Cat Behavior Problems – Taming The Wildcat Within | AnimalTalk Blog, Val Heart & Friends, Animal Communication Tips & Animal Care

Cat Behavior Problems – Taming The Wildcat Within

By Paul Proctor, article found at http://www.amazines.com

Cats have won the popularity contest. More people now have cats in their homes as pets than any other pet. Cats like Maine coon 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.

Even though cats have been domesticated for ages, their feline behavior has remained much like that of a jungle cat like the lion or the tiger. Even our adorable little pussycats still retain certain predatory instincts, so much of what appears to be cat behavior problems only reflects their genetic brain formation for the life they were originally meant to lead.

If you have raised a kitten, or more than one kitten, you will undoubtedly notice that kittens become aggressive in their play when they are active. Doing this helps them learn skills that would help them catch prey in the wild to survive. With indoor cats, however, you should teach them to channel these aggressive instincts into acceptable forms, so they do not try to bite your fingers or toes!

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.

If your cat is playing in this manner, you must set limits and teach him or her not to bite, scratch or chew humans, or anything else that you consider to be out of bounds. Do not hit a cat; this won’t deter him and will only cause more cat behavior problems. It will undermine the trust between you and your pet, making him or her more aggressive and angry. Instead, say “No!” after removing the cat from the situation, and reward good behavior with a “Good kitty!” and, in some cases, a treat.

Maine coon and other cats naturally control the growth of their claws by scratching trees and other rough surfaces, another instinct behavior. To make sure they don’t treat furniture or carpet as an indoor substitute, you need to provide cat scratchers for them to use instead. Catnip or catnip sprays can help lure the cat to use these at first, but many catch on easily. You can make your own from scrap wood and carpet scraps, or even strips of cardboard crammed sideways in a box, or buy them at any pet shop. Some types hang from doorknobs as well.

There are more cats in American homes these days than there are dogs. A cat owner who understands Maine coon cat behavior problems will find it easier living with the little wildcat they’ve brought into their home. To address feline behavior issues, you need to provide cat scratchers to keep cats from using your carpets and furniture for the same purpose. Also, you need to teach the cat not to bite, chew or scratch things that are off limits. When the cat does something bad, say “No!” sharply and remove the cat from the situation, and reward obedience with a “Good kitty!” and perhaps a treat.