I weigh 31 pounds!!!
I’m excited because mommy and daddy are excited. I went to a man they call “the vet” this Saturday and got examined, and got my temperature taken, weighed, and my vaccinations (I’d also gone when I was 6 weeks old, but that was before I came to live with Mommy and Daddy). The vet said that I am healthy, and I could tell that that made mommy and daddy happy!
I’m pretty much potty trained at this point, I go to the door when I need to go outside and either mommy or daddy take me outside to do my numbers. I learned to do that, because every time I did it right, I’d get a treat and a lot of praise when we came back inside.
I’m still on puppy food, I don’t get any human food as treats anymore, because when I do, I get diarrhea, or at least I get very gassy. It’s a shame because I really love the carrots that mommy eats. (note from mom - he absolutely loves his veggies, and it’s a shame he can’t have them, but puppies can have very tender tummies, and it’s a good idea to feed them ONLY puppy food, and the same brand at that, because of it).
I love to play catch, and run around, and mommy laughs at my antics a lot. I love to hear her laugh!
There are things I do that make mommy and daddy unhappy, I still bite too much, and I’m jumping up on people, and I’m going into the garbage still, or stealing slippers and stuffed toys and stuff like that from people’s rooms.
(another note from mom - training is still ongoing in these areas, consistency is key, especially when you have a dog as strong willed as Koda lol… he loves to please, but is nonetheless stubborn).
The other dog here (my sister) and I play a lot. Now she’s not scared of me anymore, and usually starts our fun. Since I learned to cover my teeth with my gums, we play a lot. I understand now that she is smaller than me, so I’m gentle with her.
Still no luck with the cat. But you know, that’s my fault. She just sits around, and wants to be left alone. I want to play though, and my sister and I chased her all over the house the other day. No one was very happy with me OR my sister after that one. I still think the cat is weird.
There’s still so much to learn, and so many fun times!
Share ThisLitter Box Training
Most Frequently Asked Questions
The single biggest cause of cat owner neurosis is - The Litter Box! Here are the most frequently asked litter box questions and the answers.
Why does my cat urinate in his litter box but sometimes defecate in my bathtub?
Cats urinate more frequently than they defecate so it is likely that after your cat has urinated, the litter box is now too dirty and repulsive to use again. He goes in the tub because it’s always clean there. Every time your cat soils the tub, you most likely clean it immediately, whereas the litter box may go an entire day before you get around to changing the litter. Given the choice of using a clean tub or dirty litter box, your fastidious cat will naturally use the cleaner area. If you are unable to change the litter box more frequently, get another litter box so at least one of them will be clean enough for him to use. He may continue to soil in the tub out of habit so either place another litter box in the tub, or discourage him from using it altogether by filling the tub with about 1/2 inch of water.
My cat prefers to use a back room closet for his litter box. Why won’t he use the litter box I have for him in the kitchen?
Cats like privacy to do their business. Kitchens are usually too busy a place for cats to feel privacy. Cats also don’t like to eliminate in their dining area. Even if you don’t feed your cat in your kitchen, he probably feels uncomfortable soiling in your dining area. I would take the path of least resistance and place his litter box in the back room closet. If that is not acceptable, then I would use a covered litter box near the closet he prefers.
Why is my cat spraying urine on me?
Urine spraying and marking are social, sexual and territorial behaviors. It’s also how cats express extreme emotions such as frustration. Your cat is trying to tell you sometime. Take a good look at what is going on in your home. First, is he neutered? Have there been any social changes, like a roommate moving in or out? Is there a new cat or dog in the neighborhood that he perceives as a rival or threat? Is he being mistreated in any way? Is he healthy? Are you neglecting him? Has your schedule and therefore his routine changed drastically? Are you “seeing another cat” outside your home and bringing back its scent on your clothing? All these things can cause a cat to spray or urine mark. Many people don’t realize it, but both male and female cats can urine mark.
Read The Rest Of The Story At Perfect Paws . . . >>
Understanding Your Cat’s
Predatory Behavior
Cats are born with a hunting and chasing instinct. But they are not necessarily born hunters that kill for food. Killing and eating prey are generally learned behaviors. Hunger will not automatically teach a cat to kill. A cat can be a skillful mouse killer and yet never eat a single mouse or even desire to eat one.
Kittens are programmed from birth to chase. Through play, they develop the coordination and timing needed to successfully capture their target. They learn to adjust their speed to the speed of moving objects. They learn to gauge distance by pouncing. Play gives the kitten a chance to learn to make judgments by experience.
