Behaviour & Training

When we consider training, we automatically think of dogs. Dogs are trained for obedience, for work on farms or to detect drugs, illegally imported items, even cancers. Training does not generally bring up a vision of a cat obeying your every word. Yet, cats can be trained. What commands can cats learn? Cats can learn all sorts of commands – to sit, to roll over, to shake a paw. Cats like to do things in their own good time, so to train them we need to be really motivated, set aside some time and above all, be patient. Remember, cats are individuals and each one will react differently when training begins. Some will ignore you or look at you as if you are mad, whilst others will be very curious and eager. Teach one trick at a time. You can reinforce tricks your cat has mastered, but don’t confuse them by teaching more than one new behaviour at a time. How to train a cat Cats, like dogs, are motivated to do things in life that benefit them. Seeking tasty morsels of food or a cat game with a favourite toy are favourite activities. Usually it is the cat who demands these from their owners. So let’s turn it around. Use these motivators to your advantage. The sit and Hi 5 commands All cats sit, so teaching this is easy. As your cat sits, say “Sit”, then praise them, with a pat or treat. Also introduce a hand signal, such as your hand held vertically in a stop sign, to further help your cat learn. You can quickly extend this training to have your cat join in a ‘Hi 5’ with you, where they raise a paw to your hand. First, encourage any tiny movements of their paw by giving a cat a treat each time their paw moves off the ground. Then, with the treat wrapped in your fist, wait for her to use her paw to try to grab it, then give them the treat as a reward. Gradually lift your hand higher and when your cat touches your hand with their paw, reward them. Dog Tricks Everybody loves learning tricks – especially your dog! Teaching him some simple dog tricks and commands won’t just look impressive, it will give you the opportunity to spend some quality time together too. High Five! Tell your dog to sit, then give them a treat. Hold another treat out of reach (but close by), and say ‘high five’, touching one of their feet. They’ll probably paw at the treat in your other hand; when your dog does this, gently pick the paw up and let your dog have the treat, making lots of fuss of them at the same time. Repeat this sequence this until your dog associates the ‘high five’ command with touching your hand with his paw! Teach your dog to play dead For the more advanced canines, why not try and teach your dog to ‘play dead.’ It’s a great dog trick and is an easy party piece to teach your eager four-legged friend! Start by getting your dog to lie down. If you’ve moved on to this advanced trick then you’ll already have taught your dog the basics like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘down,’ so this first part should be easy. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly pull it over to his side so he’ll have to roll over to get the treat. If your dog has already learnt how to roll over, he’ll already know how to perform this action too, making this step a walk in the park! When your dog is lying on his side, praise him and give him a treat. Then, repeat these steps several times until your dog is able to complete the action. Now add a cue word with a hand signal. Lots of people use the verbal command ‘bang’ with a hand signal in the shape of a gun pointing at your dog, although you might just want to use ‘sleep’ or ‘dead’ if you prefer, with any hand signal you like. Say your chosen command with your hand signal and repeat steps two and three. By practising this trick several times a day, your dog will soon be falling at your side and pretending to ‘sleep’ or ‘play dead.’

You love your cat with all your heart, but does your cat love you back? Get the facts on how cats show affection and easy ways to tell if they love you back! Unfortunately, it’s not easy to ‘prove’ love exists, whether it’s between you and your cat or between two people. With that said, there are plenty of ways that cats show affection and compelling evidence that they feel love toward their owners. Cat relationships vs People relationships Cats are often labelled as unattached and aloof, but really they’re just particular about how they show affection. So when they don’t come when you call, it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It just means they’re happy where they are. In that way, they’re more like people than dogs. A good way to think about it is how a kid will wriggle out of his mother’s grasp as she tries to kiss and hug him – not because he doesn’t love his mum, but because he’s had enough mushy stuff for the time being. Signs your cat loves you Despite their ‘couldn’t care less’ reputation, many cats develop strong relationships with their owners. You can tell a cat has a strong relationship with someone when they become physically and emotionally engaged with them, like rubbing against their leg, kneading and being affectionate. Some other signs your cat loves you are following you around the house, purring when you pet them, bringing you their toys, and wanting to sleep in the same room as you (even if they want out halfway through the night). You can also tell if your cat loves you by how they act when you’re not around. In cases of extreme or abrupt separation, it’s not uncommon for cats to show signs of distress and anxiety – like refusing to eat or hiding. In extreme cases, cats have been known to travel hundreds of miles to reunite with their families. Like in 2003, when a cat in Florida in the USA named Holly walked nearly 200 miles to find her owner. How to show your cat you love them Always be ready to pet them on their terms. As we said, cats can be very particular when it comes to giving and receiving affection, so be patient and embrace them when they’re in the mood. Also, pay close attention to what your cat doesn’t like. Cats, just like people, have pet peeves. Whether it’s having their ears scratched, having their paws or tail held, keep an eye out for their annoyances and be sure not to trigger them. Conclusion Science may not be able to prove cats love people, but we do know that devoted owners have devoted pets. So never hesitate to invest your heart in your feline relationships. Remember, love increases the more you give it away!

Has your kitten’s biting got out of hand? Here’s what to look out for, and how you can help your cat learn to play appropriately. Ouch! Some gentle “hand-wrestling” with your kitten suddenly turned from playful to painful! What happened? Why is your kitten biting so hard? The good news is, your kitten is still a kitten, and this is a very common issue. The bad news is, her bites kind of hurt! Well make sure you’re bandaged up and settled in, because we’re going to take a look at common causes of kittens biting. Just as important, we’ll cover some techniques for how to discourage and even prevent this behaviour. Instinctively Adorable At every turn, kittens are learning about their world, mostly by playing with whatever piques their interest. When you see them bat, chase, pounce, and even bite, you’re actually seeing early versions of their hunter instincts. It’s adorable and fascinating to watch, and even more fun to participate! Except for the biting. Playing with a kitten is clearly a win-win scenario, but it’s best to avoid using your hands or feet as toys. Otherwise, the kitten may accidentally learn that biting human skin is an acceptable behaviour. And two years down the road, as you can imagine, an adult cat could easily leave more of a mark. Instead of hands and feet, try using pet shop bought or homemade toys you can dangle in front of your kitten or drag along the floor. Moving objects like these are perfect for playtime, and they help kittens learn acceptable ways to use their teeth and claws. Moulding Young Minds If you’ve raised a kitten or are currently raising one, you know they can be mischievous, which includes the occasional ambush. But what if her adorable attack comes with a bite? In this case, a build-up of energy may be the reason why your kitten is biting. Try increasing playtime to keep her busy with desirable behaviours. This early one-on-one interaction is really the best opportunity to teach your growing kitten what is acceptable play and what is not. Another tip: If you’re planning on adopting a kitten, consider bringing home one or two more. Kittens naturally learn how to control their teeth and claws as they bite and scratch (and ambush) each other. And finally, if additional playtime and playmates simply aren’t possible, interactive items like puzzle toys and bouncy door hangers are good alternatives. The Warning Cat experts often talk about the risk of petting cats until they are “overstimulated,” or beyond the point of enjoyment. Coming from a kitten, it’s just another example of early, instinctive communication. So your kitten’s bite may simply be her way of saying, “Okay! Enough!” Before the bite, look for signs that she’s feeling irritated. It may be tail twitching, restlessness, dilated pupils, or ear flicking. If you see any of these, take it as a cue to slowly move your hand away and give your kitten room to regain her composure. Talk to the Doc No two cats are the same, which also applies to kittens. If you have questions or concerns about your kitten’s biting behaviours, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can help determine what might be causing the behaviour. In fact, your kitten may be biting because she isn’t feeling well, which is another great reason to ask your veterinarian. Look for any other signs of illness in your kitten, such as loss of appetite, unusually low energy, or sickly-looking eyes. A prominent nictitating membrane (the third eyelid) can be a sign of illness. Quick Recap So why is your kitten biting? She may need more appropriate toys to play with, more playtime, less petting, or a visit with your veterinarian. Whatever the cause, it’s most likely something that you can address by taking simple steps to make sure she’s happy, healthy, and learning acceptable play behaviours. Just remember: Your kitten is a great cat in the making, and you can make it happen.

