Tag: RagdollKittens

Raena stands on edge of stroller and looks out

Service Cats Getting Kitty Ready For An Outing

Published on by Service Cats U.S.44 Comments

Welcome to another miserable Monday. It’s time fur another Educational Service Cat Posty. Our last few posts have dealt with training specifics dat are good fur all cats and kittens, not just Service Cats; and today’s post will be no different. We got some great questions dat we’ll be dealin’ with fur da next couple of weeks, but ‘member to ask your questions, so we can get them answered too. Now, ifin you’ve missed any of da posts in this series you can ketch up by clickin’ da links below. We do suggest befur you begin trainin’ kitty to purrform any task dat you start with mommy’s Foundation which you can read ‘bout in Part 2, Training Foundations. As with all our educational posts da followin’ will be in human English, so get your coffee, note pad and let’s get to it. 

Part 1: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/service-cat-what-to-look-for/ 

Part 2: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/service-cat-training-foundation/ 

Part 3: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/service-cats-how-to-train-kitty-to-massage-without-claws/ 

Part 4: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/service-cats-smelling-disease/ 

Part 5: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/service-cats-do-you-need-one/ 

Part 6: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/service-cats-who-bears-the-cost/  

Part 7: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/service-cats-housing-laws-and-exceptions/  

Part 8: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/service-cats-accommodations-and-common-sense/ 

Part 9: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/service-cats-what-happens-when-the-handler-dies/  

Part 10: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/service-cats-proper-training-methods/  

Part 11: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/service-cats-proper-training-methods-part-2/ 

Part 12: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/09/05/service-cats-whats-the-easiest-task-to-train/ 

 

 

Raena posing at the vets

 

Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get to our question. Our friends from Toby’s Wrecking Crew wanted to know how to get a kitty ready for something like BlogPaws. And what they are asking is how do you get a kitty adjusted to a lot of people, noise and other animals, unruly doggies to be exact?. This is a great question. It most certainly applies to Service Kitties who must be accommodating to any situation, but it’s also good for all kitties. You never know what the future holds, or what situation you may find yourself in. For instance, you find yourself having to evacuate your home and go to a shelter full of people and other animals, a kitty who is comfortable in this setting is certainly going to be easier to deal with during this time of crisis. Or heaven forbid, you have to take kitty to an emergency vet during a busy night. Again, a kitty that is comfortable with noise and commotion, is going to be much calmer than one who isn’t. Now that we’ve pointed out why all cats should be trained for commotion, let’s explain how it’s done. Remember, It’s NEVER too late to train kitty.

 Dezi laying in stroller

Of course this is something mommy starts on immediately with the new kitty. But remember that first Service Cat mommy had? Well she wasn’t a kitten when she was trained, so it can be done. The first thing you want to do is make kitty as comfortable and safe as possible. So here comes the harness and leash training. We do recommend a stroller for these kinds of outings as opposed to a carrier, but keeping a carrier on hand is also a good option. (See the photo below of sis Lexi in her carrier on top of the stroller in the car.) Even in a closed stroller, kitty should be leashed and tethered in. We’re going to take this from the start. Buy a proper fitting harness. Mommy prefers the ones with material that have closures around the neck and body, like you see in the photos. We prefer them as well. Cats are more comfortable being wrapped up. So we recommend staying away from the strappy cat harnesses and go straight to the dog department. You can also order online, there are a lot of great companies that make these harnesses for kitties. You’ll need a leash that’s not to heavy. Remember, the typical kitty weighs less than 20 pounds so they’re not going to break even the skinniest of leashes. Now that you have the proper tools, you can start training kitty. We recommend keeping the stroller and carrier out at all times and open for kitty to use for sleep or play.