The mother cat teaches her kittens to kill to eat. Her first lesson consists of bringing home dead prey and consuming it in front of the kittens. Soon they learn to join in. At the end of this stage, she brings the dead prey home and leaves it for the kittens to eat on their own. Cats will not only do this for their own litter, but for another cat’s kittens as well. Many cats (especially spayed females) will provide this lesson to their human owners. Thus, bringing home dead prey and dropping it at our feet.
The second lesson is bringing home partially dead prey and finishing off the kill in front of the kittens. The kittens are then allowed to practice their skills and learn to kill the wounded, slow-moving prey themselves. Gradually more prey is brought home until the kittens become skilled at catching and killing them. Finally the kittens accompany the mother and learn to hunt and kill completely on their own.
Why do cats often appear to torture or play with their catch before killing it? There are several theories. One theory is that these cats lack confidence. They may still be wary of their prey which if not killed quickly can fight and bite back. Another theory is that domestic cats who live in a relatively rodent-free environment lack the opportunity to catch real live prey. When they finally do catch a mouse, they want to prolong the “great” event as much as possible.
If socialization occurs extremely early, it is possible for cats to form friendships with prey animals. Even if a kitten grows up with a hamster or mouse, the two should never be left unattended. If the cat becomes over stimulated, it may suddenly attack and kill its friend without remorse. Generally, it is better not to try to force these natural enemies to become friends.
Read The Rest Of The Story At Perfect Paws . . . >>
Share ThisUnderstanding Your Cat’s Social Nature and Behavior
Are cats social? Are cats solitary animals? Are they independent? Will a cat accept another cat into its home? Do cats fight for dominance? Are cats trainable? The answer to these questions is both yes and no.
Cats are indeed a solitary species. But they can and do live in groups. This seems confusing to us because we are social animals and have a difficult time understanding and accepting a different social structure. Our other companion pet, the dog, is also a social or pack animal. He fits right in with our way of thinking and living. The cat does not.
We tend to look at our pets as little people with human emotions and needs. When our cat does not accept or become friends with the new cat we bring home, we automatically think something is wrong and that both cats are unhappy. That’s because we’re superimposing on the cat our standards for “happiness.”
Cats can live in groups but they don’t need to. For social/pack animals such as humans and dogs, living and functioning as a group is a necessity. The process of domestication facilitates social interaction of cats with other cats and humans. Kittens are usually quite friendly and playful with other cats and their human family. They participate in family functions. We perpetuate these kitten qualities through ongoing care and play with them. The kitten matures physically, but mentally retains kitten-like behavior. Cats that retain kitten-like behavior adjust to and probably prefer group living.
Continue Reading At Perfect Paws . . . >>
Do you ever think your cat is neurotic?
Do you ever wonder if maybe you’re the one losing your mind and your cat is quite normal? Why do they do this to us? We love them, in fact we worship them, but still they deliberately leave puddles in our shoes, on our pillows, in the bathtub. When we come home 15 minutes late, they noisily protest that dinner was not served on time. But when we apologetically offer a gourmet feast, they turn away smugly denying us the opportunity to alleviate our guilt. Why do they pathetically cry to be let outside, and before you’ve barely shut the door, they’re anxiously waiting to be let back in?
It may be comforting to know that cats all over the world do these things. You’re not being singled out and picked on. There is no feline conspiracy. So before accusing your cat of being neurotic, or before booting kitty out of your home, let’s examine a few things about cat psychology.
This is Part One in a series of articles that will explain why cats do the things they do. Fortunately, we’ll never know or even come close to knowing everything. The feline mystique is what often attracts us to our cats and makes them so fun and interesting to live with. But it sure would be nice if we could understand them enough to stop them from urinating in our closet!
This issue’s article will cover the cat’s sense of smell. Scent plays a vital role in cat behavior and their sense of territory.
Read the entire story at Perfect Paws . . . >>
Share ThisIf your cat is scratching your furniture, shredding and destroying your home, you need to realize that your cat needs to scratch and climb. Scratching conditions your cat’s claws by removing the old layers of the nails. Scratching and climbing are highly enjoyable feline activities and are part of the essence of being a cat. Since your cat will want and need to scratch, provide her with a variety of scratching posts and teach her to use them. Until your cat can be trusted not to scratch and claw your furniture, she should not be allowed free run of your house when you are not there to supervise her. If your cat has a single favorite scratching site, this may be temporarily protected by covering it with some netting or loosely woven fabric. Cats do not like to snag their claws.
