Most cats seem to be born with good manners. Their table manners are usually impeccable, their clean bathroom habits come naturally and they always seem to know how to deport themselves in company.

However, as with people, sometimes there are lapses in etiquette which may be stressful to those who share the living space.

Most behavioural problems in kittens or cats are only problems to humans - not to cats. In other words they are frequently normal cat behaviour which we prefer not to live with, e.g. sharpening the claws on the sofa. Cats need to scratch their claws up and down a surface to help remove the outer sheath of the nail. Left to its own devices a cat would use a tree as a scratching post, but when con-fined to the house with no trees handy the back of the sofa looks perfectly reasonable to a cat. A kitten should be provided with a scratching post from an early age and encouraged to use it. At first you may have to place it in front of the post and show it how to use it. Verbal discipline when caught in the act of scratching the furniture will quickly teach the cat that it is better to use the scratching post provided.

Such an agile animal as the cat has no difficulty with leaping up on to kitchen benches or tables to see if there is a treat up there. The best way to overcome this problem is to “set the cat up” - that is put something enticing up there and wait for it to jump up, then verbally discipline. For those cats smart enough to only jump up when you are out of the room you can buy small devices which are designed to make a sharp noise when the cat leaps up on the bench. Mousetraps set upside down underneath a light plastic container will do the same job.

Cats are house trained with a minimum of effort, although kittens taken from their mother before she has the opportunity to teach them how to use a litter tray or to cover their faeces with soil, may need a little help from its human family. After feeding or drinking and after waking from a sleep, the kitten should be placed in its litter tray. If it doesn't seem to have too much idea of what you want it may be necessary to show it how to scratch around in the litter - instinct should then take over.

Although cats are much more independent thinkers than dogs, they can be trained to come when called. As with dogs, the secret is to call the cat and reward it for responding. Call the cat's name when you are about to feed it and it will learn quickly.

Cats may also be taught to walk on leads. Special cat leads are available, the best of them are a shoulder harness. Never frighten the cat or force it to walk. The best way to get a cat used to a lead is to place it on while you are sitting quietly, e.g. watching television, and let the cat get used to the feel of the harness and lead without trying to lead it. Although all cats should wear a cat collar and identification at all times, a lead or harness must not be left on an unattended cat.

Although cats are usually much too dignified to perform party tricks, with a little patience and reward they can be taught basic commands.

Article printed courtesy of Petnet.