Lexi riding in the car on the BlogPaws 2015 trip

Harness Training:

Each day put harness on kitty for about 15 minutes and walk away. Initially kitty may go limp and fall over. Don’t Worry, kitty is fine. Do Not remove harness or kitty has trained you. Only take the harness off after 15 minutes. And take it off even if kitty seems okay with it. You don’t want kitty to over do it initially. Do this twice a day for a few days and then increase the amount of time the harness stays on once kitty actually gets up off the floor. The amount of time this will take will vary from cat to cat, so we can’t give you an exact number of days or weeks, but once kitty is comfortable in the harness you can now add the leash. Please, Do Not Rush Kitty. Take your time, this will mean success. And remember, all of this is being done in the house. Kitty hasn’t set one foot outside. Okay, you’ve added the leash to the harness. This should be done the same way as the harness, start with 15 minutes twice a day and increase until kitty is comfortable. During this time, please be careful as kitty will be dragging a leash and this could be a trip hazard for all humans. And keep an eye on kitty if opening any doors or cabinets, etc.. Once kitty is comfortable with the harness and the leash, it’s time to add you to the mix. Pick up the leash and let kitty take you for a walk. At this time you may venture outside if you want. This is also the time to start taking kitty with you in public.

 Dezi laying in her harness

Dezi playing in her harness

Going Public:

Even tho’ kitty is now harness and leash trained, it’s no comparison for a stroller or carrier. Harness and leash kitty and tether in to stroller for your outing. Of course a pet store is the obvious choice, we like to go places like parks, banks, pharmacies, post offices, etc.. (me’s visitin’ the pharmacy in the photo below) Try going for a stroll in the park. You’ll likely encounter a few dogs and curious people. Your bank, or a small town bank will most likely say nothing and will expose kitty to a lot of lookey loo’s (curious people wanting to see kitty) During these outings as kitty gets more comfortable you can open the stroller and let people pet kitty and let kitty sniff them. You can also allow kitty to walk around a little if permitted since kitty is harnessed and leashed. These outings expose kitty to a small number of people/animals and noise, but prepare them for the commotion of a crowd. Now that kitty is comfortable in these small settings it’s time for the big crowds. Again, the pet store during an adoption event is a great place. A school football/basketball/baseball game is a great place. A local parade or flea market is another great option. Look around your area, you’ll find several great options. The more exposure you can give kitty the better.

Dezi visiting while in the stroller
Visitin’ da pharnacy

The following instructions are for BlogPaws only, and something mommy regrets having to say, and hasn’t yet done for us. Altho’ me’s been thru it already so me doesn’t need the training. Find a “yard” that’s protected by large guard dogs and take kitty to the fence. Please be sure kitty is tethered into their stroller and that the stroller is closed and secure!!! Do Not leave kittys view at this time. The dogs will charge the fence and thus the stroller, barking and growling and baring teeth. The action you want from kitty is to quietly go to the back of the stroller and lie down. Remove kitty from the situation. If kittys response is to try and fight, remove them immediately and try again another time. Not all the dogs at BlogPaws are this way, but there are a few and their humans have no respect for anyone. Of course, you never know when you walk out your front door what you might encounter. Even tho’ we are Service Cats and are taught not to react, sis Lexi and me both did hiss at a few doggies that charged us. But we did then return to the back of the stroller and lie down as we should have. So if kitty hisses and lays down, you’re alright. You just don’t want kitty going crazy and trying to escape the stroller. They need to feel completely safe with you in their stroller.

 Raena sitting pretty

Remember, Training is Repetition. Don’t rush any step or you’ll fail. If you’re planning for a specific event, stat your training early and keep at it. Don’t let a day go by without training. Once kitty is comfortable in all these situations, reward them by taking them out and about just because. Mommy says that training is also forever. Meaning you have to keep exposing kitty to these situations or they’ll grow complacent. Make it a point to take kitty out at least once a week. Mommy tries to take us for a stroll every week, weather permitting, and for a drive at least once a week, even if it’s only around the block. Most importantly, have fun. You want kitty to find this as enjoyable as you. Big snarly dogs and all we would love to go back to BlogPaws. We would be better prepared this time around. And we’ve got our paws crossed we make it there again. 

