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Written by Gaye Flagg
We tend to think of our cats as furry little people who walk on all fours and speak in some
exotic foreign language, but this couldn't be further from the truth! Cats are, first and foremost,
felines. They have natural instincts that serve as their guide - hunting and stalking prey are among
the strongest. In other words, they ACT like cats.
Cats tend to be very active, curious and athletic creatures so be prepared to stimulate your
kitty with plenty of interactive toys and safe places to explore and climb. Keeping kitty indoors at
all times is a must, unless you can make an outside area where the risk of escape or danger is
non-existent. Windows and doors to the outside should be secured with a heavy screen that
latches safely to the frame. Loose or worn out screens should be replaced completely.
When behavior issues arise, your first call should always be to the vet to schedule a thorough
exam - this is paramount to rule out any health issues which may be causing the abnormal or
inappropriate behavior. Once health issues are ruled out, then take a good, honest look at the
behavior … is your kitty experiencing inappropriate litter box behavior? Check the litter box! Make
sure it is clean and that all solid waste is removed at least daily. Provide at least one litter box per
cat in your home. Is your kitty scratching on your expensive couch? Provide a scratching post! You
will want to observe your cat's scratching behavior to determine whether she prefers an upright
post or one that is flat on the floor. If Kitty stretches upward to scratch, then purchase a sturdy, tall,
column-type post covered with either carpet or sisal. If your kitty prefers to stretch outwards, then
purchase a scratching mat that lies flat on the floor.
Over time, I have heard a lot of people complain that their cat isn't behaving normally so they
have employed the use of a water bottle to spray their kitties into behaving. Unless your cat is in
the process of committing homicide, there are other, less drastic ways to get her attention than a
thorough drenching. Wash out an empty soda can and let it completely air-dry. Drop a few pennies
or coins in the bottom and when kitty isn't listening, shake the can vigorously. Many cats will
immediately cease and desist whatever they were doing and most will take off running for parts
unknown!
Sadly, many people still believe that yelling at a cat or even hitting it is the way to stop
inappropriate behaviors. These methods are cruel, they do not work and in fact, only serve to allow
the cat to distrust humans and possibly make the behavior problems worse. Just don't do it.
Most behavior problems with cats are easily solved, but for the tough stuff, you'll need the help
of the experts.
Remember these -
- Cats are not dogs, nor are they little people - they ACT like cats
- Address behavior problems by first ruling out health related issues
- Provide your cat with plenty of interactive toys, climbing stations and scratching
posts
- Never punish your cat by yelling at her or hitting her
- When all else fails, there is still help from the experts
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