Pet health
Behaviour Modification
Litter box training and how to avoid kitty scratching the new leather couch
With any new kitten, there is a period of time when you need to learn how your pet reacts to her environment, and when she needs to learn how to live with you. Behavioural problems, such as biting, destructive scratching and inappropriate eliminations are common reasons why cats are abandoned or given up. Fortunately, most problem behaviours can be avoided by starting with proper training techniques at an early age, by being consistent, and by having everyone in the family get involved in training.
Litter box training is usually easy for cats, with most adapting very quickly to the toileting. However, some kittens, given the opportunity, will soil in plant pots or in hidden basement areas if they resemble litter areas. Cover plant pots with foil or rocks, and block off areas of dirt floors. Offer one more litter box than the number of cats in the household, and place them in well-ventilated areas, away from loud furnace motors or similar distractions. Although convenient, we do not recommend using covered litter boxes, as this causes the cats to inhale very dusty air, contributing to airway problems such as asthma. Cats that defecate or urinate outside of litter boxes may dislike the type of litter used, so try using different types. Litter should be cleaned daily, as cats soon learn to avoid soiled litter. Clumping litter helps one to remove urine and feces without having to change the whole litter, but a complete litter change should be done weekly, and the litter box cleaned and disinfected before refilling. Make sure to wash your hands after handling litter and litter scoops.
Scratching and biting at people can be due to fear, aggression, or from excessive play behaviour. Cat nails and teeth can inflict deep— and often infected—wounds. It is therefore important to reduce the risk. Learn to clip kitty’s nails regularly, usually every four to six weeks, and monitor children closely when handling or petting cats to make sure they are not distressing the pet. Signs of the cat becoming upset are low growls, a flicking of the tail, and attempts to move away. Teach children to be gentle and stroke the fur in its natural direction.
To deal with cats that scratch at furniture, is it important to realize that scratching is a normal behaviour for cats. Cats have scent glands in their pads and cheeks, and will mark areas with this odour. This has a calming effect on cats, provides pleasure, and also helps to remove older nail tissue. Rather than preventing scratching of inanimate objects, we recommend offering a scratching post in an area that the cat seems to prefer. You may have to experiment with different types of material fixed onto a vertical post to see which one the kitten uses the most. Try bark, roughened wood, carpet or other fabrics. Special scents called pheromones are available to spray on these areas to encourage their use.
To deter the kitten from scratching at valuable furniture, place double-sided sticky tape on the vertical arms, or wherever the kitten seems to be scratching, spray a citrus scent or other noxious but harmless substance on the surfaces, or spray water at the kitten when it tries to scratch. Always provide an alternate, acceptable scratching area.
We strongly recommend against declawing cats unless you are at serious health risks from scratches and the cat is unpredictable, or if all other alternatives have been exhausted. Declawing involves ten separate amputations of the bones in the toes, not just the nails, and can cause long-term problems in some cats after surgery. Most problems with scratching can be avoided without having to resort to this surgery.