As a temporary measure you can confine your cat to an area where she cannot get into trouble. Confinement is not the answer to the problem, but it can be used to help train your cat to use a post when you are not home to actively train her. The confinement area should be well stocked with a variety of scratching and climbing posts. Since your cat will have no other choice of things to scratch, she will learn to scratch and climb her posts.
You can buy scratching posts at your pet store or you can build one yourself. Rough hewn 4×4’s set vertically with a few horizontal resting platforms are ideal. Whether buying carpet to cover a home made post or purchasing the finished item, remember to take along a comb to check that there are no loops in the carpeting which will snag the cat’s claws. You can also attach the carpeting underside-up, as the backing has a rough texture that cats enjoy.
Share ThisCourtesty of Perfect Paws. Read the full story here . . .
Rambunctious and Hyperactive Cat Behavior
If your cat is attacking you, your furniture, phantom spirits and invisible mice; if he’s bouncing off the walls and ceiling; knocking things off counter tops; stealing; carrying around or hiding the most unusual objects; don’t worry, your cat is quite normal. Much of this obnoxious behavior is caused by his acting out play and predatory behavior. If these events occur in the middle of the night or in the wee hours of the morning, don’t forget that cats are nocturnal animals. It’s normal for their activity level to peak late at night or early in the morning.
This frequently happens with lonely, bored cats that have an excess of energy and no where for that energy to go. They cannot chase real mice and birds, or climb real trees, so they develop other habits to entertain themselves.
Many of these problems can be prevented or cured by providing games, exercise and entertainment for your kitty. Get on the floor and play with your cat. Don’t just toss her a toy and expect her to play by herself. Tie a toy to the end of a string, toss it down the hall and reel it in, or slowly drag it across the floor. This gives kitty a moving target to chase and attack. Put a bird feeder outside a window so your cat can watch hummingbirds dive-bomb the fuchsia bush.
Sometimes kitten behavior, such as suckling and kneading, continues into adulthood. Provide your cat with something safe of his own towards which he can direct this behavior. If the cat decides to use you or your clothing for this activity, simply let him know you disapprove. A sudden, sharp shout or loud noise is usually sufficient. Remember to frequently encourage kitty to indulge himself with his own special suckling/kneading pillow, blanket or toy.
Often a cat’s misbehavior is actually reinforced by your unintentional rewards. The cat suddenly runs up, nips you on the ankle and runs off. You scream and chase him. Although you think you are reprimanding the cat, he probably thinks this is a fun game. Cats can also become pests, demanding attention and affection because when they come over to bug you, you give them what they want - food, attention or affection. Read more about how cats learn.
Share ThisMy Second Week!
It’s been busy! I sure can tell Mommy and Daddy are sleeping really well… maybe it’s because I’m snuggled up between them. I really like to sleep nose to nose with Mommy, or in her arms.
I’ve been getting really independent, letting Mommy and Daddy know I need to go potty by going downstairs and whining at the door… at least I do it some of the time, other times I forget. Daddy really wants me to find a way to vocalize that I need to go. I’m working on it, and I’ve had far fewer accidents this week than I did last week. Of course, Mommy and Daddy are really vigilant about taking me outside regularly, so I’m sure that has a lot to do with it too.
And they gave me my first bath… I did not like that at all! I think I can get to like it, but the first time, it was so new, the running water was so noisy, and I was cold when the water wasn’t being poured on me. I stood there like a good boy, growling and grunting and shaking. I sure did like the towel drying after though! Like being cuddled with a big cloth! It wasn’t so bad at all, I’ll get used to it. And Mommy really likes the way I smell much better after a bath!
I also figured out how to break out of the room downstairs, I figured out how to move the big heavy box that holds the gate in place and get out. Daddy was watching me do this and I heard him say to Mommy that I sure am not a stupid puppy. I was really proud of myself for doing it, and in a strange way, even though Mommy ran and got me before I even made the stairs (wow she sure can move fast sometimes), I think they were proud of me too.
We had snow the other day, I am a real snow hound, and it makes Mommy laugh when I bounce around with snow on my nose.
Yesterday, she got really mad at me, I wasn’t listening, my pack is putting stuff in these things they call boxes, getting ready to go somewhere else, to “move”. So there are all kinds of interesting things all around for me to explore and carry around in my mouth, to move… hey…. so THAT’S what they mean. See… I’m just trying to be helpful!
Anyway, Mommy got mad, and took me down to my crate and put me in. She spoke to me in a very stern voice, didn’t yell, but I could tell she meant business. And she left! Just for a little while, but it scared me. I mean, daddy does it to me… but Mommy?! Wow, I must have been bad. So, I was a very good boy for the rest of the day. I clung to Mommy just like I did when I first got here. I guess I’m not as grown up as I think I am, huh?
Oh, you know what else? Mommy took me for a ride in her car too! I really wasn’t sure about it at all, and the first turn around the block, I buried my head in her lap. The second turn, I whimpered once, and then just lay on the seat. The she stopped the car, petted me for awhile, I almost fell asleep. Then we went around the block again, and after a potty break, back inside the house for lots of praise and cuddling. She was really good about petting me and talking to me all the while that we drove, so I felt safe. Later when she and Daddy went up the street to get food, I sat in Daddy’s lap while we drove there. And waited in the car while they went in the store. They were back in a minute and home we went. I think I’m getting the hang of this car thing! I understand that it doesn’t mean I’m going to live somewhere else. Mommy was worried about that, since my first car ride was when I came to live with them, and was taken away from Mama.
It’s fun living here, even though I don’t get to do all the things I want to do - they keep taking me out of rooms that I manage to wander into, and keep ordering me out of the kitchen, which I think is REALLY unfair, there are so many interesting smells there! Daddy is funny too, he plays with me just like he’s a dog too - Mommy laughs at him when he’s bounding around on hands and knees and we’re wrestling and barking at each other.
I’m also learning not to bite Mommy’s hands (note from Mommy: It’s really sweet when he does it, breaks my heart to have to cure him of it, but it won’t be so cute when he’s 8 months old and weighs 80 pounds like his Papa). Whenever I start gnawing on her hands, she takes her hand out of my mouth, taps me on my nose and yells “OW”, and ignores me for a little bit. Since I don’t like being ignored by her, I’m getting the message. Of course, right after that, she always gives me a toy to chew on, so I’m learning that my toys are for chewing on, not people’s hands.
I’m learning a lot, there always seems to be something new to explore! I’ll tell you more next week!
Share ThisCourtesy of Perfect Paws. Read the rest of the story here . . .
Feline Aggression: Biting, Fighting, Scratching, Attacking
Not long ago, Motor and I were cuddled together; his gentle kneading and rhythmic purring locked me in a trance of relaxation and contentment. What a perfectly sweet, affectionate cat, I thought. The picture of a savage, wild animal never entered my mind. Motor is a neutered, male domestic house cat with nothing especially unique or different about him. He is just a normal, everyday real cat. He belongs to a long-time friend of mine and I see him every now and then.
Several weeks after our little cuddling session, I entered his yard (as I have on many occasions) but this time it was different. I had at the end of a leash a large terrier. I expected Motor to take one look at us and flee for his life. After all, didn’t Motor notice that this was no ordinary dog? Whenever Motor was spooked, he did what all good cats do. He ran for safety. His owner also assured me that he would either hide under the shed or dash up the tree to watch us from a safe distance.
But not this time. Before my very eyes, Motor transformed into an enraged, furious, wild animal. I knew then that we were in big trouble. I instructed the dog to sit-stay and she obediently froze like a statue. Within seconds, Motor hurled himself at us - biting, clawing and yowling. He backed off, circled us and flew in for a second attack, then a third. This happened about five times before the owner came out and rescued us. The entire time I kept moving around to keep myself between Motor and the dog who obediently remained motionless and quiet the entire time while I was screaming hysterically. We must have been a hilarious sight to see. I could envision the headlines: “Mild mannered kitty transforms into devil - attacks pitbull and animal behaviorist!”
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The most common reason a cat will not use its litter box…
Because the litter box is dirty - from the cat’s viewpoint, not yours. Cats often react to any type of stress by suddenly urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The stress may be caused by a new cat in the neighborhood; children home on vacation; too many cats in the house; your going away on vacation or a new piece of furniture. Urinary tract problems also cause cats to urinate in places other than the litter box. Any sudden change in elimination habits should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Prevent House Soiling
Until your cat is reliably house trained, she should not have free run of your home. If your cat continually makes mistakes, the behavior can simply become a habit. Punishing a cat after the fact teaches her to be afraid of you. Scolding and then taking the cat to her litter box after she has already eliminated teaches her to associate the litter box with punishment. Basically, punishment doesn’t work with cats: prevention and praise for getting it right are the keys to training. When you leave the house for any length of time, your cat should be confined to a single room, preferably one with non-porous floors, such as a kitchen, bathroom, utility room, basement or garage. Provide your cat with a bowl of water and a warm place to sleep at one end of the room and a freshly cleaned litter box at the other end. Until the house soiling has been cured, your cat should have a regular feeding schedule so she will develop a corresponding elimination schedule. Read more on how cats learn.
The Litter Box
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