Making Your Cat Behave

Cat owners know that raising cat poses numerous hindrances and stumbling blocks.

For one reason or another, it's never easy: your cat may have the tendency to push things off the table, answer the call of nature beyond the boundaries of litter boxes and even steal food.

In order to end or somehow minimize your perpetual cat misbehavior-related burdens, let's learn some of the methods.

NOTE: If your method of making them behave is flailing your arms and shouting at them, you're sending the wrong message. Doing this only tells them that you're just an overaggressive ape, nothing more.

Step 1: Know Why Your Feline Friend Is Acting That Way

Before putting discipline and deterrents into the scene, learn the cause and the reason why your cat is acting that way. Sometimes, it may even be your fault.

Here are some of the common reasons and likely reasons why your cat is misbehaving:

1. New surroundings. If you moved to a new home or apartment, it will take some time for your feline friend to adjust. As soon as Mr. Pussington feels safe, he will likely explore his new home - and knock some vases along the way. In cases like these, be patient.

2. Litter box problems. If Mrs. Tibbles pees or poops outside the litter box, you might have to change the location (put in a discreet and well-lighted area) or you have to stop terrorizing her every time she does. That being said, she may also refuse to do so if you a new kind of litter (some scented brands put off cats) or a new box.

3. Not enough exercise. If Coco suddenly bolts out of a room for no apparent reason (and breaks stuff along the way), she's not getting enough exercise. Play with her!

4. Your cat may be sick. A sort of sickness may be the reason why your cat is "misbehaving". One good example is feline hyperesthesia, a sickness which can cause a cat to bolt, lick itself and even chew out its hairs. The embedded YouTube video shows a mild episode of the sickness. If you think your cat is experiencing this ailment, have your local veterinarian examine him or her.

With all that has been said, let's proceed to the main topic.

Step 2: The Water Bottle Method

Whenever your cat is in the act of committing a crime (like stealing food or pushing things off the table) squirt it with a water bottle.

However, try not to show yourself when squirting it, since it may associate you with the squirts, not bad behavior. Also remember that you should only do so when it is IN THE ACT. Don't squirt too much - one or two is enough to send your cat running.

Step 3: The Citrus Method

Let's say the water bottle method doesn't work, and your cat persists in sitting on top if the dining table, work table and scratching the furniture. Aside from which, it also likes wrecking your flower bed, which can be quite dangerous if you have lilies (which are poisonous to cats).

In order to make deter or repel cats from entering a particular area, simply avail a citrus spray and apply into the areas where you don't want your cat around. Cats hate strong smells, so lemon, oranges and related smells make good deterrents. Adorn your furniture, work and dining tables with it.

As for your garden, try to reuse orange and lemon peels and place them in the areas where you don't want your cat around.

Step 4: Redirection and Reward

Let's say that three days in, the sleek, black leather sofa is filled with scratches, thanks to your cat. In order to limit the damage brought forth by your furry feline friend, anticipate the times it starts scratching.

As soon as it does, pick it up and place it in front of the scratching post. Sprinkle the post with catnip to entice it. If it uses the post, reward it with treats!

Your cat will then stop scratching the poor sofa in a matter of days or weeks.

Step 5: Good Ol' Fashioned Play

Most cats get into the misbehaving groove when they don't get enough play time. And yes, it's quite easy to play with your cat: simply create a fishing hook like toy (tie a yarn and a small stuffed toy). This will make it play a "pounce and catch" game.

However, the gaming accessory you can ever give your cat is laser pointer. Not only is it cheap and will keep your cat preoccupied for minutes, playing via laser pointer gives out comical results.

Remember though, play with it in a clear area (without tables and chairs) and be sure to give it a stuffed toy to bite for it to vent its frustrations for being unable to catch the moving dot.

Giving it play time will drain its energy and dish out a daily dose of attention. Remember, most cats misbehave when bored!