Controlling Kitty Behavior

Cats can be stinkers, and we are not just talking about smell here! We are talking about their "catty" behavior towards humans. Cats have an aire of superiority. Their behavior can, at times, go to the extreme and make us all crazy! Here are some helpful hints that can help you to live with your cat peacefully:

1. Take cues from your kitty. Many times we just do not know when to stop petting our cat. Many times your cat will invite you to pet him, but they can only take so much of a good thing and then they become over stimulated. Since they cannot talk and tell us when they have had enough, they do it by nipping us! They are not doing this to be mean, but it just indicates that they need to take time-out from being pet. Tail flicking, body tensing, and having the ears pinned back all indicate that a cat is going to be going into the nipping mode.

2. Co-existing tip - Stalking and pouncing are all an intricate part of your cat's nature. These tendencies, as well as hunting prey, are ingrained in the genes of the cat. Try not to take it personally when all of a sudden your kitty decides to pounce on you! Usually this is just a phase that they will outgrow as they become adults. It is your job to understand and know how to avoid conflict during such "playful" times. Try to learn your cat's body cues so that you know when your cat is about ready to make its move. Another method is to try to divert the cat's attention to something else.

3. Another cat quirk that is part of your feline's genetic makeup is digging. This shows up primarily when they go to the bathroom. Just picture them using their litter box. They always scratch around so that they are able to cover up their "evidence". You can also see cats dig for recreation. They can create havoc in your garden or with your houseplants! Try not to get too upset with your cat's digging behavior. Try to fight back using citrus products. Your cat hates any citrus smells whether it be from oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruits. One good tip is to bury the rinds of these fruits in your garden or in the soil that your houeplants sit in.

4. One thing that can be beneficial for cats is scratching. This can have several benefits. First, it helps get rid of dead cells from your cat's claws. Second, when your cat claws on something, it means it is marking its territory in both a visual and a scented way. Cats need to feel secure and need to have a sense of their very own domain! Before deciding to declaw your cat, try to provide scratching posts and pads for your cat's use. Rub catnip on the scratching post so that it will entice your cat to use it.

5. Meowing has a meaning and a purpose. After all, this is how your cat communicates. We just do not understand what they are trying to tell us! One reason your cat meows is because it is hungry. It could also mean that your cat is ready to mate or they may be fearful of something.

As you can see, cats are complex creatures. It could take a lifetime to try to figure out all of the moods and quirks that your cat has. So before any punishment is meted out, try to always assess your cat's situation.