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March - April, 2006     Page 1     Page 2

Litter Box Solutions
continued

Execute a plan. You need to have a plan when trying to solve litter box problems. Start out by following the steps outlined above. For best results, you should also implement the following:

• Clean all old urine and feces stains in your home with an enzyme cleaner specially designed for this task. Regular detergents will not get rid of the smell of urine so your cats will continue to return to old spots to potty.
• Scoop the litter box daily and replace litter completely each week. Scrub your litter box out with baking soda and warm water each week.
• Follow the guidelines above for making your box more welcoming to your cat and also add several more boxes around the house. If you have more than one cat, have a box available for each cat so that cats don't seek another "toilet" when the box is occupied. If you live in a home with more than one level, put at least one box on each level of the house.
• Keep cat treats in your pockets or near your litter boxes and reward your cat with a treat EVERY time you see it use the litter box. Give the reward as soon as your cat exits the box, if possible.
• If there is one area or room of the house where your cats is soiling, try to change the association with that room. Move your cats toys, food, and water bowl to that area. Spend some time in there playing with your cat. Alternatively, cut off access to that area so that your cat can no longer use it during the retraining process. If your cat is soiling in your plants, try covering them with tin foil to repel the cat and put a litter box right next to the plant to encourage your cat to use that instead.

If these efforts are successful, you may be able to gradually change to a different litter type or to a covered box, or to reduce the number of boxes over time, but do so slowly! You don't want to chase your cat back out of the box just because you've always dreamed of using that funky new crystal litter that all of your friends are using.

Cara Vacchiano is the owner of Buddy's Chance, a professional petsitting and dog training business in Austin, Texas.

If you've got a great story about your pet that you'd like to share, we'd like to hear from you! We're looking for stories about funny pets, lovable pets, pet heroes, and more. Contact us with your story and we may put it in our next newsletter.

Although no one knows for sure what causes some dogs to panic during storms, it is believed to be caused by a combination of noise, flash of lightning and change in barometric pressure. Some dogs even have the emotional element of having a bad experience during a storm such as a falling tree or owners' own anxiety.

Thunder phobia, like other health concerns, can best be dealt with through prevention. Assuring young dogs and puppies that everything will be alright and keeping them from developing the phobia can be key. With most dogs, the phobia, once developed, will only worsen with age.

If your dog does have thunder phobia, it is never too late to work with your pet. Holistically, desensitization (behavior modification) can work well. It takes an investment of time on the owners part to slowly introduce the thunderstorm sounds (using a tape or CD). This will normally take several weeks.

Another approach is the use of herbs and herbal-based products. Products, formulated for pets, containing chamomile are found most effective. Many of these can be given prior to the start of the storm and the calming effect will last for several hours.

If you find yourself in the middle of a storm with a distressed pet, exercise caution. Talk in a calm, reassuring voice. Flower remedies such as Bach's Rescue Remedy can be given. Some owners note almost an immediate calming of the pet.

Whatever your method, your reassurance and love is also needed. For sever cases of thunder-phobia, consult your veterinarian.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health care for people and pets for over 15 years. She is editor of Holsitic Health News . Visit the site at http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter with more important pet tips.

Article Source: Ezine Articles