Friday, October 26, 2007

Cat - How to Prevent Cat Litter Box Problems

Cats are undoubtedly one of the most popular pets and anyone that has one knows that a cat litter box is probably the least attractive thing about your pet.

Cats are known to be finicky about food but the can also where they "do their business". Thankfully, most cats will use their litter box religiously if it is kept clean and they are introduced to it properly.

Through the years, specialty pet supplies firms have developed the cat litter box. The principal aim of the cat litter box is to provide the cat with convenient and hygienic restroom where it should urinate and excrete stool.

The cat litter box

The cat litter box, for many years already, has been providing great comfort to the cat and to the pet owner alike. For the cat's part, the simple and cute furniture will eliminate the need to search further for a place to do its elimination rituals.

For the part of the owner, unwanted urine and stool in the most unexpected places of the house will be prevented. Thus, the cat litter box makes up for a good symbiotic relationship between the cat and its owner.

There are numerous types of cat litter boxes sold in the market currently. Through the years, manufacturers have been modifying the type of litter they put into the litter box. The preference of the cat, according to experiences and observations, has been the topmost consideration when one decides what type of litter they put into the cat litter box.

Preventing cat litter box problems

Inevitably, cat litter box problems can not always be avoided. By instinct, cats are very hygienic and will find a safe and discreet place for their bathroom activities. You must probably have observed that even without training, cats dig for a place where they would eliminate, and after they are done, they dig further to cover the urine and the stool. For them, they need to cover their waste for protective reasons so that predators will not be alerted to their whereabouts.

Basically, if you have just bought a cat litter box, all you need to do is to place the bo in an accessible place of the house. Do not put the cat litter box in places where the cat will not like it. Pet owners usually have cat litter problems if their litter boxes are placed in the basement, in the attic, in the garage or in anyplace not easily accessable.

Buying the right and preferred cat litter box will also be necessary. In the past, cat litter boxes with clay litters had become popular but experiences of cat owners indicate that cats do not prefer clay a litter substrates.

Buy cat litter boxes that are containing littering materials that are as fine as sand. This would facilitate for easy digging. Also, make sure the litter is at least two inches deep. Deeper than that, the cat will only have the perception that it is just a trap.

Because the market is almost saturated with different types of cat litter boxes, make sure you invest in one that will surely be of great use. Make sure the furniture is big and tall enough so the cat will be comfortable using it.

There are covered and uncovered cat litter boxes. The cat's preference will be the basis for choosing between the two. Normally, cats prefer the open space one, but there are also some that are more comfortable in the covered cat litter boxes.

To help avoid potential problems, make sure to clean the cat litter box regularly. It is not imperative to clean the furniture daily, but you could just scoop out the stool and urine every other day. If you do so, you need to change the litter substrate every three weeks.

Take note that if the cat finds the litter box unhygienic, it will opt to do its elimination rituals elsewhere, much to your annoyance.

Bear in mind that like you, cats want their restrooms to be as clean and as comfortable as possible. Buying and maintaining cat litter boxes will be greatly beneficial, and would surely help keep that harmonious relationship between you and your pet.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://catlitter.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about choosing the right cat litter box.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Cat - Households With Pets - Bringing Home Baby

Bringing a new baby into a home with pets can be a challenge, especially when the pets are accustomed to being the center of attention. Much like a human child, a dog or cat can become jealous of a new addition to the family and try to compete for your affection. By understanding your pet's feelings and introducing changes gradually, you can make the transition less traumatic and more accommodating for yourself and your pet.

To help your pet adjust to the imminent arrival of a new baby, begin making adjustments to your pet's environment before the baby is born. Dogs and cats have heightened senses compared to humans, and become comfortable with the identifiable sounds and smells of your home. A new baby will certainly add new scents and sounds to the mix.

Dogs and cats use a powerful sense of smell to gather information about everything in their environment. Gradually introduce the scent of the products that you plan to use for your baby, such as lotions and powders. If possible, have a baby visit your home, and offer positive affection to your pet while the baby scent and sounds are present. It is extremely important to encourage a positive association with the baby sounds and scents by speaking calmly to your pet and giving affection throughout this process.

If your pet exhibits behavioral problems such as possessiveness, aggressiveness or dominance, take this behavior very seriously and address it before your baby arrives. Animals innately need to either lead or be led, and it is imperative that you establish your role as the leader in your household. If your pet views you as its leader, it will understand that the baby is your possession and will not challenge you or the baby. It may be necessary and worthwhile to seek the assistance of an animal behavior specialist.

Continue to create positive associations for your pet after the baby arrives. If you only reprimand your pet when the baby is around, your pet will associate unhappiness with the baby's presence. Speak calmly and pleasantly to your pet, using his or her name. Help your pet to realize that he or she is getting attention, even if it is not the physical kind. Only give attention to your pet when he or she is demonstrating the calm, accepting behavior you are seeking.

There are a lot of techniques that can be used to help a pet adjust to the introduction of a new baby, and all pets are not created equal. If your pet is needy and spoiled with attention, you may opt to incrementally reduce the amount of physical affection that you give your pet before your baby arrives. Helping your pet adjust in a peaceful, gradually changing environment not only benefits your pet, but also eases the demands placed on you once your bundle of joy arrives home.

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