Your cat is acting oddly. Maybe the cat was well trained to use the litter box, but now he or she is marking in the bedroom closet. Possibly he or she has started cleaning himself so much that he is missing fur and friends ask you if he has cancer or some other terrible illness.

You can reduce or even eliminate your cats behavior with some simple and gentle behavior modification methods. These techniques when used with compliments and affection will help make your life with your furry friend easier and more relaxed.

There are many good cat training books available as well as magazine publications that offer advice on putting an end to undesirable cat actions. There are web sites dedicated to cats and cat psychology where one can find many articles on how to correct your cats behavior. You can find advice on all of the common misbehaviors and some uncommon one as well.

Although it is instinctive behavior you may find your cat often wants to sharpen his claws by shredding your drapery or upholstery, and you might want to do something about it. When you see your cat scratch something he's not supposed to, say "No" firmly and hit him with a little water from a squirt bottle.

You must provide alternative objects for your cat to sink his claws into such as a scratching post. You can buy a premade post or use a little ingenuity and make one yourself. Rub a little catnip into the post and your cat will fall in love with it, at least until the herb wears off. But he'll start to get the idea after awhile and start going for the post instead of your couch when he gets the urge to scratch. 81

Cats are nocturnal animals and instinctively know that hunting at night will be the most rewarding. Due to this fact, cats can be difficult pets, and they can be annoying for their owners when they start acting up at night. For all those cat owners who witnessed the wild behavior of their pet at night and have no idea what to do, remember this: one should not play with their cat at night as that reinforces their nocturnal habits.

If you are unable to get peaceful rest at night because your cat is wide awake, try to play with your cat as soon as feasible when you arrive home in the evening. This may help change his internal clock and help you get better rest.

True cat lovers know the secret that a cat can be trained as well as a dog. Cat behaviors that you find annoying or problematic in your home can be addressed if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Just like a dog, a cat wants to please its owner and return the love for how well you take care of it. So to make your life with your cat more enjoyable without any of the problems, just spend a little time--with consistency--training your cat.