Feline Behaviors

• As the Perfect Paws guide to cat training explains, cats learn best by experience. When a cat determines there is some kind of reward from its behavior, it will continue, whereas behavior that has a negative result is less likely to be repeated. Praising positive habits encourages your cat to continue its good behavior. To put an end to unwanted cat behaviors, ensure that their actions lead to a negative experience.
  
  

Scratching and Climbing

• In order to stop climbing and scratching behaviors, make your cat's favorite spot less appealing and offer more exciting alternatives. Make your cat's favorite scratching and climbing spots less inviting. Cover off-limits areas with material that is unattractive to your cat, like aluminum foil or plastic, which are uncomfortable under your cat's paws and emit an unpleasant noise when stepped on. Similarly, carpet protectors placed with the bumpy side facing up can be effective.
  
  Offer your cat alternative outlets such as cardboard scratchers, available at pet stores and superstores. Scratching posts are another fun alternative for your cat.
  
  

Digging

• Digging kitties can be nuisances, but by making their target less appealing, you can curb these unwanted behaviors. Cayenne pepper serves as an effective deterrent. Cats who sniff the pepper while digging in a garden or flower bed or while digging in a trash can will be dissuaded from returning, while cats who try to eat your plants will be deterred by the taste. Sprinkle the cayenne pepper on the top of your trash can or in your flower beds and on your plants.
  
  

Litter Box Behaviors

• Litter box misuse can be very stressful to cat owners, but by making your cat's litter box more appealing, your cat is more likely to avoid using off limits areas. Using enclosed litter boxes may cause your cat to feel like it does not have the space to do its activities properly. A larger, open litter box or even storage containers can alleviate these problems.Your litter choice can also make a difference. Cats require a finer grain litter that has a sand-like consistency for optimum comfort. Finally, choose a low traffic area for your cat's litter box and make sure you have one litter box for every two cats in your home.
  
  

Persevere

• Bear in mind that your cat will not change overnight. However, with diligence and determination, plus a little perseverance from you and your cat, you will both be on your way to a happier home in no time. Just keep trying and praise your kitty for good behavior. Positive reinforcement will ensure that your bad cat will soon be a well-behaved companion.