How do I socialise and train my new kitten?
How do I house train my new kitten/cat?
How do I stop my new kitten scratching my furniture?
My kitten/cat is weeing all over my house. Help!

How do I socialise and train my new kitten?

• Handle your kitten gently and frequently, but for short periods; if they become aggressive or struggle, you are holding them for too long.
• Introduce regular grooming sessions (essential for medium to long haired cats) from a young age; keep the sessions short to start with, gradually extending the time.
• Play games that allow your kitten to express his or her natural hunting instincts using simple toys or safe household objects on the end of a string, or even tied to a stick. They also love old boxes.

How do I house train my new kitten/cat?

House training usually happens instinctively. Provide a litter tray in a quiet area of the home, not on a natural “thoroughfare”. Ensure the litter is changed frequently, removing any soiled areas as quickly as possible. Cats prefer more “natural” litters, free from artificial scents or odour eliminators.

How do I stop my new kitten scratching my furniture?

This is a deeply entrenched, instinctive behaviour so be prepared for some furniture damage! Vocal discouragement, using a water pistol, or a sudden unexpected noise have all been suggested as deterrents. Try providing a scratching post or posts. Sometimes an old bit of carpet tacked to a board can be more effective than a shop bought one.

My cat is weeing indoors. Help!

This is a very complex problem as well as being a very unpleasant one. Ensure your cat has been neutered  and that if you use a litter tray, you are keeping the litter scrupulously clean. You could try changing the litter to a different brand or try a totally natural product such as sand. Also try a different location for the litter tray.

Most of the time you will need to arrange a check-up for your cat and if no physical cause is found, arrange for specialist behavioural advice.