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Whether you've heard it or not, cats can purr in pride and contentment as the most popular pet in the country. They have passed dogs as favorites and many people respond to their unique personalities and their independence. But all cat people and many who aren't are concerned with cat behavior problems.

House cats are strong and excitable and without proper care they can begin to act like wild animals. Cat lovers know this. They understand that cats have instinctive behaviors. They can adjust their reactions to their pets so that they don't get a cat scratch. A cat bite can also be dangerous and should be avoided.

Many cat behavior problems are only problems to the owners but just doing what comes naturally to the cat. When kittens play, you will see aggression, biting, clawing and wrestling that prepares them for hunting and killing food. Since few of our domestic cats have to forage for food, this behavior is undesirable when the cat is grown and needs to be controlled.

Young cats can be shown how to retract their claws and not scratch people when they're playing around. With regard to training: the younger, the better. There are all sorts of harmless ways to allow a cat's "attack and kill" instincts to be expressed. Catnip playthings and imitation mice are one way of sparing real creatures and also give the cat the opportunity to get some exercise. Feathered playthings are excellent distractions from the hunting of actual birds.

One of the most disturbing domestic cat behavior problems is spraying. "Spraying", a quite natural act, is when a cat sprays urine and the excretions of the scent glands on the borders of its territory to prove its dominance. Unfortunately, its territory can be the walls and furniture in your home. Spraying can be controlled with repellent sprays, behavioral training and neutering the cat.

Sometimes urinating outside the litter box is not spraying at all. Some cat behavior problems are really health issues. A cat may wet your carpet or bed because it is angry or stressed, but this may mean a serious urinary tract problem, diabetes or another serious medical condition. It can also mean the litter box is not clean enough to suit a finicky feline, so check that first, but when a previously fastidious cat has "accidents" always get a veterinary check up.

Whether you've heard it or not, cats can purr in pride and contentment as the most popular pet in the country. They have passed dogs as favorites and many people respond to their unique personalities and their independence. But all cat people and many who aren't are concerned with cat behavior problems. Today's cats are descendants of wild, predatory cats. Therefore, care should be taken by cat lovers to prevent them a cat scratch from another cat. If you take the time to learn about their instincts and behaviors, you will be aware of their strength and excitability and avoid any unpleasant incidents.