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Cat owners have a natural tendency to think of their pets as part of the family, which they are. Still, it's critical to remember that cats and humans have some very basic differences. A cat's behavior cannot be compared to a child's. Remembering that cats have different instincts than humans will help immensely with cat control, and if you forget this you're likely to end up "herding cats."

Humans are not pure carnivores or predators but cats are. They play and eat and behave the way they do as part of their history of living as hunting creatures in the wild. Too many humans try seeing cats behavior in human terms and understanding and this causes conflict. We would never expect an elephant to act the same way that a parakeet does, but many cat owners expect their pets to act human.

When dealing with discipline issues with your feline friend, physical discipline typically does not work and can cause your cat to react in an aggressive and hostile manner. Alternatively, using a sharp "No" and then removing the cat from the area consistently will be more effective. Most animals will respond better when they are awarded for positive behavior and admonished for bad behavior.

Sometimes cats act a little crazy, but a lot of these behaviors come from their instincts. When they spray urine, they are marking their territory and protecting their breeding group. Of course, people do not appreciate such behaviors. Training can work, but if you are not planning on breeding your cat the best choice is neutering.

Cats also scratch things to sharpen and trim their claws, which was essential to catch prey in the wild. They need to be trained to use appropriate scratching substitutes instead of the furniture or your pants leg. Many scratching boxes, posts and toys are sold, and your cat vet can help you choose the best products for your kitty.

Imagine that you wake up one morning, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and step outside to get the morning paper""only to find a dead animal on your doorstep. Is this a neighborhood child's prank? A scene out of The Godfather? If you have a cat, it's very likely a gift. Bringing home "meals" to the leader of their pride is a sign of respect in feline circles. Don't punish your cat for this normal behavior. There is no need to praise him either. Just recognize that stalking, killing, and bringing home prey is a sign of a normal, happy cat.

Consider that your cat's behavior is not a bad behavior, just something that is coming as part of their natural makeup. Your cat was designed to live independently outside and may still have a reserve of a wild lion side. Their basic instincts will show thru from time to time and it is better to try to understand the reason a cat does some of the things it does than to just assume it is a bad behavior.

Cat owners have a natural tendency to think of their pets as part of the family, which they are. Still, it's critical to remember that cats and humans have some very basic differences. A cats behavior cannot be compared to a child's. Remembering that cats have different instincts than humans will help immensely with cat control, and if you forget this, you're likely to end up "herding cats." Domestic kitties need to be trained how to scratch in more appropriate places than on your furniture. Your cat vet will be able to help you choose appropriate scratching boxes, posts, and toys for your pet.