Cats can purr proudly and be contented as the most well known pet in the country whether you've heard it or not. Cats have surpassed dogs as favorites as many people liked their special personalities and their ability to care for themselves. However, many cat owners and non cat owners are worried about 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.

Some cat behavior problems are actually health issues. Urinating outside the litter box may be because your cat is stressed or angry, but it could also be a sign of a serious medical condition. A cat may wet the carpet due to a urinary tract infection, diabetes or other condition. It is also possible that the litter box is not clean enough for your cat to feel comfortable using it. Check the litter box first, but if a previously clean cat starts having accidents, it a good idea to check with your veterinarian.