Apparently today, October 29th, is National Cat Day. I know this because my friends and acquaintances that know how much I love cats, all told me.

In honor of National Cat Day, I thought it might be helpful to others that are owned by cats...err, other cat owners, to tell you some tips on training your furry friend.

Contrary to popular belief, I don't know everything there is to know about cats.  I do know a lot, but certainly not everything.  I have questions about taking care of my felines occasionally just like every other cat parent I'm sure.

A big question for me, that I'm so glad I finally found an answer to in an article on Wired.com, is:  "Why does my cat lay on her back exposing her belly, if she doesn't want a belly rub?"  Lots of cats do this, and by exposing their belly, it actually means that they trust you, not that they are looking for a belly rub.  Ok, so if she trusts me, why does she try to bite and scratch me when I rub her furry little belly?!  It's such a trap!

Turns out as much as it feels like one, it's not a trap.  Dr. Tony Buffington, a veterinarian at Ohio State University says, "The cat is biting you because they feel violated and afraid.  A cat's belly is its most vulnerable body part, and exposing it is the cat letting you know she trusts you—not that she wants a belly rub."

The cat is biting you because they feel violated and afraid.  A cat's belly is its most vulnerable body part, and exposing it is the cat letting you know she trusts you—not that she wants a belly rub.

Good to know!  My littlest baby Gracie (pictured above), does this to me every day!  She lays on her back, I go to rub her belly and she isn't having it.  She tries to bite and scratch, which has always left me confused until now.

Another tip for cat owners: spray bottles really don't do anything.  You know when your cat is climbing the countertops you just cleaned, and you think 'Argh!  How do I get him/her to stop doing that?!' Well, a spray bottle isn't the answer.  I have never been able to use a spray bottle with my cats.  I just feel bad spraying them with water!  I guess that's ok though, Dr. Buffington says the spray bottle is useless: "To the cat, you're this crazy primate who is attacking him for no reason."  Instead, it's suggested to reward your kitty when they do something good, instead of reprimanding when they do something bad.

For lots of other helpful kitty info, read on here.

 

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