I think we all agree that our home is more complete if we have a four legged pet there to greet us after a hard day at work or snuggle up to us while we sleep. Cats are fickle as well as sweet, lovable creatures. Most cats recognize their owners by the sound of their voice, the car they drive, and who spoils them the most. Like dogs, cats can be trained too. A cat can be trained to come to your call, to bring their toys when they want to play, to go for a walk on a leash or in a cat stroller, as well as more domestic issues such as using a litter box. The key to training a cat or kitten is reinforcement.
It is typically wise to start out reinforcement with a kitten, but it can be introduced any time in a cat’s life. Cats are very good in distinguishing tones of your voice, not the words though. They will know they have done something right/wrong just by the tone of voice you use. Reinforcement is either positive (hugs, petting, treats, play) or negative (water, raised voice). Positive reinforcement will make them do things by their own. If you make them used to something they like, they will keep coming back and “demanding” it from you. And the way they show appreciation is something that soon you will be aiming for.
Have you ever tried to name a pet? Of course, and you know it is not that easy. When naming a cat, try to find a name that would reflect its personality, character. Does she act like a diva or a princess?? Name her Diva or Princess. Or choose a name which would give recognition to the cat’s breed, appearance for instance: Midnight (should the pet be a black cat), Fluffy (obviously, if the cat is fluffy or has long, soft and bouncy coat) and Whitey (of course, if the cat is white). Pet names based on appearances or personality make up an amazing twenty percent of all pet names. Many cat owners also name their pet cats with human names, mainly because they desire to christen someone, or something, with that favorite name.
Keep in mind that the name you choose for your cat will not only reflect the cat’s character but also your views on relationship with the cat. As much as it will say about the cat, the name given will tell much about you as owner. No matter what name you choose, the cat’s name should remaine the same for the rest of his/her life. Try to find a name which you will be proud to use. Usually a name with two syllables will do best as the response of animals is better to two-syllable names.
At the end all it matters that both of you should be happy.
Ever since his first visit to the vet’s office five years ago, our family cat Buster has been fighting us every inch of the way when we try to corral him in a cat carrier. He seems to anticipate the impending vet visit at least an hour in advance because he goes into hiding under a dresser or in the tiny crevice between the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets. The normally friendly and subdued cat will yowl and scratch in an attempt to get away, and in some cases getting a him to cooperate is practically impossible.
Last year I decided to try out a few different cat carriers to see if any of them suited his fancy. I found a stylish backpack model that’s as portable as it is attractive. Even though the cat still resents every trip to the vet – he knows all about the invasive procedures that take place there – the experience is much more pleasant for my wife and me. Rather than hauling around a bulky plastic carrier, we can maneuver the cat around in a discreet, well-ventilated book bag.