We’re gonna wrap it up for now. Hope this helps ya’. Ifin ya’ have any additional questions or comments ‘bout todays topic or another training tip you’re interested in, purrlease say so in da comments below. You can also email us using our contact page which is completely purrivate. All this talk ’bout strolls has me wantin’ to go fur one. Gotta run now.

Do you (your kitty) like to go on outings?

Would you like (your kitty) to go on outings?

We’re curious how many kitties are already harness trained?

Till da next time……………………………….Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle      

More Raena Drama

Published on by Service Cats U.S.48 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me RaenaBelle. Are ya’ there? Well, mommy and sis Dezi both said I’s could blog today. Mommy has a doctor’s ‘pointment this afternoon and I was ‘posed to go with her. But now she’s thinkin’ ‘bout leavin’ me at home. And all cuz I’s been favorin’ mines right eye.

 Raena lays on the floor and poses for the camera

 Mines eye be fine here

Somethin’ happened yesfurday and I’s not tellin’ what; but cuz of it, mines right eye has been hurtin’. Mommy had some antibiotic drops left from when I’s had dat infection dat she put in there last night. OMC  Dat stuffs hurted. Then she must’ve purrayed over me like elebenty billion times. I’s doin’ a bit better today, but it does still hurt some. I’s been keepin’ it closed a lot, but every once in a while a girly’s just gotta open her eyes ya’ know?. Anyways, ifin ya’ll wouldn’t mind, I’s sure could use your purrayers. Mommy says ifin it gets worse or isn’t any better by Furiday, she’s gonna find a way to take me to da (whispers) VET. Purrlease, I’s not wanna go back there and mommy doesn’t really have any money fur it. So just send those purrayers, okay?

 Dezi and Raena laying on the Liberty cat tree

 Me knows she doesn’t feel well mommy, but does

me have to take this?

Well since mommy has to go to da doctor today fur her regular monthly ‘pointment, I’s gonna cut it short. Da manager’s done been down here this meownin’. Sissy says we’ll tell ya’ ’bout dat in another posty. She also said to tell ya’ll we’ll be by to visit as soon as we can. BearCat and hims momma asked to see fotos where I’s was layin’ on da tippy top of da cat tree and sis Dezi was on da lower ledge. So mommy took some fotos last night of sis Dezi and me on da cat tree. We hope you’s enjoy today’s fotos; isn’t mines sissy sweet? Truth be told, I’s spend a lot of time at da tippy top, but sis Dezi be da Queen of da house and da cat tree, so ifin she wants up there, I’s have to relinquish. Mommy says dat’s da rule of sharin’. Seems to me this rule of sharin’ always works out in sis Dezi’s favor. Mommy says dat’s da rule of bein’ da Queen. So many rules fur this little Princess to learn. Anyways, I’s gotta go. Fank you in advance fur your purrayers, and have a pawsum day.

(turns to Dezi) How’d I’s do sis Dezi? 

 Dezi cares for Raena atop the Liberty cat tree

You did fine Raena. Now let’s go finish brekky. 

Till da next time………………………………………Be Blest!!!

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

RaenaBelle and Deztinee 

Service Cats What’s The Easiest Task To Train

Published on by Service Cats U.S.27 Comments

Meowllo and welcome to another Miserable Monday. Dat means it’s time fur another educational Service Cats posty. It’s also Labor day here in da U.S., and we gotta tell ya’ we seriously thought ‘bout lettin’ mommy have da day off. You know, no laborin’ on labor day?. But we got some great questions from our last Service Cats posty, so we thought we’d give ya’ some answers. Let me say dat some of da training questions we’re bein’ asked apply or can/should apply to all cats, not just Service Cats. We are covering them under the Service Cats posts, because Service Cats must be well behaved in general. Training a Service Cat isn’t just training the specific duties they will perform, but also good behavior. As with all our educational posts the following will be written in human English. Ifin you’ve missed any of da posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ da links below.

