The Patio Expert Pages

Considering getting a cat for a pet? Adopting a stray can be a good option if you keep a few things in mind. Stray cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them. Cat behaviors are often misunderstood. You should take care and have a great deal of understanding if you want to turn a feral cat into a content house cat.

There are many ways a cat can easily adjust to you. The adoption process usually begins when a cat gives its consent by starting to interact with you. One way of earning his trust is by giving him food. When he takes it you will know that you are slowly tearing down his barriers. Through patience and perseverance you will be rewarded by his trust.

Let's face it. Some cat behaviors are problems when these pets live in our homes. Cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems. Luckily for us and our feline friends, there are solutions that help keep both kitty and kitty owner happy.

A cat's inherent need to scratch and sharpen its claws can cause a lot of damage to your furniture, so you really need to provide your kitty with a scratching post. It can be as simple as a corrugated cardboard box to a large carpeted post. A jungle gym for cats will satisfy the cat's need to scratch and provide a place to sleep as well.

Male cats mark their territory by spraying urine - neutering will stop this natural, but destructive, behavior. It will also benefit your cat's health, because neutering will turn off his aggressiveness and natural desire to fight with other males.

A cat behaviour that all cats exhibit is the need to hunt. It's particularly strong in stray cats because that's how they survived until adoption. Don't be worried about the small dead animals your cat brings you and don't punish them for doing so. Instead, praise them for doing what they do best and they will be happy.

Hunting and scratching are natural cat behaviors. Taking these behaviors in to consideration will make you and your pet happier. Cats tend to scratch on your furniture and walls, and will hunt any chance they get. Giving them an outlet to scratch will curb this destructive activity on your most prized furniture. Playing with furry little mouse toys or a feather on a stick will curb the hunter in him.