If you’re a content cat owner, you’re already aware that your cat seems to enjoy jumping up on anything above their typical position on the floor or couch. They like having a high vantage point from which they can survey their surroundings like the king or queen of the castle. If your cats are continually jumping up on your tables or counter-tops and you’re hoping to find a solution to nixing the problem in the bud, there are a wide variety of options available to you.

Although your first instinct may be to just sweep them off of the counter every time they jump up on it, this method is ineffective at best. Realistically, you can only control your cat’s behavior in this manner when you’re at home and awake – and what your cat does when you’re out of the house, sleeping or engrossed in something else is equally as important as what they do directly in front of you.

One of the best methods to deterring your cat from jumping up on counter-tops or on your kitchen table in the middle of dinner is easy, free and continually tested. Since most cats detest water, getting a spray bottle full of water and keeping it near you at all times is an easy and effective tool. Spraying your cat when they exhibit any behavior that you want to discourage will quickly teach them that, if they continually exhibit unwanted behavior, they will immediately receive an unwanted result. Since practically every cat dislikes water, they will not want to continue to act in a manner that will garner a squirt of it.

Another relatively inexpensive solution can be found at your nearest hardware store. A lot of cat owners fail to realize that cats have a distinct and predictable tactile response. They typically dislike surfaces that are cold or slippery. They also dislike surfaces that are sticky. Double-sided tape wrapped on a piece of cardboard can quickly and easily teach your cat that jumping up on the table comes with a negative tactile experience, and they will very quickly start to second-guess their instinct to jump up and get a bird’s eye view of the family as they enjoy their meals.

Cats for whatever reason also dislike the smell of citrus. Squeezing a fresh lemon, lime or orange into a spray-bottle full of water and using that solution to wipe down your counter tops after use can go a long way towards getting your cat to equate counter-surfing to an unpleasant odor. Additionally, aluminum foil is an unpleasant sensation to cat’s sensitive paws – and the noise when they jump up on it is a double-whammy that makes aluminum one of the most effective solutions to retraining your cat to avoid certain high-flying perches.

Several electronic cat deterrent alternatives can also be found in pet stores worldwide in an effort to curtail this very problem. While certain spray-deterrents are on the market, a simple spray doesn’t last for long and requires continual reapplication in order for it to be effective. Some devises approach the problem of counter-jumping in multiple fashions. A product called Sccccat includes a sensor that indicates when the cat has jumped on a counter where they’re unwanted. Secondly, a high-pitched alarm goes off, which most likely startles the cat into jumping off the counter. Thirdly, a harmless spray of gas accompanies the alarm and offers a harm-free solution to the problem in a safe and reliable manner.

If you’re going to start making certain high surfaces off-limits to your cat, make sure that you offer them an alternative instead. Leave the shades of the windows open just a crack in order to invite your cat to jump on the window-sill and do a bit of squirrel or bird-watching while you’re out of the house. Buy them a perch of their very own in the form of a cat-condo or scratching post that has a platform on top. You can easily get your cat to realize that, although they’re unwelcome on certain surfaces, they’re more than welcome on others. Giving them an alternative perch will allow them to feel a sense of security as they relearn the rules of the household, and they also realize that they’re a valuable addition to the family – not just an animal that doesn’t get to have any fun.

Most cat owners have accepted the notion that cats are untrainable and to even try is a waste of time and energy, but this is simply not true. There is a growing trend in the cat world called clicker training that is proving successful at training cats. It takes a bit of patience, but a cat can be trained using this method and the reason it works so well is a very simple matter of voice replacement.

A cat constantly hears the voice of their owners, so much so that they become desensitized to it. The cat doesn’t know what the owner is saying, just that the human is making noise again, and they really do not have any desire to learn to distinguish pertinent words and phrases from those that don’t concern them. This is a cat’s nature. By replacing the human voice with a completely distinct sound, the cat is able to learn that when they hear that distinct sound it’s time for them to listen, and this is where the clicker device comes into play.

The Clicker
The cat clicker device is a small plastic device with a piece of metal inside that puts off a distinct clicking sound each time the plastic piece is pressed. Once the cat learns this sound means they need to listen, promoting good behavior is accomplished quickly and easily.