Part 1: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/service-cat-what-to-look-for/  

Part 2: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/service-cat-training-foundation/  

Part 3: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/service-cats-how-to-train-kitty-to-massage-without-claws/  

Part 4: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/service-cats-smelling-disease/ 

Part 5: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/service-cats-do-you-need-one/ 

Part 6: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/service-cats-who-bears-the-cost/   

Part 7: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/service-cats-housing-laws-and-exceptions/  

Part 8: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/service-cats-accommodations-and-common-sense/  

Part 9: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/15/service-cats-what-happens-when-the-handler-dies/  

Part 10: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/service-cats-proper-training-methods/ 

Part 11: https://dezizworld.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/service-cats-proper-training-methods-part-2/ 

 

 

Dezi getting mommy loving and petting.

 

Now that you’re all caught up, let’s see what today’s question is. Awnty Jean, Shoko and Kali from the Canadian Cats asked, “How long does it take to train the average kitty to perform an “action” properly? And “Is there something they learn quicker than others, and why?” Well now those are great questions. Initially the first thing you want to train any cat/kitten is to know and respond to their name. We’re not trying to be “smart” with this answer. But before any training can commence, it’s important that kitty, doggy, whatever animal you’re dealing with knows their name and will respond to it. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Mommy doesn’t allow anyone to call us kitty kitty. The reason for that is because kitty is not our names and it’s very important that we respond to our names every time. As a result of this we do not respond to anyone who says “here kitty kitty”. And yes, any cat/kitten can be trained to respond when called by their name.

 Raena lays in mommys lap and starts to massage

Now, we know this isn’t the answer awnty Jean was truly wondering tho’. She wants to know about those specific tasks we’re trained for like calling 911, massaging mommy or driving her wheelchair. So, we’ll address that now. First, every kitty is different, even within the same breed. Knowing that, you can’t expect each kitty to learn at the same pace. For instance, me was 3 weeks old when me came to live with mommy and sis Lexi, and me started alerting mommy that she was going to pass out within a couple of days. Sis Lexi had always known mommy was going to pass out, but she never alerted to it until watching me do it for about a year. And then suddenly one day, sis Lexi started alerting mommy too. So you could say it took sis Lexi 11 years to learn that task and me, 2 days. But in all fairness, mommy had never thought about training that particular task so she never asked that of Lexi, nor trained her for it.

Lexi lays in mommy's lap and massages

Dat’z da spot mommy. How ’bout you, am I’z gettin

da right spot on your leg here?

Mommy says probably the easiest task to train a kitty to perform is massage. How long does it take to train a kitty to do this? Because it’s an instinctive behavior, it usually only takes a few training sessions before kitty performs perfectly. Remember, Raena was doing this her first night with mommy. It took me a couple of days to learn, and about 2 weeks to learn the specific areas me was to focus on. Now this brings us to another question and a few replies we’ve received. Let’s address the replies first. Several of you said that you had kitties that started out without their claws but eventually those claws came out and of course the massage is no longer enjoyable. Remember we told you that any massages should be performed in a place that was secure for kitty in the event they lost their sense of balance, etc.. The reason kitty loses balance or those claws come back out is because kitty has entered a state of “Euphoria”. That means kitty has entered a state of extreme pleasure and is no longer thinking; they are lost in the moment. A light tap on the paw will rouse kitty and cause the claws to retract again. You can also try speaking to kitty. If you choose to speak, do so in a quiet and calming voice. Mommy will say things like, “Claws in”, “That hurt a bit”, “Thank you”, “That’s enough”. Remember, Training is all about Repetition.

