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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."

Cats are pure carnivores. Cats behavior is based on its wild nature, which even extends to the way they play and eat. People have a tendency to view cats in human terms and expect them to act like people when, in reality all they want to do is act like cats. Don't expect a cat to act any differently than nature intended and you won't be disappointed.

One area of differences is the area of discipline. While some animals may learn from physical punishment, slapping a cat will only cause more issues. A cat will recognize an attack as aggression and will fight back., which only aggravates the problem. Telling the cat "No" and moving it away from the problem is an intermediate option. The most effective approach is positive reinforcement of good behavior.

For cats, some of the behaviors which we may consider as improper is a way of life and comes from instinctive needs. One of the ways of marking its territory is spraying its own urine around its habitat. But this practice cannot be allowed inside a human home. When a cat is going to be bred behavioral training will help in controlling this behavior. For a normal pet neutering is a good choice.

If you are concerned about your cat scratching furniture or your pants, there are several products available for your feline friend. Cats work hard to keep their claws trim and sharp and need to be trained to only use scratching boxes or posts. Your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the best scratching products and toys to aid in protecting your furniture and clothing.

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.

Don't expect a cat to think the way you think it should. Cats have their own behaviors so to understand them better you should do some reading on their natural instincts before automatically assuming a cat is behaving badly. There will always be present in a cat some amount of wild feline, so it is better to learn to work with their instincts rather than presume they don't exist in your cat.

Cat owners have a natural tendency to think of their pets as part of the family, which they are. 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." Sometimes cats act a little crazy, but a lot of cats behavior comes from their instincts. 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.