Yes, believe it or
not, cats can be trained. This conditioning might not take the same
form or steps as with a dog, but kitty can be taught some basic manners
and behaviors. Or, as is more likely, they can be untrained from performing
certain destructive activities.
Biting
This one can be problematic for many a proud kitty owner. Although
domesticated, cats and other pets still retain much of their wild
instincts. Between each other, biting is not just for fighting a
rival or other attacks. It is also for playing with a sibling or
neighbor or in the case of domestics, a roommate. It is also a way
to grip a new mate just before certain love rituals commence. In
the case of biting a person, it is either because they have been
severely frightened or they are trying to play and have gotten too
rough. Unfortunately, this can lead to nasty infections for the
victim and should be treated immediately.
If a cat bites, try to grip the back of its neck firmly. This puts
the animal into a submissive state. Most of the time, you'll
be too startled and in pain to do this, but if it happens once,
it's likely to happen again and you can be more prepared for
future occasions. If you yell at the cat, it's important for
her to know why. Pressing their face and nose close to your injury
while scolding may get the point across.
Mostly, pay attention to your favorite feline's mood when
handling them. A rapidly swishing tail, especially if the entire
appendage gets into the act, growls or excessively loud purring
could indicate kitty is getting ready to suddenly sink their teeth
into you. Extreme gestures or sounds from your pet let you know
how strongly they're feeling. If they get too excited, accidents
are liable to occur.
Clawing
This, too, is left over from wild instincts. And it is an activity
even more common than biting. This particular activity is used as
much to express pleasure as to be used in a fight. When kitty is
purring in your lap, you may suddenly feel multiple needles stabbing
into your thigh or other tender anatomy. This means puss is happy.
To avoid further pinpricks, take kitty's paws firmly in yours
and hold them up away from your flesh. Adding a stern ‘no'
may be added. You cat does not realize that beneath your clothing
there is tender skin being skewered. Or even when bare flesh is
exposed, it does not occur to them that their kneading paws are
causing damage. Bringing attention to the paws and pulling them
away repeatedly should eventually get the message across that you
do not like nor appreciate this particular manner of affection.
Urinating Inappropriately
If kitty is sick or severely upset, he may leave unpleasant
‘gifts' in places other than the litter box. This is a
fairly common complaint of many cat owners. The trick here is to
figure out why your cat is unhappy. Anything from a kidney or bladder
infection to being miffed over a new pet in the house to having
the litter box moved or in need of changing could be the reasons
for your cat to show their displeasure.
If you suspect they are not feeling well, a vet visit is obviously
called for. If kitty gets a clean bill of health, something else
is upsetting them. Cats prefer that their boxes be in dark, cozy
corners. In the bathroom, under a sink, in a pantry area or other
less traveled pathway is best. Make sure to change the litter often.
If your feline has taken unkindly to the new baby or other family
member, extra attention lavished on them and a proper introduction
to the new arrival may help.
If worse comes to worse, locking puss in the bathroom or other
room overnight with separate food, water and litter box may be needed
to at least confine your cat's incidents to a smaller, easier
to clean area. And investing in an enzymatic or other urine neutralizer.
Mostly kitty needs extra love. Not an easy thing to provide when
you are upset with them over bad habits, but it really can work
wonders to bring back the sweeter personality and purrs that you
love about them.
