Cat Corner

Cats are not like dogs. They do not obey commands to make you happy, but instead will obey commands simply because they know they will be rewarded. Also, remember that tricks should be taught using actions that would come naturally to cats. The High Five can be taught from the batting of a dangling toy, while sitting eventually comes from a relaxed posture. Make it fun for them, so they think it's for their own benefit, instead of yours.

Tricks can be either practical or just for fun. Practical tricks can include come, stay, sit or carrier so that a cat will go into a carrier without fuss. Fun tricks can include high five, touch, roll over, play dead, or any others you can think of that will be entertaining to both you and the cat.

Never hit or shout at a cat. This goes for both training with tricks, and disciplining for inappropriate behavior at any other time.

Be patient. Cats will not learn tricks in a few hours or even a few days. Some tricks may take a month or longer. Only train one trick at a time. Make a list of the tricks you want your cat to learn and prioritize them. Once a trick has been mastered, you may move on to the next trick. To keep previously learned tricks from being forgotten, use them either on a daily basis in playtime or when it's practical during the day's usual activities.

There are many ways to teach a cat a trick. What works for your cat may not work for another cat. Different tricks may be learned in very different ways. High Five and Sit both can be taught by dangling a treat or toy above the cat's head. Alternatively, neither of these may work, and tapping the base of the tail or a paw to lift it might work instead. Experiment until you find something that the cat responds best to.

Many people don't like the idea of training a cat. Opinions range from thinking cats can't or won't learn, to it's simply degrading of such a fine species. However, it can be a very good way to bond with your cat and spend extra time giving it one-on-one attention.

There are many resources available for learning how to teach cats tricks. Library books, Internet articles and videos are just a few. If you don't mind spending a little extra money, you could hire a professional cat behaviorist to help you. There are also many tools to use during training such as toys and treats, they don't need to be expensive.

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Many owners are now deciding to keep their feline companions completely indoors. Indeed, indoor cats have longer, physically healthier lives than cats allowed outdoors, because they are kept away from outdoor risks, such as cat fights, road traffic and diseases. However, indoor cats are more likely to develop behavioural problems than those allowed outside.

To enrich the lives of indoor cats, we have compiled a “resource checklist"!

Litter boxes

Cats eliminate to fulfil a fundamental need. However, they may also use eliminations as a way to mark their territory. To ensure that cats eliminate in their litter box, there are 4 main things to consider:

1. Litter tray hygiene – Clean the litter tray daily and wash the litter tray weekly with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.

2. Litter tray type and size – Most cats prefer large, uncovered litter trays. Trays with higher sides can be useful for cats that tend to scatter litter over the side whilst digging. Trays with lower sides should be provided to kittens and older cats.

3. Litter type – Once you find a litter that your cat likes, don’t change types! Cats often have individual preferences for certain litter types.

4. Litter tray location and number – The general rule with litter trays is one per cat and an additional tray for the house. Litter trays need to be kept in a quiet, but accessible location.

Scratching poles

Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. Scratching poles provide an alternative option for cats to scratch, saving your furniture and carpets! Scratching poles are available in a variety of styles and materials. Cats that scratch chair legs may prefer a vertical scratching pole. Just ensure that it is tall enough for them to stretch out. Cats that scratch carpets may prefer horizontal scratching poles. Scratching poles should be placed near sleeping areas or room entrances, so that they can leave scent marks defining their territory. Nail clipping can be easily performed to reduce damage done by scratching.

Toys

The cat is a natural hunter. Therefore, toys should be available which allow the cat to simulate this hunting activity. Most cats prefer to hunt specific creatures. By identifying your cats “prey” preference, it will enable you to find toys that your cat will be more likely to play with. Try both “bird” and “mouse” toys at the same time to see which toy they prefer. Sometimes even the simplest toys, such as scrunched up paper, can provide hours of entertainment. Toys can be rotated to maintain interest.

Outdoor Cat Enclosures

Outdoor cat enclosures provide the best of both worlds, enabling your cat to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside world without exposing them to outdoor risks. There are many options available, including purpose built “Catmax” enclosures, or do-it-yourself high fencing with angled returns and Elizabethan collars on trees. Some cats can also be trained to walk on a harness and lead.

Indoor plants

Cats sometimes like to graze on grass and herbs. Potted plants can be placed indoors to allow them access. Plants, such as catnip, catmint, thyme, sage and parsley, can all be grown indoors.

Some cats will adapt more readily to an indoor lifestyle than others. Cats which have spent years outdoors may not accept an indoor lifestyle. It is up to the owner and their cat to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the different lifestyles.

Fleas were responsible for claiming more victims than all the wars ever fought, as a result of diseases such as the "bubonic" (Black Death) plague that they spread throughout the world in the 14th century causing the deaths of over 200 million people. Now, these insects are better known for their irritation and pest status worldwide. Fleas can cause scratching, skin irritation and they can also transmit tape worm and blood parasites such as infectious anaemia.

Be warned! Keeping your cat indoors won’t necessarily protect them from the little blood suckers. During the last few months we have seen a number of seriously infected cats. When a large flea burden is accumulated it can be really hard to get rid of it. Products like Revolution, Advantage and Advocate are fantastic if you diligently apply them every month, but flea pupae are able to lie dormant for up to 9 months so even if you apply flea prevention for a half year and haven’t seen one in all that time, you can still have fleas hatching out in the carpet, floorboards, all over the house the minute you stop. We can also walk fleas into the house  on our clothes, as they can inhabit grasses etc outdoors too.

How do I know if my cat has fleas? Fleas can be hard to spot, but they do leave tell tale signs. Is your cat scratching? Some cats don’t scratch at all, especially if they are not allergic to fleas. Have a close-up look at your cat. Part its fur in several places on its body, or use a fine tooth ‘flea-comb’. Fleas leave behind a small black gritty substance that will turn red if you wipe a damp tissue over it. Why does it turn red? Because it is dried digested blood….EWW! You may find a little bit of this ‘flea-dirt’ or a lot of it, on your cat, it’s bedding, or anywhere your cat spends it’s time. Due to the fastidious nature with which cats groom themselves, sometimes no flea dirt is evident at all. Cats can often develop flea allergies. Any strange twitching or over-grooming of fur, redness around the ears or anywhere on the body can also be signs of a flea infestation.

Q) I had booked my cat in to be spayed but she is pregnant, I estimate 2 months. Up to what stage of pregnancy is it ok to have her spayed without problems?

A) Cats are pregnant for 9 weeks, so this cat is one week shy of delivery. The Vet clinic can quite accurately predict the age of the kittens by  the size of the kittens.

If kittens are almost at term, they would be alive when she was desexed and likely require euthanasia. I am happy to spey cats up to 6 weeks pregnancy without concern for the mother or foetus.

Once the kittens are delivered, the mother can be desexed at 4-5 weeks as the kittens are starting to eat solid foods. Ensuring the mother is well wormed and flea'd and on a high quality kitten dry food is important too.