Exercise
It is vital that your cat has regular exercise to ensure it remains fit and healthy. There are a wide variety of cat toys on the market today that your cat can play with by itself or that enable you to interact with your cat while it is at play. These toys play a vital part in ensuring your cat remains active.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a popular way of training kittens and cats. It is the process of training using a click to indicate to your cat that his behaviour was correct. You can teach your cat to come when called, play without biting or scratching, stay off the table, walk on a lead and much more.
Cat Door Training
Most cat owners have a cat door or flap fitted so that their cat can enter and leave the house as it likes. Initially your cat will need to be trained to use the cat door until it is comfortable going in and out.
Firstly you should prop open the flap and entice your cat to go through the open door. When it is happy to do this lower the flap slightly and entice your cat through again. Continue to do this, each time gradually lowering the flap and this will help your cat realize it can push the door open and climb through.
Litter Tray/Box Training
Cats are extremely fussy when it comes to their toilet habits, they prefer private areas and they carefully cover their waste when they are finished. Most kittens are litter trained when you get them as they learn to use a litter tray by copying their mother, however some may experience difficulties.
Detailed below are some tips to avoid problems:
• Kittens that sniff, crouch or scratch in a corner should be gently lifted into the litter tray.
• Make sure the litter tray is easy for your kitten to access and use.
• Have at least one litter box plus one for every cat in your household. Place them in quiet, low-traffic areas that your cat has easy access to and ensure they are on easy to clean surfaces and away from your cat's food.
• Ensure the litter tray is large enough for your cat and keep it filled to the level recommended by the manufacturer.
• Cats prefer clumping, scoopable litter and you should remove soiled litter at least once per day. Once a week clean the litter tray with hot water and detergent.
• Some cats wont use an open litter tray, so choose one with a hood and a carbon filter to minimize smells and reduce litter spill.
• NEVER leave your cat indoors without a litter tray. If a cat has to hold its urine for long periods, health problems can occur.
• House soiling and/or frequent
trips to the litter box can be a sign of ill health, so if you are in any doubt contact your vet.
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