How Can Getting a Cat Change Your Life? Bringing a cat into your home is the first step in creating a bond that can make both of your lives better. From reminding you to play to helping give your children an early lesson in responsibility, we think you’ll find that a cat can change your life in all kinds of positive ways. BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP What to Consider Before You Get a New Cat 1. THINK ABOUT THE BASIC CARE AND TRAINING YOU’LL NEED TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR NEW CAT How can you prepare your home to be a comfortable place for your new cat? What toys and supplies do you need? How can you ensure your cat will get along with any pre-existing pets? Good planning will ensure a smooth transition and the chance to establish a healthy bond right away. 2. ESTABLISH YOUR FAMILY’S ROLES There’s something for everyone in your family to do when it comes to looking after your cat. Ensure that all family members have a clear understanding of their roles in the care-taking and that they treat the cat in the same consistent manner. 3. PLAN FOR COSTS You’re going to want to plan ahead and budget for all the care your cat will need, including visiting the veterinarian and buying supplies. 4. YOUR LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENT Did you know the reason many pets are relinquished to shelters is their owner’s living scenario changes? Whether it’s roommates, moving, landlords or just not having enough space, factors related to your living space may make having a pet more difficult than you originally thought. Make sure that you have the permission of everyone in your living space before bringing a pet into your home. If it’s not the right time for you, don’t worry – there will be plenty of pets looking for homes when you do become ready. 5. WHICH CAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU? A lot of people looking to adopt or buy want to get the same type of cat they had when they were kids, without realising that personality may be more important than breed or colouring. Some cats need more social time and attention, and some might be perfect for you if you have a busy lifestyle. 6. WHERE YOU’LL FIND YOUR NEW CAT Breeders and local shelters are just two of the many places where you can go to find the cat for you. It’s important to check that you are adopting or buying your cat from a reputable local shelter or breeder.

Let's Adopt a Cat! Now that you know what you’re looking for in a cat, it’s time to decide where you should go to start your search. Some people looking for a specific breed may want to go to a breeder. If you’re looking for a cat based on personality, you have many options. You can visit a shelter, a rescue organisation, a foster home or a pet shop. Wherever you choose to get your cat, we hope we’ve helped you find a companion that will make your life richer, more loving, and more adventurous. DID YOU KNOW? There are many systems in place that often work together to help all kinds of cats find lasting homes. Still deciding where to go to find your new cat? Here are some of your options. Shelters, Rescues and Foster Homes Rescue organisations and shelters are dedicated to pet welfare. Rescue organisations often care for animals through a network of private foster homes rather than in an animalshelter. Foster homes provide temporary, in-home care for one or more animals through the auspices of an animal shelter or animal rescue organisation. Foster caregivers may be either volunteers or staff members of animal welfare organisations or a local council, and may foster animals for a number of different reasons. For example, foster homes are often needed for pets that are not yet ready for adoption (sick, injured, recovering from surgery, not yet weaned, needing socialisation or other behaviour modification, etc.) or pets for whom there is not enough space in the shelter. Some rescue groups operate completely via a network of foster homes.

Cats Help Improve Our Moods and Help Us Deal with Stress Do you know just 15 to 30 minutes of quality time with a cat can calm your nerves and boost your mood? There’s even chemical evidence. When you spend time with a cat, your production of serotonin, a chemical that boosts feelings of well-being, goes up, and your cortisol levels go down. Cortisol, along with high blood pressure, is a result of stress, and can lead to high cholesterol and hypertension. This means that spending time with a cat can keep you healthier in the long run. DID YOU KNOW? A 20-year study found that people who owned a cat were 40% less likely to die from a heart attack. J Vasc Interv Neurol. 2009 January; 2(1): 132-135. PMCID: PMC3317329 Detecting Seizures More and more stories are cropping up about cats that can tell when their owners are about to have seizures and will do their best to warn them. While scientists suspect this ability has something to do with detecting biochemical scents, how it works remains a mystery. BBC News, “Pet cat ‘senses’ Bournemouth owner’s epilepsy.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-12740040. Pets Can Be Good for Our Children • When kids imagine how a pet feels, it may help them learn to empathise with their peers and take their feelings into account. • Teaching children to confide in their pets as if they were friends may help children recover from trauma. • Children who own pets may have higher self-esteem. • Teaching kids to care for a cat may make them more cooperative and willing to share. The New York Times, “HEALTH; Children and Their Pets: Unexpected Psychological Benefits.” http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/11/us/health-children-and-their-pets-unexpected-psychological-benefits.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm.<

