Cat Behavior Problems - Ways To Train Your Furry Companion
Cats have won the popularity contest. More people now have cats in their homes as pets than any other pet. Cats are unique animals. They can be funny, mysterious and cuddly. They can also be perplexing. Accepting up front that you have a tiger in the house can go a long way toward understanding cat behavior problems.
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.
While your cat is at play, it's up to you to set limits for his behavior. Teach him not to bite, scratch, or chew on humans. Help him learn which of his behaviors aren't acceptable. In so doing, however, never strike your cat. Instead of stopping cat behavior problems, hitting may well cause more. With one slap you can destroy the trust your pet has in you making him angrier and more aggressive. When kitty is misbehaving, tell him "No" sharply and move him away from the problem area. Offer him another, more appropriate activity, or reward good behavior by saying "Good kitty!" or with an occasional 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.
Feline behavior comes from the hunting instincts developed over the years before cats were domesticated. Things considered behavioral problems now, were once necessary for a wild cat to survive. Cat behavior problems can include aggression, biting, and scratching. These types of behaviors can be very common especially among kittens, but can be controlled. Curbing such problems can be done through the use of toys, cat scratchers, and positive reinforcement techniques. Avoid increasing behavioral issues by not hitting your cat or kitten when he behaves badly. Reinforce good behavior through the use of treats and praise.
Published November 8th, 2007
Filed in Recreation
