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 HOW TO POTTY TRAIN YOUR CAT
Cats are amazing, little furry creatures that would show you some adorable warmth one moment, and a scornful behavior the next. No wonder that the universal symbol for fickleness is a cat, for fewer pets are moodier than these feline companions. But we love them nonetheless, and overall, they make great household buddies. They are very cute with their antics, and during their good moods at least, no other creature can be more loving and lovable than them!
Initially, however, during the first few weeks after we have brought them home, cats can tear the household asunder. Shredded newspaper pieces left and right (better newspapers than important documents!), nibbled shoes, and ruined furniture are just some of the normal sights in a house that has just accepted a cat as a part of the family. But worst of all, as many people would agree, are the
litters that would be found left and right! Cats, after all, as with other household pets, aren't really known for their toilet habits.
But all is not lost for the cat owner who wishes to restore some order in the house. Cats are intelligent animals, and they can be trained. Potty training them, though frustrating at times, can be accomplished eventually. This article will show you how.
The Number One Investment In Potty Training Your Cat
There are a lot of paraphernalia available in pet stores that would help your train, and potty train, your cat. Though they are blessed with amazing features and capable of s many benefits, these should not be your primary investment.
Training always requires the presence of a teacher. The teacher would provide that human touch, so to speak, which would guide the feline fur ball to the ways of what is right. Hence, your number one investment should be your time, and your time should be accompanied by your patience.
Cats are very, very, very stubborn creatures, and that is even an understatement! The more you dissuade them, the more they will do what you don't want them to do. It's their nature. It's how they are, so we just have to deal with it. Instead of fighting fire with fire, we should learn how to go around the situation to find a better way of handling things. And this is where your patience would come to play. Frustration won't get you anywhere. Show you cat that she is loved and she'll work with you.
Working With Your Cat
Potty training your cat can involve over-the-counter devices or mere innovative methods. Over-the-counter devices include litter boxes, which are small boxes filled with sand. Cats have an instinctive behavior to discharge their wastes on the sand. They'd cover their wastes by digging some sand and concealing their wastes with the same. Cats are very clean creatures, as can be evidenced by their propensity to always lick themselves. Litter boxes use their intuitive attraction to what is neat to your advantage.
Another over-the-counter device is a litter scent. This is a liquid chemical that emits a certain odor that would induce your cat to discharge her wastes. I you would apply this chemical on the spot where you want your cat to answer nature's call, she would follow the scent and discharge on the said spot.
Of course, there are tactics that won't require you to purchase anything. Carrying your cat to the spot where you want her to take a dump while she is about to do the act, for example, would inform her where she should be discharging her wastes. Also, putting a newspaper at the place where she takes a dump, and gradually moving the said paper to the desired spot where you want her to discharge, have worked wonders for many cat owners the world over.
Reward, Not Punish
It is important to note that cats, being the prideful creatures that they are, don't take punishments well. They'll just grow to resent you, which is not really an ideal scenario between a pet and a pet owner.
Instead, try rewarding your cat by rubbing her tummy, or stroking her body, after she does something good. Words laden with positive reinforcements would also work well. Cats may not be able to understand what we're talking about, but the tender, loving tone of our voice would be enough to assure them that they're doing something right.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAT IS SICK
CHOOSING A CAT
BASICS OF CAT CARE
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