Charging the Clicker
The first step in the cat training process is to give the cat a reason to listen to the clicker. This is where the treats come into play. By making a habit of clicking the device once and then giving the cat a treat, the cat begins to associate the clicking noise with the administration of a treat. It will eventually get to the point where the cat will come out of hiding running to find their owner at the sound of the clicker. This is the time period called charging the clicker.

The Real Training Begins
Once the clicker is charged, the real training begins. Promoting good behavior should always be the primary function of clicker training, rather than punishing for bad behavior. It may seem convenient to go to town with the clicker if the cat is doing something they shouldn’t be doing just to get their attention, but this should be completely avoided. The clicking sound needs to be associated with treats and goodness or the cat will cease to listen to it.

Each time the cat is displaying good behavior; the owner should click the clicker once (and only once) and then administer the treat. Timing is very crucial. It’s important to note that once the cat hears the click, they’ll probably stop whatever good behavior in which they are engaging and come running for their treat. In addition, if the cat owner waits too long to use the clicker, the cat may not understand for what they are being praised. Below are a few tips to get started.

Cat Training Tips
1. Keep training sessions short.
2. Do not force the cat to perform a behavior just to give the reward. Be patient and wait for the cat to voluntarily engage in the behavior and then give praise by clicking and treating.
3. Start slow and simple by clicking and treating for a good behavior the cat engages in frequently. This will speed up the process of the cat associating good behavior with the reward.
4. Once a good behavior is learned, it doesn’t have to be rewarded with a treat, but praise should always follow.

For More Information
To get more information about cat clicker training, there are books and videos available online or at your local bookstore, or click here to learn more!

Cats have historically been thought of as independent and untrainable. A wise person once said, “A human doesn’t own a cat, but rather a cat owns a human.” Cat owners are a special group who accept this fact in exchange for the joy of watching their cat play and frolic around the house or snuggling with them at night. The benefits definitely outweigh the disadvantages in cat ownership, but even so it’s nice to know a tiny fragment of control has changed hands thanks to the cat clicker.

Most cats love being outdoors, the fresh air and stimulation is great for them and they love the warmth of the sun. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to being outside because many cats will roam and may get lost, injured, kill birds or other wildlife or get into things they shouldn’t. A cat leash is an excellent way to take your cat outside for fresh air and exercise while still keeping him safe and protected. Leash training a cat may sound like an impossible task, but it’s really not all that difficult. All it takes is some time, effort and a little patience.

The first step is to measure your cat and shop for an appropriate cat leash and harness. Don’t try and use a collar to walk your cat, because if your cat decides to run, the collar could injure his neck or even strangle him. A leash attached to a collar is simply an unsafe choice for your cat. A harness and leash are a much better option. There are many harnesses and leashes to choose from that are specially made for cats. Browse through your local pet store or shop online to find a harness that will fit your cat and not be too heavy. It’s also a good idea to pick up some cat treats to encourage and reward your cat when he does well.

When you get the leash and harness home, let your cat inspect them and get used to them being near him. Give your cat treats and lots of praise so they learn to associate the harness with “good” things. Once your cat is used to the harness, you can try putting it on him. It may take a little while, but once it’s on, make sure to give your kitty lots of love, praise and treats. At first, you’ll need to leave the harness on for a short period to let your cat get used to it. Each day, leave the harness on for longer periods of time until your cat hardly notices their wearing it, while continuing to give your kitty lots of praise and encouragement.

Now it’s time to introduce the leash. Clip the leash to the harness and let your cat get used to how it feels. As usual, give lots of encouragement, praise and treats to your cat to reward good behavior. Once he seems comfortable; encourage him to walk a few steps in the same direction as you. If he won’t take a step, use a treat to encourage him to take a step forward. If this doesn’t work, try picking him up and moving him a foot or two in the right direction, then repeat the process with a treat all over again until your cat begins to get the hang of it.

Remember, to be patient and keep trying. It may take a little time, but with some gentle persuasion, you’ll soon be walking your cat on a leash with poise and confidence.

If you’re a cat owner, then no doubt you have a litter box for your kitty. Unfortunately, some cats do need encouragement to use the litter box, and some owners end up wondering why they are not doing so.

First and foremost, if you’re having problems with your cat peeing outside the litter box; take your cat to the vet to have them examined to make certain that it’s not a medical condition causing the problem. If your cat checks out okay, then let’s take a look at some ways to encourage kitty to use the litter box:

Location, location, location…the first thing you’ll need to consider is the location of the litter box. Cats like their privacy, so if you have a basement or laundry room that is quiet, this can be an ideal place; it’s private and will keep odors away from the living areas of your home. If you don’t have a basement, laundry room or a suitable closet, try putting the litter tray under a table, preferably in a tiled or non-carpeted room for easy cleaning.

