Introduction, Get Rid of the Problem - Not the Cat, By Rod Cassidy

Introduction

My goal is to help you understand why your cat is behaving the way she is and to give you ideas on how to change unwanted behavior. You will notice as you read that I frequently warn of the unfortunate effects from using any form of punishment as a modifier of behavior. The only way you can build a bond of mutual trust between you and your cat is for you to praise good behavior whenever it is displayed. A cat learns to repeat behavior that is rewarded with praise and/or food tidbits. A cat learns to be shy or aggressive when its behavior is punished!

Cats are easily trained by the use of food tidbits as lures and rewards. Start by rewarding correct behavior every time it occurs. Then, slowly begin substituting praise for food rewards each time correct behavior is displayed. Intermittently use food as a reward; this will "fix the learning" and will prevent your cat from becoming a beggar!

The adoption of two cats will solve many behavior problems. Two cats play together, providing exercise for each other. They take turns grooming and keeping each other company. Contentment is one cat having another as a companion and you as their caregiver!

Behavior problems are quite often medically related. Before trying to solve a behavior problem, make sure that your cat is healthy. Establish a relationship with a good veterinarian.

Please consider adopting your cat from an animal shelter. Then, get her altered as soon as possible so that you will not contribute to the horrendous feline overpopulation. A companion cat need not be a purebred to give you many years of love and affection. If you must select a purebred, acquire your adoption from a responsible breeder who will guarantee her health and proper socialization.

I have avoided using the term "owner" in referring to you. You are a cat's protector, friend, guardian, and caregiver. Too many people who "own" a cat think they can "sell her" or "give it away" as soon as she misbehaves. Adoption and protecting a cat is a commitment to the lifetime of that cat!

Guardianship of a cat will cost you a little money. Did you think you would get fifteen to twenty years of love free?

Pet supply stores have lots of items to help you solve behavior problems, from vibration alarms and flea control products to harnesses and ready-to-grow plants for chewing. If they do not have what you need, look through any popular cat magazine, and you will find a variety of advertised products.

Throughout this book, I refer to your cat as "her." My apology to you caregivers with male cats! To be fair, in my book on dog behavior problems, I refer to your dog as "him." I have properly used the term "neutering" in this book as gender neutral. To neuter a cat is to spay her and castrate him.

After having been the guardian of several cats in my lifetime, the best advice I could give to you, if this is your first cat, is RELAX! Accept the fact that a cat is going to jump up on the counter once in a while, leave a few hairs on the furniture, deposit a dead mouse at your feet, and drink out of the toilet. Keep a patient perspective! A cat will also curl up on your lap when you really need someone to love, and a cat will wrestle with her tail under the dining room table, giving you lots of giggles. Your cat will give you more companionship than you ever dreamed and will ask for little in return!