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There are more cats in American homes these days than there are dogs. People have found that cats make unique little pets, each with their own little personality making them funny, mysterious, cuddly, and always puzzling. A cat owner who understands cat behavior problems will find it easier living with the little wildcat they've brought into their home.

Although domesticated for a few thousand years, one could say that feline behavior is similar to that of a wild cats including tigers and lions. This occurs because house cats continue to maintain some of their instinctive predatory behaviors, so that what by humans are viewed as cat behavior problems, are actually a cats innate response geared to a lifestyle that they are no longer living.

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.

You need to teach the cat not to bite, chew or scratch things that are off limits (like humans) while it is playing. Don't ever hit the cat; this will only result in new cat behavior problems. Hitting the cat will destroy the trust between you and the cat, making it angrier and more aggressive. When the cat does something bad, say "No!" sharply and remove the cat from the situation, and reward obedience with a "Good kitty!" and perhaps a treat.

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.

There are more cats in American homes these days than there are dogs. A cat owner who understands cat behavior problems will find it easier living with the little wildcat they've brought into their home. To address feline behavior issues, you need to provide cat scratchers to keep cats from using your carpets and furniture for the same purpose. Also, you need to teach the cat not to bite, chew or scratch things that are off limits. When the cat does something bad, say "No!" sharply and remove the cat from the situation, and reward obedience with a "Good kitty!" and perhaps a treat.