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.

What many people define as cat behavior problems are often simply cats following their natural instincts. When kittens play with each other the wrestling and biting are actually practice for hunting in the wild. Since most cats live indoors and do not need to hunt their own food, people see this behavior as undesirable and do not wish it to continue in adulthood.

Kittens can easily be taught to pull in claws and be more gentle with play fighting with humans. Starting young helps and in addition, alternative ways to express this instinct and energy should tried. Catnip filled toys and fake mice encourage the "attack and kill" with harm to no living creature, and exercise the cat as well. Flyer toys that have feathers substitute nicely for going after real birds.

Spraying is one of the most disturbing cat behavior problems, but it also is quite natural. A cat wants to be dominant and sprays urine and the excretions of the scent glands to set the borders of its own territory, which unfortunately can be your walls and furniture. This can be controlled with repellent sprays, behavioral training, and neutering the pet.

Cats that urinate outside the litter box may not be spraying in the usual sense. This cat behavior might be caused by health problems. While cats may wet rugs or bedding because they are experience stress or are upset, this behavior could indicate they have some type of urinary tract issue, possibly diabetes, or some other medical problem. It may just mean the cat feels the litter box is simply not clean enough for its finicky self, so look carefully at that possibility. If, however, a cat begins to have "accidents," get them checked by a vet as soon as possible.

Cats are the most popular pets in the country. However, most cat lovers fail to understand that they are descendants of wild predatory cats and hence share the same instincts. Hence, the so-called cat behavior problems are nothing but their natural behavior. The owner needs to train their cats to control these instincts to enjoy their company. Simple solutions like the use of stuffed toys to tire out the kitten would help reduce the instances of cat scratch. Another problem is urination. Though the cat may spray to mark its territory, it could also indicate stress, or other health problems.