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Hello! I have some questions on cat behavior! Do most cats jump on countertops or tables? What are some things that can be done to stop them from doing this, and are they usually pretty sucessfull? How can you trian a cat to stay away from another pet's cage (birdcage)? How often do you clean your litterboxes? What type and brand of litter do you use and why? Do your litterboxes smell bad to people that aren't familiar with the smell, and what are some things that can be done to minimize odor? Also, what can you do to minimize litter spreading out out of the pan? (I've seen those mats, but do they really work, and if so which brand(s)? Thanks so much for your help!!

SpookyScales

>>Hello! I have some questions on cat behavior! Do most cats jump on countertops or tables? What are some things that can be done to stop them from doing this, and are they usually pretty sucessfull? >>SpookyScales

Hi again SpookyScales,

Here's a picture of my fat cat, Samantha, sitting very comfortably on my countertop, waiting very patiently for me to feed her again.


CLICK HERE: Cats and counters.....

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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!

How wonderful to do nothing and then rest afterwards. Meow!

Hi, welcome to the wonderful world of cat owners!

I'll talk about the your litter box questions.

You can't clean litter boxes enough. A good rule of thumb is to scoop their production as soon as you can. If the pan is full of their output, they may not use the box after awhile.

I completely empty, and scrub out my litter boxes every two weeks. I use hot soapy water, and some enzyme cleaner to scrub the boxes. I know my cats appreciate it, because as soon as I put the boxes out again, one or the other jumps right in and uses it! That's appreciation for you!

I use a brand of litter called "Cat Attract." It's designed to encourage cats who aren't always good about using the litter box. However, if a cat has a medical condition that causes inappropriate elimination, this litter won't help. A visit to the vet is in order at that point.

As far as the odor...perfumed litters often repel cats. The perfume smell is for us humans. Just as there are chemically sensitive humans, cats are often repelled and overwhelmed by strong smells. The best solution is to scoop as soon as your kitty is done with her business.

To keep litter tracking to a minimum, try using a mat. Be aware that some mats are annoying to cats, and that may cause them to avoid the litter to do their business!

Good luck; keep us posted!

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Nancy E. Wigal

nancy@cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

One of my two cats is all over the counter and as of last night the top of the fridge! My other cat does jump on the dinning room table. I'm not sure how to get them to stop, but I when I take them off of the counter,table, or fridge I say NO. But that has not stopped them. We always wash the counters and tables so I dont worry too much, even though it is not a habbit you want them to have. The only thing I really worry about is the stove! Whenever we are cooking we keep a good eye out for the little orange one As for the litter box, I know that people who dont have pets at home have commented that they can smell "cats" and we clean out litter box about 3 times a day. To eliminate the smell you can use arm and hammer powder, they make it FOR LITTER BOXES, it works well, its in the pet isle at the grocery store near the litter. I use Freash step plus dual action cryltals. I just prefer it. Also with that litter you can get "paw points" which let you save points for free litter and other stuff which leads me to the litter that gets out of the box and onto the floor! One of the "prizes" you can get is a little cloth tent that goes around the litter box and prevents litter spraying and gives your kitty privcy. I dont know if you can get them anywere else but I'm sure you can look around. I think I have answered all you question with my ideas, so I hope it helps! Enjoy your kitty!

Kate

You already have some great answers here! Let's see if I can add anything!

>>Hello! I have some questions on cat behavior! Do most cats jump on countertops or tables? What are some things that can be done to stop them from doing this, and are they usually pretty sucessfull?

They will jump up because it's instinctive. There is a product called a scat mat on the market that can help, also using one of those plastic carpet runner/protector things turned upside down can discourage jumping up.

How can you trian a cat to stay away from another pet's cage (birdcage)?

This is almost impossible. You will have to locate your bird somewhere where the cats can't get at it. My sister just got a finch and she's hung it almost dead center in the middle of her living room where the cats can't jump to it!

How often do you clean your litterboxes? What type and brand of litter do you use and why? Do your litterboxes smell bad to people that aren't familiar with the smell, and what are some things that can be done to minimize odor? Also, what can you do to minimize litter spreading out out of the pan? (I've seen those mats, but do they really work, and if so which brand(s)?

Litterboxes should be cleaned daily. I prefer the clumping litter - I like the Everclean litter found at Petco. Small kittens cannot use clumping litter, however! I sort of gave up on trying to control the litter spreading - I just keep a dustpan and brush handy and sweep it up whenever I see it. I don't think my litterboxes smell bad, but then maybe my friends are being polite.

Thanks so much for your help!!
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>>SpookyScales
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Cats love to climb and jump to high places, it's instinctive. I don't allow my cats on my counter, but while I'm at work I'm sure they do a tap dance on the counters! LOL!

I know for a fact that Scatmats work, I use one every year, the circular one around my Xmas tree and have never had a problem. One or two steps touching that mat (uner the treet skirt) and I get "THE LOOK" from the cats and they never bother it again, not even the bottom ornaments that they could conceivably reach w/o stepping on the mat! It was worth every penny of the $69.99 I spoend 6 years ago when my bengal came onto the scene (the other cats never bothered the tree before him). Being a bengal, I set it on HIGH, cause it's the only setting that works for him! He thinks he's a 50 opund dog instead of a 12 pound cat.

I have the mats that help keep the litter from tracking and although not 100% effective, yes...they have made things VERY much better. They are the kind that have very cute and colorful artwork on them and feel a bit tacky to the touch. I got them at Pet Smart.

Deb