 

 

While we’re on the subject of massage, we need to address another question we got about this. We were asked how to train a kitty to massage in the first place. Meaning, they believe their kitty doesn’t know how to knead at all. Altho’ the possibility for this is exists, especially for bottle fed hand raised kittens, it’s not likely. Kitty is kneading, you just aren’t seeing it. Let’s explain this action and the reason for it. When a kitten is born, ideally they will have a mother cat to raise them. When kitty gets ready to eat, they will latch onto the mothers teat and begin to suckle. This action is then followed by gently kneading around that teat to make more milk come out. If you’ve ever milked a cow, you know that after pulling the teat and dispensing milk, you push up and into the udder of the cow before pulling it back down. This motion allows the teat to fill up with the maximum amount of milk to dispense. Even a kitty who has never fed from a teat will still knead instinctively just like purring. They just may not do it as much or in the open. 

Mommy petting Raena while she sits in her lapIs this right mommy?

So, you believe your kitty doesn’t know how to knead; can you train kitty to do so? The answer is Yes. Remember, this action is instinctual. You just need to get kitty to perform the action around you and for you. This is the point at which an outsider will think you’re crazy, because you’re going to have to get kitty to that Euphoric state before they knead. Think about the things that cause your kittys’ motor boat (purr) to rev up. Mommy used to be able to just look at sis Lexi even from across the room, and she would turn on her purr box so loudly that things around her shook. She would get so excited she would knead the air if she couldn’t get to mommy. I prefer for mommy to rub my chin and coo at me. Mommy will say things like, “I love you Dezi, You’re my sweet angel girl, You’re my beautiful blue eyed angel, Mommy loves her baby, Sweet Dezi,” or she’ll sing the made up songs she sings to me. Let me tell ya’, nothing gets me going faster than mommy singing sweet songs to me. So, once you’ve found kittys’ trigger, keep them going, they will eventually start kneading. Again, they’ve reached that Euphoric state and all actions they perform now are totally instinctual. It’s not uncommon for any kitty in this state to drool as well.

Another option to train kitty is to give them a blanket, bed, throw, etc. made of plush fabric or faux fur. Most kitties love the feel of these materials and automatically knead them. Me has torn up at least one blanket a year, a throw and 2 cat beds. Me can knead those with me’s claws much to mommy’s chagrin. But she allows it because me doesn’t use me’s claws on her.

Dezi kneads the cat bed

So to sum up our answer to today’s question, the easiest task to train a kitty is massage because it’s taking advantage of an instinctual action. Because it’s instinctual, kitty is eager to learn. Training kitty to massage (knead) a specific area can take as little as a few hours to a few months. It takes less time to train a kitten than an adult, but both can be trained.

Dezi and Raena sleep on the lLiberty cat tree

Well now, me’s gonna wrap it up and see ifin me can’t get mommy to take me fur a stroll later. Purrlease feel free to ask your training questions or any other questions you might have in da comment section, or you can email us via our contact page. And by da way, those emails are private. We’re da only ones dat can see them. We hope you all have a relaxing Labor Day. And by da way, mommy said da foto above was one of her favorites cuz Raena and me were sleeping peacefully together on da cat tree.

Do you (does your kitty) knead anything in particular besides your human? 

Do you (your kitty) have a favorite blanket or bed?

Have you had to replace anything because kitty kneaded it to death? 

Till da next time…………………………..Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle     

Blest Sunday’s This and That

Published on by Service Cats U.S.38 Comments

Meowllo and welcome to a new Blest Sunday. As always, we’ve been extremely blest this week. Yes we told you dat it has been stormin’ and mommy’s been in a lot of extra pain, but ‘stead of hidin’ out durin’ those storms, me’s been hangin’ with mommy. Dat’s somethin’ dat always makes mommy happy. Every day mommy says dat nuffin’ makes her happier than bein’ with her girls. And even tho’ mommy had to abruptly leave da bathroom to find da toilet paper cuz it wasn’t on da shelves dat are no more, she said she was just glad dat Raena and me were okay and dat nopawdy had gotten hurt. Me’s not so sure she was all dat happy at dat moment tho’. Anyways…