What is Your Cat Trying to Tell You? Even when cats are silent, they’re always giving off signals of their current moods. Is your cat feeling playful? Does she want to be approached? Is she fearful? Relaxed? Understanding how your cat’s non-verbal communication differs from that of people and dogs is a simple step you can take toward strengthening your bond. What Your Cat’s Body Language Says About Her Mood FRIENDLY A friendly cat’s eyes will be alert and blinking, and her ears will be pointed forward while she holds her head up and fans out her whiskers. If you hear meowing, she may be looking to interact. Keep in mind that how you interact should be based on the personality of the cat and the context of the situation. FEARFUL You may have to look closely for indications of fear in your cat, because while her posture may appear calm, a closer look at her face and tail may show distress. A fearful cat may have dilated pupils and flattened ears, and her tail may be held downward, close to her body, while she flattens her whiskers and presses them against her face. Try to minimise sudden or rapid movements when your cat seems fearful, as they may amplify her discomfort. PLAYFUL When a cat is standing with her tail curled, rolling side-to-side or belly up, she’s likely looking for contact and play. Her ears may be pointed forward, as well. Just make sure not to touch her on the stomach, as you would a dog, because this will elicit reflexive, defensive or predatory behaviours that might make her claw or bite your hand. RELAXED You can tell if your cat is relaxed by looking at a combination of cues. Make sure you examine her facial expression and body language, as a crouched, relaxed position can look similar to fear. Her ears will be pointed forward, and her tail will be visible, rather than tucked or curled, while her whiskers will remain slightly fanned out, rather than pulled back against her face. NEGATIVE When a cat is showing negative body language, she is most likely not open to contact. It’s probably best not to try to approach or pick her up, especially if the cat is hissing or growling. Her pupils may be dilated, and her ears will be flattened against her head. She may arch her back, and the hair on both her back and her tail may be raised.

It’s a common misconception that cats will only wag their tails when they’re angry, but there’s actually loads of reasons why they may do this. Find out everything you need to know about cat tail language in this article. Acat’s body languagecan often be hard to decipher. Cats are very complex and the way they tell you how they feel isn’t always obvious. It’s really easy to misread your cat’s behaviour, which can often result in being swatted away by an unhappy kitty when you go in for a pet at the wrong time. One thing in particular that can help you understand how your furry friend is feeling is their tail. Contrary to popular belief, a cat’s tail is actually really expressive and can give you an invaluable insight into if they’re feeling playful, happy or scared. Keep reading to discover the secrets behind cat tail language and discover more about your cat’s emotions. Why do cats wag their tails? Unlike dogs, cats often wag their tails when they are angry or upset, but it’s not always the case. Cat tail language is really sophisticated and can be an excellent indicator to your kitty’s emotions. By paying attention to the direction and speed of your cat’s wagging tail, as well as the rest of their body, you can usually get a good grasp as to how they’re feeling. See our list of possible explanations as to why your cat is wagging their tail.

Learn More About Your Cat. • In terms of development, the first year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 years of a human life. After its second year, a cat is 25 in human years. And after that, each year of a cat’s life is equal to about 7 human years. • Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees. • The hearing of the average cat is at least five times keener than that of a human adult. • In the largest cat breed, the average male weighs approximately 20 pounds. • Domestic cats spend about 70 percent of the day sleeping. And 15 percent of the day grooming. • A cat cannot see directly under its nose. • Most cats have no eyelashes. • Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four on the back ones. It’s not uncommon, though, for cats to have extra toes. The cat with the most toes known had 32—eight on each paw! • Some believe that if you dream about a white cat, good luck will follow. • Meows are not innate cat language—they developed them to communicate with humans!