If you have more than one cat, make sure to give each cat their own litter box. It is recommended that you have one litter box per cat, with one additional. For example, if you have two cats, I would suggest having three litter boxes.

If your cat was using the litter box, but suddenly stopped, it may be a change you’ve made in the environment to cause the problem. For example, have you recently moved the box to a less private, higher traffic area?  Or perhaps the box needs cleaning more regularly, or you’ve changed to a different brand of kitty litter which is highly scented?

Other possible causes could be that your cat has simply outgrown their litter box and a bigger one is needed, or perhaps the litter isn’t deep enough for them to be able to dig and bury their business.

Cats are by nature very clean creatures, so make sure you keep their food area separate from their toilet area.  This is actually a good trick if your cat has started using a particular room that is off limits to do their business – either keep the door closed, or if that’s not practical, put their food in that room to discourage its use as a toilet.

Cats are creatures of habit, so any change in their environment or their routine can make them anxious until they adapt to the changes.  Always be patient if your cat is new to your family because it takes time for them to settle into their environment.  Likewise if you’ve recently moved, the cat has to get used to its new home all over again.  This can take anywhere from three weeks up to eight weeks to fully settle in.

A new home can be disturbing for your cat if they can smell that the previous owner had pets, especially if there is a lingering smell of the other cat’s urine. It goes without saying that you should never physically punish your cat for doing something you don’t like.  Rubbing your cat’s nose in the urine if they’ve peed where you didn’t want them to will not make them use the litter tray because the smell isn’t pungent to them like it is to humans.  Additionally, they won’t understand why you are punishing them – they will only know that you’ve hurt them and this can only make matters worse.

In conclusion, if your cat is peeing outside the litter box, always remember to be patient with your cat while you try the tips suggested above and you should soon have a well trained cat using their litter box as second nature.

Learn More on How to Stop Your Cat From Peeing Outside the Litter Box

Learn More on How to Stop Your Cat From Peeing Outside the Litter Box

There are about 250 different species of catnip, but the figure can easily be more if you consider hybrid species as well. This particular herb is believed to be effective for influencing cat behavior.

How does catnip work for cats?
This herb contains nepetalactone, which is a special type of essential oil found on the leaves and stem. If it’s sniffed by your cat, then several things can happen:

• Hyperactivity

• Significant increase in aggressive behavior

• Moderation of aggressive behavior (e.g. drooling and rolling on the floor)

All of these, as well as other types of reactions can happen because nepetalactone tends to have a hallucinogenic effect on felines. It’s been likened mostly to the effects of marijuana as well as the “sexual” high a creature has during intercourse or activities leading to the latter.

One thing you should know; however, is that catnip does not affect all cats.

• Studies show that only 50% of cats experience effects when exposed to this herb.

• Kittens appear not to be affected by exposure to catnip.

• Although the effects of this herb are also like an aphrodisiac, it has been proven that it can affect female cats as well as those which have been spayed.

Sniffing versus eating
Cats do not always end up sniffing this herb. Sometimes, you’ll find your cat eating it instead. If this happens, then most of the time the herb will act as a sedative instead and cause your cat to feel sleepy. This can be beneficial when dealing with an aggressive cat as it will help to put an end to their aggressive behavior, especially if it has become uncontrollable.

Is It Dangerous to your cat’s health?
No. The possibility of your pet overdosing on it is quite low – or even nil in fact. Like many animals in the world, cats are smart creatures and they will know when they’ve had too much of something. If they’ve reached their limit, then they will be the first to shy away from having to continually sniff or even swallow this herb.

How long do the effects last?
In most cases, the effects of this herb on cat behavior would last about five to ten minutes. It depends on various factors, such as how long your cat’s been sniffing it or what its natural level of susceptibility is to catnip. Once the effects wear off, you will notice that your cat want have anything else to do with the herb. You will have to wait maybe two hours at least before you can “reintroduce” the herb to your cat.

Other Benefits
Although most people know it as a benefit to feline health and behavior, this herb actually has benefits in other areas to offer as well. Studies show that this herb can get rid of insects and pests like cockroaches, mice, and even ants. It can also be of help to humans.

