Litter box training is easy

Most cats and many kittens are easily litter-box trained. If yours isn't trained yet, start as soon as you arrive home the first time. Pick her up and place her in the litter box, then gently pick up her forepaws and scratch the litter. If she doesn't respond, keep a close eye on her for the next couple of hours. If she looks like she's about to relieve herself, place her in the litter box. When she’s finished, praise and pet her. Usually just one or two lessons will do the trick.

If they go outside the litter box, your litter probably isn’t clean

Make sure the litter box is clean and accessible. If the problem persists, there may be an underlying health problem so schedule a visit with the vet.

Introduce your cat to the scratching post

Place her forepaws on the post and move them up and down in a clawing manner. If you catch her scratching elsewhere, remember to clap your hands, sternly say, "No!" and then put her back at the scratching post. Once she starts scratching, reward her with a small food treat, warm words and some petting.

Don’t let your cat scratch

Otherwise they’ll think that’s acceptable behavior and could cause serious damage. If your cat begins to scratch, let your hand go limp and say, "No!" Once they stop, praise them.

Teach them to come when called

Cats respond best to positive reinforcement, not punishment. Food and a loving voice are excellent positive reinforcements, so begin at mealtime. Call your cat's name, and then add "come." The cat should be hungry and will respond simply in hopes of a meal. If you do this at every mealtime for a week, your cat will automatically come when you call even when it isn't meal time.

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