Provide your kitten with safety and a sense of security. New kittens are dependent on you to help them stay safe and thrive in their new homes. Here’s what you can do to provide your kitten with safety and a sense of security: Give them time 10 to 12 weeks is the ideal age to adopt a kitten. Some are adopted as early as 6 weeks, but adoption at that age can be stressful for kittens and may make them fearful or shy. A kitten that has been gently handled by humans will be friendlier and more well adjusted, so look for inquisitiveness and confidence in a new kitten. Cover the basics Young kittens need a place to feel safe—something reminiscent of being surrounded by their mother and siblings. A blanket-lined cardboard box or cat bed can be a great replacement. For the first year, kittens require the extra protein and calories found in kitten-formulated foods, so be sure the food you choose is created just for them. Begin litter training by placing your kitten in the box after meals or right after waking and gently simulate digging with the kitten’s paws. Never punish a kitten for missing the box, and always praise him for using it correctly. Provide a scratching post to prevent furniture damage. Introduce new family members slowly Place the kitten in a quiet room, along with a bed, litterbox and food, until he gets adjusted. Introduce family members one at a time, providing extra oversight with children. Teach children how to gently interact with the kitten and remind them to wash their hands after handling him. Kitten-proof your home Bundle electric cords and place them out of the kitten’s reach. Put all small items away and remove poisonous plants and insect traps. Close the toilet seat lid, along with kitchen cabinets and the lids to washers and dryers. Go room by room Give your kitten the grand tour of the house, one room at a time. Try to prevent him from hiding under or behind furniture. To discourage climbing on the bed simply place him back on the floor when he jumps up or starts the climb. Prepare your other pets If you already have pets at home, be sure that they’re in optimal health before introducing a new kitten to the mix. To help ease anxiety, give older cats extra attention. Then allow them to approach the kitten briefly so that they can sniff each other. If they demonstrate physical hostility, separate them and try again in a few days. If you have a dog at home, don’t leave your new kitten alone with him. Introduce them with the dog on a leash. Prevent the kitten from running so the dog doesn’t try to give chase. And remember to reward all pets for their good behavior during these introductions. Keep playtime safe Choose toys designed with kittens in mind—nothing with any small parts that could be ingested. Small stuffed animals or feathers on the end of a small fishing pole are good picks. Get the first check-up Make a vet appointment within a few days of the kitten’s arrival and let the vet know the kitten is new to your home when you call. It can help to make a list of any questions you want to have answered. And be sure to talk to your vet about spaying and neutering, which can help prevent health issues and overpopulation. Typically, kittens can be spayed or neutered at 8 weeks of age—but you and your vet should decide when is best for your pet. Provide comfort while you’re away Secure the kitten in one room before you leave, and include a bed, litterbox, scratching post, toys, food and water. Consider adding a nightlight or leaving a light on if you’ll be gone all evening. You may want to try playing music or talk radio, too—the sounds can be soothing to a kitten that’s alone. Share twice the love Single kittens can get lonely—so consider a pair when you adopt! If you opt for just one, here’s a great way to help with loneliness: Wrap a ticking clock in a towel and place it near his bed—the steady sound is comforting, reminding him of his mother’s heartbeat. Then further ease his stress by picking him up and speaking to him in a soothing tone.

It’s no secret that cats love to sleep, but owners are often puzzled by this behaviour. How long do cats sleep, and how do you know if your cat is sleeping too much? This article will explain how and why cats love to sleep so much. How long do cats sleep for? On average, cats sleep between 13 and 16 hours in a 24-hour day; that’s roughly twice the amount that their human owners require. Although this does vary depending on age and personality, your cat will certainly spend far more time napping than you. Why do cats sleep so much? Fundamentally, cats are predators, and sleeping is vital to conserve their energy after hunts. Cats are anatomically and physiologically designedto hunt for their food, even if now you provide it for them in a bowl. Wild cats are commonly observed hunting their prey and then sleeping for extended periods of time; this is because hunting demands a huge amount of energy. Domestic cats are no different, and even if they are only hunting their favourite toy or chasing after a mouse, the effect is the same: they employ energy intensive techniques, such as stalking, pouncing, chasing and climbing. Your cat is on alert throughout their ‘hunt’, using high levels of adrenaline and energy to keep their body fuelled. All this means that despite the relatively short period when your cat is active, they use up disproportionately large energy reserves, resulting in the need for a well-deserved cat nap! Why do cats have a cat-nap? Cat sleeping habits aren’t quite like our own. Contrary to popular belief, cats aren’t nocturnal; they are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active around dawn and dusk. This sleeping pattern is due to their hunting instinct, which evolved so that they would be awake when their prey is at its most active. Cat’s eyes are also more adapted to night vision, allowing them to observe movement more clearly in low light. If your cat has been at all active during the night, their depleted energy reserves will mean that they will probably start the day with a nap. Although many cats continue to stay active during the night, many cats sleeping habits have adapted to sleeping during the night, as their owners do. More universal, though, is their choice to wake up at dawn to demand their breakfast!

Curling up with your cat as she purrs is a comfort to all pet owners. It’s a sign she’s happy, content and feeling settled on your lap, enjoying lots of fuss and attention – or is it? We all know that cats express their feelings by purring, in the same way that when we’re happy we smile and dogs wag their tails. Purring cats aren’t always happy cats though, and there’s lots of mystery around why they purr and how they make this mystical sound. Previous scientific research has shown that cats don’t just purr when they’re happy but also when they’re distressed or afraid. Purring is a defence mechanism and a way to keep calm in stressful situations. You’ll often hear your cat purring at the vets as she’s being examined, but be careful not to mistake this as a happy sound! It’s more likely that your cat will be purring to calm herself down rather than enjoying the examination.