How to Keep Your Cat Calm during Fireworks

When it comes to fireworks festivities, we often think about how fearful and sensitive dogs are to the loud noises – but we rarely think that cats share this same noise phobia. If your cat has ever hid, vocalized, or acted strange at the sound of fireworks, thunder, or any other loud noise, here are some great ways you can help alleviate their noise phobia.

• If you find that your cat has taken cover on top of a cupboard or underneath a piece of furniture – leave him or her alone! Your cat has deemed this ‘bolthole’ a secure zone and coaxing him or her out will only make the experience more stressful.

• On the evenings you expect fireworks, ensure your cat is safely inside and away from all excitement areas. Remember to secure all doors, windows, and cat flaps; and draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside. If you can, periodically check on your cat to make sure he or she is safely tucked in.

• Try plugging a Feliway^® Diffuser in the room where the cat spends most of their time, at least 48 hours before the festivities. This pheromone therapy will increase his or her sense of security.

• Make sure your cat is microchipped. Cats have a tendency of running when they become frightened or confused. If your cat is already microchipped, make sure all of your information is up to date by contacting your pet’s microchip provider.

• Ensure your cat is provided with a litter tray both before and during the firework season. Like humans, increased anxiety can cause pets to urinate and defecate more frequently. 

Photo Courtesy of Petfleas.co.uk

Resource: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/seven-safety-tips-for-memorial-weekend/

Toilet Training your Cat Takes Patience

If you have a cat, chances are you've heard that it's possible to train them to eliminate waste in the toilet. It's certainly every cat owner's dream, isn't it? Ahh, to be free of the weights of the litter scoop and bag, and only have to remember to flush more frequently. Keep in mind:

• It will take time and patience, because standard cat behavior is to be upset when there is a change.
• If you have a second bathroom, it is best to devote that one bathroom to training the cat until the task is done.
• Kittens are messy. Be extra patient with them.
• It IS POSSIBLE to train a cat!

Step 1. Move the litterbox toward and into the bathroom. If you are introducing either an older cat or a kitten to going in the bathroom, you should start off with litter of some kind. The litterbox starts outside the bathroom, and every 3 days, move it 4 inches closer to the toilet. Once it is against the base of the toilet, you can move on.
Step 2. Raise the litterbox. Place some newspapers, a telephone book or a very low cardboard box under the litterbox, raising it about 2 inches. Three days later, raise it another 2 inches. Keep doing this until the litterbox is level with the toilet. Once it is at that height, leave it for a few days and move on.
Step 3. Shift the box from the raised support to on top of the toilet seat. Just as you moved the box into the bathroom very slowly, move it over to the top of the lid very slowly.
Support it the best way you can, with boxes or other things placed next to it to steady it, or you can even use duct tape to secure it. Just make sure it does not shift, or Kitty will feel insecure and won't go in the raised box.
Step 4. Get a special litter pan specifically for toilet training cats. Some of the most notable training pans are CitiKitty and Litter Kwitter. They employ special plastic rings that hold litter, and eventually the rings get smaller, training the cat to balance on the toilet seat. Litter Kwitter even has a system for training MULTIPLE cats (which is definitely something I would need in my house).
If you and your cat are having a hard time, go back a step or two. The cat will be more likely to absorb its training if you move slowly. Also, make sure other cats are not bothering them when they go to the bathroom, because that can be a major factor when we see inappropriate urination. Give us a call if you need anything!