Learn how to curtail your feline's obnoxious behavior

Felines can display the same obnoxious behavior generally reserved for an over stimulated canine. They greet by meows, jumping and sometimes by playful attacks.

Usually the trigger is associated with our return to the home after what they perceive as an extended absence, or our bad judgment at initiating the wrong playtime.

Feline agitated behavior may not be as complex to deal with compared to a dog's welcome home of excessive barking and jumping, but bad feline behavior is still disruptive to an individual household,

If the attack comes at the moment of re-entry into the home, dropping the groceries for interactive playtime is not the solution to the problem. You are rewarding bad behavior and sending the message that it is all right to be playfully aggressive the second you walk in the door. Negative behavior is rewarded with immediate attention. We are all guilty of this from time-to-time because our felines do look too cute when they act up.

Instead, continue with the task at hand such as putting away the groceries and settling in. Your cat will come into the room you are working in to see what you are doing that is more important than playing. Curiosity will dictate that they will be calmer in diverting your attention from whatever you are doing. This is now a good time to acknowledge the meows and greetings. Your original lack of interaction will calm your cat down to a level where attention is now a positive reward.

Your feline may also be upset by activity or noise it hears occurring outside of the home. Your cat's initial bad behavior when you arrive home may be a response to something else that was upsetting. You will be clueless as to what caused the behavior unless the offending activity is still going on when you return. You can lessen a feline's response to outside noises by leaving on a television, radio or computer screen with movement.

Technology is so innovative in pampering our pets we can monitor them with a pet cam that lets us know what they are doing in any given moment of the day. If you know your cat is extra anxious by your absence, why not record a message to soothe them. This too, can divert bad behaviors.

In your absence, inappropriate behaviors can be a sign of boredom. Scratching and chewing on carpets, furniture or cords are all signs of boredom behaviors that need to be redirected. The solution can be as simple as a scratching post or scrap of carpet with an attractive, organic catnip scent.

Solutions to scratching is a huge industry. There is an entire line of corrugated toys devoted to the problem. Corrugated toys combine texture and sounds that are irresistible to our felines. They range from vertical and horizontal surfaces to toys they can kick and tussle with.

If you opt for a corrugated toy or board, the first time it is offered should be under your supervision so you can determine if your cat is attracted to eating the shreddings. The product offerings vary in sturdiness, and the market has expanded for these products, even offering a Skratch-Kabin your feline can scratch on and sleep in.

Keeping your cat's claws short will curtail some scratching, as well as confining the space for scratching. If you cover a favorite spot with an office plastic mat or scat-mat you can limit the play area by establishing a boundary. Bitter apple should also be included in your arsenal of chew deterrents.

A happy feline is an amused feline. Here's hoping that some of these suggestions assist you in breaking bad feline behaviors.

Adoptables

Eve is a white female with black markings on her head and nose. She's around 5 years old. She arrived at Buddy from another shelter and is front paw declawed. Eve is very friendly, loves attention, and even likes to have her belly petted. She is playful, enjoying both string toys and chasing toy mice around the room.

Little Guy is a gray male that came to Buddy when his owner passed away. He's around 11 years old. When he arrived he was wearing a collar that was way too tight. As a result he has a ring around his neck that has no fur, and sometimes is a bit sensitive to being petted there. He is very friendly and affectionate, especially with men. He loves his hard treats, but also has a urinary problem that requires special food, so he doesn't get them often.

Rosie is an orange and white tabby who lost her original home. She's around 8 years old. When she first arrived she was angry, miserable and pretty unapproachable. Over time, and with some loving attention, she has learned to trust humans again and joined the cats in one of the rooms. She is generally friendly and out and about in her room, but occasionally will withdraw to her favorite corner and want to be left alone. In the right home she would be a loving companion.