 Dezi sits on a box

Tomorrow is Labor Day here in da United States. A day dat celebrates da “labor movement” by not laborin’. A little oxy-moronic ifin ya’ ask me, but nopawdy did, so we’ll just be hangin’ out as usual. Oh yeah, me furgot to tell you, Raena furinally got her furst taste of cat grass. Mommy thinks it’s funny dat just like da changin’ of da bed sheets, Raena’s been here fur a while and never noticed any of this till this past week. You know mommy changes da bed sheets regularly, but not till this past week did Raena pay attention, much less insert her playful self into da mix. Mommy also tries to keep some grass growin’ fur us kitties to chew on. This past week da light went on in Raena’s head and she discovered da not at all hidden cat grass. At furst she didn’t know what to do with it, but after watchin’ me a time or two, she planted herself up there and had a nibble. Mommy’s fotography skills ain’t all dat great, but we think you’ll get da idea. Raena must have gorged her little self on da grass, cuz ‘bout 30 minutes later she was horkin’ it up all over da place. MOL

Raena eats her first ever cat grass

       Dat wasn’t funny sis Dezi. I’s not ever horked befur and it kinda scared me.

 Dezi lays on box while Raena looks for her

Me knows Raena. Mommy says you make da same horrified face me does befur throwin’ up. She doesn’t know ifin this is a Ragdoll thing or a just us thing, but she says she wishes it didn’t scare us so much. ‘Course me also knows she would rather we didn’t hork at all. Me knows dat cuz she says it da whole time she’s cleanin’ it up and purrays ever night dat God would help us not to throw up or have hairballs. 

 Raena lays in mommys lap and bathes

       Well I’s all fur God answerin’ dat purrayer sissy. I’s not like dat horkin’. Fankfully mommy cleans it up befur ‘memberin’ to take fotos. 

 Raena lap selfie

Oh Raena, nopawdy wants to see your throw up. Dat’s not somethin’ mommy would ever take a foto of ‘lessen it be strange or pawssibly medical related, and then only to show da VET.

       Phht Phht (Raena spits and acts as if she’s going to hork) Dezi, Don’t ever talk ‘bout da mean place. I’s not wanna go back there ever again. 

 Raena lap selfie

Me’s with ya’ on dat kiddo, me doesn’t like goin’ there either.

So let’s just get back to those blessings. We are so blest to have so many pawsum furiends and furmily. You all are very special to us. Mommy had to go up town last night and on her journey she saw stray cats every where. A few months ago she couldn’t find a stray kitty to save her life, but last night it seemed they were unending. Y Right here in our very own pawrkin’ lot mommy spied one hunched down unnder a car tremblin in fear. We felt so bad fur him, dat when we got back home mommy hollered and hollered fur him to come eat. She was gonna share our noms with da scaredy kitty. But alas, no amount of hollerin’ worked. We never saw kitty again last night. But we’s keepin’ our eyes open.

Dezi and Raena sleep on the lLiberty cat tree
Before Photo shop

Anyways, we’s gonna wrap it up fur now. We’s joinin’ da Kitties Blue fur Selfie Sunday. A lot of you use this Photo Shop fur editin’ and creatin’ works of art with your fotos, so mommy thought she’d give it a look see again. She looked it up once, but it cost real money, so she’s never given it another thought. Well, it turns out there’s a free 30 day trial dat doesn’t require a credit card so she downloaded it to try to beautify some of our fotos. Needless to say, it ain’t all dat easy, but dat’s where we edited da fotos we’re postin’ today and even made a textured foto to play ’round with da filters. ‘Member to take a moment today and every day to give thanks fur da blessings in your life. By da way, mommy says dat foto surroundin’ this pawagraph is one of her favorites. Me doesn’t know why she said dat tho’. Maybe ya’ll can tell me. 

Dezi and Raena sleep on the lLiberty cat tree texturized with photoshop
After Photoshop

Till da next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle