Essential points for kitty care

1st point

The first point is the most important point. Love kitty even when kitty is naughty (see kitty-nature). Kitty learns positive behaviour by observation and example.

Toilet

If and when kitty uses an other than designated toilet area, the solution is simple. Place kitty toilet product into designated kitty-toilet. Kitty will discover toilet product in the correct location. Soon kitty will be happy to use it. In addition, kitty will learn about a very interesting material called ‘kitty-litter’. This material is intuitive and useful to kitty.

The stochastic distribution of kitty-litter around kitty-toilet is a sign of courtesy. Kitty is trying to create a hygienic environment. Attend to kitty-toilet promptly. 

Claws

Kitty has a pink nose and Japanese-sharp lethal weapons, called claws. If kitty scratches kitty-owner use a word like ‘gentle’ and caress kitty paw.

Scratch-post

The scratch-post is often a subject of contention between kitty and kitty-owner, especially when furniture is present. 

The ‘no no’ system applies (see no-no). Gently remove kitty claws from furniture object and introduce kitty to an alternative scratch-post location. If kitty scratches the scratch-post, offer a reward.

Hint: Tie a piece of carpet around the leg of a table or desk. 

No-no!

Discipline with kindness. Say ‘no no’ in a firm voice. Hold kitty down with gentle resolve. Show kitty that you care for kitty, but are the boss. This is very effective in teaching kitty what is ok and what is not. 

Remember: Kitty is intelligent but kitty can become easily frightened. Gently remove kitty from situation, and place kitty onto a favorite surface. Set clear boundaries and always offer a more interesting option.

Note: It is a popular notion to spray mist-water on kitty’s face for disciplinary action. This is discouraged as it might result in negative stimulus response association with kitty cleaning process, also potentially involving water on the nose (see kitty-bath).

Play

Kitty likes string and elastics and headphone wires and will chew them. Kitty play should be encouraged. Offer alternatives that kitty is pleased with.

Play objects have equal value to kitty. A plastic bag or a Louis Vuitton are the same in kitty-mind.

Any combination of a string and object is potentially a successful toy. Shiny delicate things are very interesting too. Things that make crinkle sounds are very popular with kitty. 

Hint : cut a circle hole in one end of a kitty-size box. Kitty will occupy the box and enjoy the option to see outside while still inside. Kitty may enter or exit via the hole.

Hint : ‘Hide the toy’ is a favorite. An exciting variation is 'hide the snack'. Kitty will show you how to play these games.

Kitty mind (emotions)

It is a common misconception that kitty, although cute, is sparingly affectionate. The relationship with kitty is based on infallible trust and includes all references to the absolute and all-present reality, which is the source and infinite domain of all that exists as existence itself.

Kitty may experience psychological discomfort when kitty-owner leaves the home. This is initially observed when performing daily tasks such as closing the door with kitty on the other side. To reassure kitty, leave doors a bit open. Make sure to say 'coming-back' each time you leave the home. 

Furs

Sometimes kitty furs becomes attached to clothing or various objects in the home environment. This is normal.

Nature

Kitty will focus on an object and stay low to the floor surface, then rapidly accelerate towards object. This is kitty hunting-nature.

Kitty hunting-nature can become playful-nature with training. Playing a bit rough with kitty during this time teaches kitty that you are also hunter. Pulling kitty tail, if done playfully, is ok. Avoid to trigger kitty attack-defense instinct. Kitty will learn there is no danger. Success is achieved when kitty responds to this type of play with soft biting, licking, or lying on kitty back.

Kitty play sometimes includes gentle biting or paw manipulations. If kitty plays too rough then hold kitty down and speak gently, but firmly (see no-no).

zzz

Kitty sleep is cute, but is kitty really zzz?

Foods

Kitty knows what kitty likes to eat. Learn what kitty likes with by letting kitty smell food items.

If available, kitty will eat too many snacks. Be careful of kitty cuteness.

The kitty olfactory and gustatory senses are highly developed. Kitty may catch a mouse or a bird. Often this is a gift, not food (see kitty-gift).

Kitty likes to drink water drops from the sink.

Bath

Kitty is an excellent steward of personal hygiene. However, there are situations in which kitty can get quite dirty and needs assistance.

Kitty will likely resist all forms of water applications. Start with warm water in a bowl and use a cloth. Then a little bit of water on kitty paw. Avoid the face. Give consistent positive reassurance to kitty and get the task done as quickly as possible.

Post bath, kitty may be in a state of shock. Wrap kitty in a towel and hold kitty tight. Kitty may try to escape but keep holding kitty until kitty heart-rate resumes statis.

•••••••• keep holding
• • • • • ok

Home

Observation shows that kitty likes to lick things – paws, the wall, glass, paper, books, magazines, art, chairs, tibetan bowls, candles, crystal balls, cabinetry. It is advisable to use natural cleaning solutions to avoid residual traces of industrial chemicals.

Kitty is very curious, but can get stuck easily. This is potentially traumatic for kitty so keep such places closed.

Kitty likes to destroy plants. Grow plants for kitty. Philodendrons are popular, as are ferns. Catnip and cat grass are excellent choices for kitty.

Hint : Place elevated soft flat surfaces around the home for kitty to rest, observe, and self-clean.

Fire

Kitty scared of fire.

Outside

Allow kitty to observe or explore the outside world by allowing access to window areas. At first, be more attentive if the window is open. Kitty enjoys the home environment and its comfort but, kitty may also like to explore the outside world and meet other kitty for kitty needs. Kitty knows that freedom comes from within (the home).

If kitty escapes: 
1. look for kitty, bring snack-box
2. make poster 

Travel

Not recommended. If necessary, use taxi.

Time travel ok.

Gift

Kitty may offer gifts, often from the outside world (kitty 'space'). Possible gifts are flowers, feathers, wrappers, sticks, small dead animals, moss, dried excrement. Kitty will leave the gift in a location which kitty-owner is sure to notice (hint: this is how you know it is a gift). Acknowledge the gift with a reward. Kitty will always accept. Potential rewards are snack, rubs, a box, or a piece of paper to sit on.

Mew

The much loved kitty sound can express many things: hunger, toilet action, attention, or to tell about something in kitty-mind.

You can ask kitty and kitty will show you by leading you to appropriate action. Patience is important for kitty communication, but very soon it becomes evident what kitty wishes to express or what kitty needs.

Kitty can learn some words if used often in a similar context. (hint: kitty likes words with ‘s’ sounds – ‘foods’, ‘waters’, ‘snack’...)

Mystery

Kitty will often sit on or go in new objects placed in the kitty environment. These objets are often flat, soft, but not necessarily, as long as they are new. Items related to travel, as are objects which attract kitty furs. High places are especially interesting.

Death

The last information point in Kitty Index applies from the moment you welcome kitty into your home (caveat emptor). Remember, kitty is part of nature. Kitty is going to die someday.

It is reassuring to know however, that kitty-owner has a statistically longer life-span than kitty and can ensure the comfort and care of kitty for the entire kitty-life.

So enjoy each kitty-day (approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes).