| Many people think that a trained cat is an | | | | in preferring a private "bathroom" area. The box |
| oxymoron. Cats are known for their | | | | should also be large enough for the cat, but not |
| independence, which endears them to some | | | | so large as to not feel like an enclosed space. |
| people and makes others prefer dogs. While cats | | | | What about the problem of a cat who is |
| are, in many ways, more independent and | | | | aggressive and bites and scratches you? This is |
| self-sufficient than dogs, this does not mean that | | | | hardly desirable behavior in a pet, and fortunately |
| they cannot be trained. This is especially important | | | | is can usually be cured without too much fanfare. |
| in regard to areas of problem behavior. | | | | Again, if the cat's behavior has changed recently, |
| People sometimes think that where cats are | | | | have it checked by a veterinarian. If the cat has |
| concerned they either have to simply put up with | | | | always been this way, it may be a feral, or not |
| a problem --whether it be aggression, destructive | | | | well socialized cat. In this case, you will have to be |
| behavior or not using the litter box-- or get rid of | | | | patient and take some extra effort at taming the |
| the cat. This is, in most cases, simply not true. | | | | cat. |
| The vast majority of cats can be trained out of | | | | If your cat is aggressive, try to become sensitive |
| troublesome behavior. | | | | to its moods and body language. That way you |
| Litter box problems are a common complaint | | | | won't try to touch him/her at the wrong time. |
| among cat owners. When your cat does not use | | | | Also, make sure your cat gets enough exercise. |
| the litter box properly -or at all!- it is unpleasant, | | | | Take some time every day to play with him/her, |
| not to mention unsanitary. Cats are naturally | | | | but not too roughly (especially if aggression is the |
| clean, so using a litter box comes quite naturally | | | | problem!). Playing has the dual purpose of giving |
| to them. If a cat that was using a litter box | | | | your cat exercise and socializing him/her. Make |
| suddenly does not, this is a definite warning of a | | | | sure your cat is spayed; this will, in general, make |
| problem. To rule out a medical problem, you | | | | for a better pet and will curb aggression. |
| should first bring your cat to the veterinarian. | | | | These are some rudimentary tips in addressing |
| After medical problems are ruled out, take a look | | | | cat behavior problems. You may need to further |
| at the litter box itself. Make sure it's being kept | | | | your education in this area if you have a more |
| clean. It should also be in the right place, in an | | | | long-standing problem with your cat. The main |
| out-of-the-way area that is not too near the cat's | | | | thing to remember is that a healthy cat can |
| water and food dishes. Cats are a little like people | | | | almost always be made into an exemplary pet! |