Conference misery::feline_v1

    Tabbatha was trained pretty easily.  for about the first week that
    we had her, whenever we were out or at night time, she was put in
    the kitchen and a barracade (sp) was put up.  Her litterbox was
    right outside the kitchen in the foyer.  When we were able to watch
    her, we let her run free, but if at any time we smelled her "break
    wind" into the litterbox she went.  No problem!
    
    Holly, Tabbatha, Silver, The Persian, and The NEW KORAT!!!
    
    

    Are you asking about cats learning to use human-toilets or
    kitty litter arrangements?  Litter training is pretty easy
    and most kittens/cats do it without training.
    
    As for the cat_on_the_toilet, there are several devices with which
    to train them.  A few years ago I tried one.  One of my cats 
    learned, but the other didn't.  So because I had to keep the
    kitty litter around anyway, I just ended the cat-toileting.
    Too bad -- would have been truly GREAT!
    
    	/signed/ Cat_Lady and Cosette_who_usually_aimed_well

    As far as scratching furniture is concerned, scratching is a natural
    instinct for cats so you must provide alternative scratching toys,
    introduce your cat to them, and lavish praise everytime kitty uses
    them.
    
    For instance, if you catch kitty scratching furniture, pick up kitty,
    carry it over to scratching post/tree/box, put is paws on it, and
    imitate the scratching motion, while saying things like, "good kitty,
    good kitty" or whatever.  You must do this right after you catch
    kitty scratching the furniture, otherwise, it will not understand
    the goal you are trying to accomplish.  You must also be consistent
    with this method of discipline so your kitty will ultimately learn
    to keep its claws off of the furniture.
    
    There is a note about furniture scratching at the beginning of this
    notes file (#5?) which you can also refer to for more helpful hints.
    Detering the furniture scratching dilemma is not a fun task, but
    can be accomplished with much consistency and determination.  Your
    husband, despite his intolerance for cats, must play an important
    role in this behavior modification process for it to work, as there
    might be times when kitty is scratching furniture and you are not
    around.  He must also practice the *same* technique that you use
    so kitty will not become confused.
    
    I bought for my kitties what are called, "Cat Scratching Boxes."
    They cost a mere $5.49 each, and my cats go nutty scratching them.
    I even find pieces of claw in there because they use them so
    frequently.  The boxes come with a supply of catnip that you rub
    into the holes in the box, and are also reversible for longer wear
    (you have to see one to know what I am talking about).  These are
    the only things that keep my cats away from the furniture.  I have
    bought expensive cat trees and had to return them because my cats
    showed no interest in them whatsoever.  I highly recommend the boxes
    to anyone with a cat scratching problem.  Mine took to them immediately
    with no introduction (the catnip caught their attention)!
    
    Good luck!  I hope your husband will let you have a kitty.  Get
    a lap cat - it will break down his defenses!
    
    
    /Roberta
    
    
    
    

    Re: .3
    Where do you get these boxes?  I am having a hard time guessing
    what they must be like, but they sound like a neat present for S&H.
    

    Is there a Breeders Pride Pet Supply store in California?  If so,
    that is where I get them.  I also saw them at Caldor yesterday for
    about a dollar less than what I pay at Breeders Pride.
    
    Karen - if you can't find one, I have seen them advertised in Cats
    and Cat Fancy.  If all else fails, send me mail and I will get one
    for you and send it interoffice.  Don't stop looking!  They are
    well worth trying out.
    
    I will check the exact name on the box tonight and post it here
    tomorrow.
    
    Again, I do not mind purchasing one and sending it to Sweetie and
    Holly!!!
    
    /Roberta
    

    Kitty litter "boxes" come in various sizes and description, all
    the way from open to covered/closed, and are available in all mall
    pet shops.
    
    All the kittens I've ever had trained themselves to use the kitty
    boxes.
    
    I had my current cat de-clawed in order to avoid the problem.  (This
    surgical procedure removes claws from the front feet only, y'know.)
    In his case, it hasn't impaired his ability to defend himself in
    any way.  Better a well-loved cat than threadbare furniture!

    Has anyone had any problem with their cats using the "Scratching
    Box" as a Litter Box???  
    
    I saw these at Breeders Pride, and didn't buy them because I was
    worried about the possibility.  
    
    purrs
    cin
    

    Coo goes nuts over her scratching box!  [I thought it would be
    a big waste, but that shows how much us *humans* know!]
    
    Had it about a month now, and no one has mistaken it for
    a litter box.  yet.
    
    Kosh doesn't seem to notice it.  Prefers my *favorite* oriental
    rug -- OF COURSE!
    
    	p

    I don't think these boxes resemble a litter box at all!  Too long
    and narrow for kitty to feel comfortable doing his/her business.
    
    I guess it depends on the cat as far as use is concerned.  What
    made me buy one for my kitties was the fact that when we were moving,
    Chauncey would go out into the garage and scratch on the empty boxes
    we unpacked.  So, I put two and two together and bought the first
    scratching box (we moved April 1st, and I am on my third box already)!
    
    Getting Nikki to use it was easy.  He's a copy cat by nature and
    mimics everything Chauncey does.  I still praise them whenever they
    use the box...and my furniture is in tip top shape!
    

    RE:  .9
    
    Cin - are you *still* writing...or is YOGI on the fritz again?
    

    We use a simple home made scratching post of wood, covered in carpet.
    The most important thing to keep in mind, if buying or building
    one, is that it's _safe_.  Make sure the base is large enough that
    it won't fall over while they're scratching, and that there are
    no nails, staples, whatever, sticking out.  One of our store bought
    ones literally fell apart one day and we were just lucky that no
    one was hurt by the exposed staples.
    
    As for training them to use it...PRAISE, PRAISE and more PRAISE!!!
    Of course you also want them to understand the word "NO", for when
    they forget and try the sofa.  It takes patience and consistancy.
    
    Our cats got so many "GOOOOOOOD kittys" and strokes while training
    them to use it, that when they're feeling left out they go to the
    post, stand up, and look meaningfully at us.  We know they just
    want attention because they don't actually scratch, just stand there
    in "the position" and look hopeful.  If that doesn't work, they'll
    make a token scratch and look at us again.  By this time, we're
    either in stitches, laughing, or we're rushing across the room to
    give them the attention they so obviously want!  ;-)
    
    Good luck,
    Karen, Tristan and Tenzing