Q: Do cats respond to training?

A: Yes, cat training is not as frustrating as most doubters imagine it is. Cats probably are not as attentive to training as Spot or Champ are but they can be trained. Tasty treats offered as positive reinforcement is most likely the best route to successful cat training.

Q: Why and how do happy cats purr?

A: Adult cats purr because they are happy and contented and to play on the emotions of humans — who can resist a purring kitty? Kittens purr in answer to their mother cat’s purr to assist in bonding them. It is mostly thought that the purring is a vibration of the voice-box as air is pushed though it. It is also believed that purring is a voluntary action.

Q: What is the reason a number of folks are allergic to cats?

A: Cat allergies are caused by the proteins in cat dander coming from the cat’s saliva. The dander dries and becomes airborne. People with cat allergies demonstrate an allergic reaction because their immune system is attempting to combat the enemy protein and creates histamines.

Q: How do you halt bad cat behavior like clawing?

A: The best way to curtail undesirable cat behavior is the same way the mother cat controls an errant kitten. This is by scuffing the cat. You firmly but gently grasp the cat by the scruff of the neck and hold it down until it calms down. You must do this at the time of the unwanted behavior.

Q: How do you litter train a cat?

A: You really shouldn’t be required to do any training for a cat to use a litter pan, but if your previously litter trained cat has started to avoid the litter box you need to figure out why. The cat may have a urinary tract infection in which case you need to visit the veterinarian. If it is just too dirty you need to keep it cleaner. If you have started using litter you may have to change back or sprinkle a little catnip in the litter to attract the cat to the new litter.

Q: How do you keep cats off tables?

A: This is the most asked about cat behavior problems and can be a difficult one. Cats like high spots and they can find food or food odors on counters and tables. It is best to keep the surfaces clean and to use something like foil or double sided tape to keep cats off the tables.