Cats have now surpassed dogs as the most popular pet. People are attracted to them because they are so mysterious, cuddly and fun. However, because they retain many of their wild behaviors and instincts, they can occasionally be challenging pets with cat behavior problems that you will need to understand.
Although cats have been considered domesticated animals for centuries, the bottom line is that domestic feline behavior remains similar in many ways to the behavior of cats in the wilds, such as lions and tigers. Our generally-docile house pets still have instinctive predator behaviors buried deep down inside. Many behaviors humans consider cat behavior problems are just some of these intrinsic behaviors surfacing even though they're no longer needed.
If you have ever raised a kitten and especially more than one, you note that as soon as they are mobile, their play is rather aggressive. They are learning skills that would help catch prey to survive if they had to feed themselves in the wild. This is the time to channel this normal aggressive behavior into acceptable outlets so that they don't treat your hand or toes as potential meals!
Give your kitten appropriate cat toys that can withstand being stalked, bitten, chewed, and kicked. Kittens like to hold a toy with their front paws while kicking it with their powerful back legs. This activity is good exercise for your pet and a lot of fun for you to watch. Mice made of fur or leather make good toys, because your kitty can pounce on them and chew to his heart's content. While your kitten may be several weeks old before he reacts to catnip, you may need to add some to toys in order to attract the attention of an older kitten or cat. Some cats don't seem to be affected by catnip, however.
When the cat is engaging in this play, you need to set limits and teach the cat not to bite, scratch or chew humans, or anything else that is off limits. Never hit a cat, as this will cause more cat behavior problems instead of stopping them. It destroys trust between you and the pet and may make the cat more aggressive and angry. A sharp "No!" followed by removing the cat from the situation or offering something appropriate is the way to go, and always reward obedience with "Good kitty!" and sometimes treats.
It is instinctive behavior for cats to scratch trees and other rough surfaces in order to control claw growth. Cat owners must provide their cats with appropriate indoor substitutes, such as cat scratchers, so that they won't need to claw furniture and carpets. When you first try to teach your cat to use the scratcher, you may need to catch his attention with catnip or catnip sprays. Once attracted to a cat scratcher, cats usually tend to be quick studies. If you don't want to spend the money to buy a cat scratcher at the pet shop, you can make your own from scrap wood and carpet scraps or even chunks of cardboard in a box. You will also find cat scratchers which are made to hang from doorknobs.
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Many cat behavior problems result from things humans dislike but are part of normal feline behavior. Finding substitutes for the play and activities that prepare cats for a life as a predator that they no longer live makes living with them easier.
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Article Title: Cat Behavior Problems - Getting Your Feline Friend To Cooperate
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