Cat Behavior Problems May Stem From Instincts

Whether you've heard it or not, cats can purr in pride and contentment as the most popular pet in the country. They have passed dogs as favorites and many people respond to their unique personalities and their independence. But all cat people and many who aren't are concerned with cat behavior problems.

Cat lovers are quite aware that these little animals are still strong and excitable and without care can revert to the wild predators they come from. Understanding the instinctive behaviors and adjusting to them can prevent getting a cat scratch or bite that can be dangerous as well as painful.

What many people define as cat behavior problems are often simply cats following their natural instincts. When kittens play with each other the wrestling and biting are actually practice for hunting in the wild. Since most cats live indoors and do not need to hunt their own food, people see this behavior as undesirable and do not wish it to continue in adulthood.

Play fighting between humans and kittens can be made safer as it is easy to teach kittens to pull in their claws and be gentler while playing. Alternative ways to express this instinct and energy should be tried and it's always good to start young. There are many ways to exercise the cat but one good exercise to cease any harm to any living creature would be catnip filled toys and fake mice which encourage the "attack and kill. Also; in stead of real birds, flyer toys that have feathers can be used.

One of the most disturbing domestic cat behavior problems is spraying. "Spraying", a quite natural act, is when a cat sprays urine and the excretions of the scent glands on the borders of its territory to prove its dominance. Unfortunately, its territory can be the walls and furniture in your home. Spraying can be controlled with repellent sprays, behavioral training and neutering the cat.

Cats that urinate outside the litter box may not be spraying in the usual sense. This cat behavior might be caused by health problems. While cats may wet rugs or bedding because they are experience stress or are upset, this behavior could indicate they have some type of urinary tract issue, possibly diabetes, or some other medical problem. It may just mean the cat feels the litter box is simply not clean enough for its finicky self, so look carefully at that possibility. If, however, a cat begins to have "accidents," get them checked by a vet as soon as possible.