Where to get catnip
If you are hoping to use this to influence your cat’s behavior and make it easier to train, then you have two choices – you can either buy it from your local pet store or you can grow catnip in your own herb garden, your cat will thank you for it!

Cat care is an integral part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. The more you know in regards to cat care, the more equipped you’ll be to meet your own feline’s physical and emotional needs. The healthier your cat, the better your cat’s attitude will be and the more you’ll be able to enjoy your cat’s unique personality. Great cat care will help make your cat a lot more loving, and can dramatically reduce any kind of behavior difficulties that your feline friend might be exhibiting. If you want to experience a richer and fuller relationship with your pet, try enhancing your cat care.

Caring for your cat can be a two-way street. The better the level of cat care you give your pet, the more energetic, loving, and well behaved he or she will be. By providing your pet with ideal care, you’ll help facilitate training and also gentle behavior modification methods that may take the headaches out of pet ownership. Great cat care frequently translates into an excellent cat that may take commands a lot more willingly when compared to a cat who does not receive enough tender loving care. The more you find out about how to care for your cat, the better level of health you will bring your feline friend. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between both you and your pet will be, and that bond frequently serves as the core of obedience training.

By teaching yourself about pet care and also practicing the very best, scientifically tested techniques to supply your cat with the best possible care, you may help to make certain that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat, the happier you’ll be. A cat that is properly cared for is a pet who’ll be interested in active playtime and in peaceful relaxation. Excellent cat care offers a powerful foundation for your bond with you and your cat. This is why cat care is an important part of your own emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn’t receiving the proper care, from diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat will begin to manifest behavior problems and possibly become a very bad kitty. Nonetheless, the positive side of this particular equation is the fact that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome troubles which range from continuous mewling and body-weight problems to destructive behavior. Good cat care indicates a happier pet, and actually a challenging cat who receives the proper type of care can become a pleasant companion.

At the end of a long day, who wants to sift through a messy cat litter box? Certainly not me. Until recently, the litter-box has really been a necessary evil, a small price to pay for our beloved companions. However not any longer. Actually, there’s an underground alternative made for those of us who’re ready to stop the litter habit: toilet training for your cat.

Sounds difficult, right? Not at all. Even though it’s not even close to mainstream, cat toilet training is gaining momentum with cat owners across the nation who are beginning to accept the trend. But before you toss that pesky cat litter box in the trash, there’s a few ways to determing if your cat is ready to take the leap to a litter-free way of life. Think Fluffy has exactly what it takes? Read on.

1. Your cat is already litter-box trained.

Alright, I know what you’re thinking: “Obviously my cat knows how to use the litter-box.” However the inescapable fact is, cats that already know how to use the litter-box can end up being reconditioned to use the toilet instead. That’s because cat toilet training uses your cat’s natural instincts to bury their waste to cover the smell from predators. Throughout the training process your own cat will discover how to put its waste in water rather than litter. Once your cat makes this changeover toilet training becomes a breeze and - voila! Your kitty is potty trained!

2. Your cat is desperate to make you happy.

Does your cat love making you happy? Whether he leaves the occasional “gift” on your doorstep or even offers a warm nuzzle while you are reading, felines who are eager to please tend to be the purr-fect candidates for toilet training. Soon after he discovers that using the toilet pleases you, he will end up being very happy to oblige!

3. You have trained your cat to perform something previously.

Does your kitty come when you give them a call? Believe it or not, simple actions like giving an answer to a voice command can help lay the groundwork for the potty training process. After all, in the event your cat already understands how to “follow the leader”, toilet training may be a piece of cake.

4. Your cat is healthy.

This one might seem like a no-brainer, however healthy and balanced cats have a much easier time leaping up onto their new throne. Ailments like arthritis or even urinary tract infections may have an effect on their capability to learn how to make use of the toilet, therefore sick kitties need to stick to the litter box.

5. You understand your cat.

Can you tell when your cat is having a rough day? If you are like a lot of pet owners, you’re probably in tune with your cat’s feelings. This distinctive bond works as a positive force during the toilet training process. Exactly how? Cats will use body gestures to tell you if they are confident with a specific training step. Whenever you pick up on these signals, both of you can work together to attain a peaceful training pace. You’ll both really feel satisfied whenever you work as a team!