My family never thought of cat toilet training, but like to rear cats at home. I do not really mind them around, but the problem of dealing with their wastes poses some challenges to me.
Thankfully, I do some reading and got some expert tips.
Here are 7 steps for cat toilet training :
1. A kitten of 8 weeks old is ready for training.
2. Each cat need to have a name, and help her to get use to the name. By being able to respond to her name, it makes the task of pet toilet training much easier.
3. By instinct, cats want to hide their wastes. Give a litter tray and it is not difficult to toilet train them. A litter tray usually is made of plastic or enamel. The container should be filled with soil, sand, sawdust or commercial cat litters.
4. Usually, a kitten that is raised together with a mother that uses the litter tray will learn to use the tray itself eventually. For kittens or cats that need to be trained, it is best to familiarize them with the litter tray. The cat should be put inside the tray after being fed, after play or when it wakes up.
5. Be careful that the litter tray is put in a quiet and secluded place. Cats would not like to be seen when they use the litter tray.
6. When the cat uses the litter tray, make sure that you praise it for the good behavior. The best way to praise the cat is to pet it or pat it on its head. Food rewards are also good tools to praise the cat. However, a cat or kitten under training that failed to make use of the litter tray should be reprimanded. The cat must be corrected on the spot. A loud and sharp "no" or squirting the cat with water is the usual ways to reprimand the cat. Do not use physical punishment. It is not a good practice. It also affects the relationship of the cat to you.
7. Gradually move the litter tray nearer to the toilet in very small steps over many days, big changes may upset the cat or make it suspicious so just edge it closer to the bowl every time you clean it out and refill it. Eventually, leave out the litter tray completely, and your cat will still come to the toilet bowl.
It is good to please the family by having their pet at home. Proper cat toilet training solves the difficulties associated with their waste. The above tips will assist you to achieve that after sometime
Author Henry Matthias
5 Tips for Owning a Pet Bird
Colorful feathers, lilting songs, and a low-maintenance routine are just a few reasons a bird can be an ideal pet. "They're pretty easy to care for -- you don't have to walk them or scoop their poop, and they don't shed fur or scratch the furniture," says Larry Nemetz, a veterinarian and owner of the Bird Clinic in Orange, CA. But to succeed at bird ownership with flying colors, you have to keep certain things in mind:
Some species are more family-friendly than others. Budgie parakeets are popular because they're gentle and can talk; cockatiels can often talk, whistle, and do tricks. Want less lip? Canaries and finches are beautiful but only chatter softly.
You'll need a vet. Check in with one soon after you buy your birdie to learn how to handle and care for it; after that, annual visits are a good idea.
Your bird will want to spread his wings. Make sure his cage is big enough that he can flap without touching either side, or else he'll be uncomfortable. (Don't let him out to fly free, though -- he may get confused and fly into a window.) Place the cage in the living room or bedroom, not the kitchen; fumes from things like cleansers and disinfectants can be hazardous.
He'll go for the greens. Besides pellet foods, seeds, and grains, most birds need table scraps like kale, lettuce, and carrots (don't worry, your child will be only too happy to fork 'em over).
Your feathered friend is fragile. Supervise to make sure your child handles him gently. "It's very easy to squeeze a bird and block its airflow, so stay close by as they interact," says Nemetz.
5 Tips for Caring for Pet Fish
Vibrant and sleek, calmly drifting along, circling the mini-treasure chest...could there be a more peaceful pet than an aqua pal? "Fish are beautiful to watch and naturally therapeutic," says David Boruchowitz, the editor-in-chief of Tropical Fish Hobbyist. Here's how to set up an aquarium the whole family will enjoy:
Consider the tank size It's true that if you're just starting out, a large tank can seem like a lot to deal with. But there are advantages: If the filter clogs or the heater breaks, the water will remain stable much longer in a spacious model, giving you a chance to fix any problems.
Plan ahead Think about buying freshwater fish -- they're easier to maintain than saltwater ones. But first get the tank ready: Ask a pet-store employee (or read a fish-care book) for tips on pretreating the water, setting up a filter, and creating the healthiest environment for your future finned friends.
Pick a swimmer who's a winner Small, peaceful fish are best, like neon and cardinal tetras, cory cats, gouramis, and zebra danios. (Goldfish need more attention.) An aquarium light enhances fishes' colors, but don't leave it on all the time -- it can encourage algae.
Feed frugally Whatever food your fish get (ask the salespeople at the store for advice), whether it's flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried or live treats, don't overdo it; uneaten bits make the tank dirty. Your kids can still handle feedings -- just help them measure out the right amount.
Go with the flow You'll need to change at least a fifth of the water in the tank every week; it's even better if you change half. But don't take out more than that -- it'll disturb the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria that keep your fish healthy.
