratch. If you are lucky enough to catch a kitten in the middle of an accident, try to pick it up and place it in the litter box to finish the job. If an accident does occur, place the feces or soaked up urine in the litter box and then place your kitten in the box so that it can associate the two together. Always praise your kitten for using the litter box and make it a good experience that your pet will want to recreate. Remember, prevention is the key to reducing many of the problems associated with cat urine stains and odor.
About The Author
Cat urine stains can be difficult if not impossible to remove. It is important to follow removal instructions to the letter. For more detailed information about cat urine please visit the Petstainoff Website.
Cat Communication: What Is My Cat Trying To Say?
If you are someone who loves and wants to figure out what your cat is trying to communicate, you’ll find that you can learn a great deal simply by observing how your cat interacts with you. Through their body language and through their vocalizations, you’ll find that cats are always trying to get their point across, whether they are looking for attention or are feeling scared and nervous and need to be left alone.
The first thing you need to realize, is that your cat has a different way of vocalizing a certain situation. You can actually learn the your cats language if you listen to them. Everyone is aware of a cat purring when it’s happy, but did you know they also purr when they are in pain. Another common sound is hissing, or spitting. This means your cat needs some space, and is trying to express that to you, your family, or other pets in the home. They also make a kittenish mew when they need a little affection, or are feeling left out. If you take the time to listen you’ll pick up on many other different sounds they make and what they mean. If there are no other cats in the home, you’ll even notice them start to pick up on your tones, and other tones around the house.
You cat expresses a lot of feelings with their tail. Take a look at their tail. If they are hunting it will twitch from time to time, as well as their back. The more upset your cat gets the more their tail thrashes around. When it poofs up that means they’re scared of something.
Have you ever noticed that your cat is pushing on you with his forepaws? A cat who is doing this is often feeling content or sleepy and they might do it on their favorite people or even on their bed or their favorite toy. This is a motion that is strongly associated with milk and comfort for your cat. Sometimes cats will knead to show that they are uncomfortable, but for the most part, they are doing this because they are feeling good. Another sign that your cat is comfortable is that they might sprawl over on their backs or roll around.
Another sign that your cat is pleased is that they will butt his head onto your body. This is a gesture of friendliness and familiarity, as your cat is looking to mark you as their territory. This, along with your cat falling over on the
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ir side at your approach is a good sign that they trust you and is feeling pleased.
Take a little time and figure out your cat. This will come in handy when your training them, or trying to stop excessive meowing. The don’t meow for no reason at all. They are trying to tell you something is NOT ok. Plus, it will connect you and further deepen your relationship with your cat.
By: Kathrynn Kelley
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When should you litter box train kittens?
I have 5 4 1/2 week old kittens and i forgot to ask the vet when i was talking to her of when is a good time to start litter training.
Also another question what is a good age to start giving them away as they all are spoken for but there is one left to nice loving home someone told me 8-12 weeks is that right?
Thanks in advance!
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