Male and female cats alike may spray a trace amount of urine on walls, floor, furniture, or sometimes their owners’ clothes as a form of communication to mark their territory, particularly if they are under stress or feel threatened. In some rare cases, they leave their feces in a conspicuous location.


In most cases, spaying or neutering your cat should prevent this territorial marking. However, this marking can still occur, particularly if your cat is under stress or feels threatened. To curb this unpleasant practice, you can also try using a pheromone solution, which is available either through your vet or pet supply store.


If these actions do not work, contact your vet for additional help, as a de-conditioning program may be necessary.

Compared to the smell of cat urine all over the place, cat scratches on the furniture is a small problem!


Cats naturally scratch to sharpen their claws and keep them from becoming overgrown. It's important to train your cat from an early age (ideally as a kitten) to use a scratching post rather than the couch or drapes. Cats like to scratch different surfaces, so consider acquiring a scratch post with a mixture, such as carpet, sisal and wood.


Be sure to physically show your cat the scratching post, and place it in a location the cat uses often. You can also attract your cat to the post with toys (sometimes they come attached to the post) or catnip. Be sure the post is anchored securely so the cat can't knock it over. Just one mishap could cause a cat to avoid scratching posts forever.


To deter your cat from scratching furniture and other nice items, you can spray her with water if you catch her in the act. Also consider shutting the cat out of a room where it does most of its scratching, until the habit is broken. Covering the inappropriate scratch area with plastic or tin foil may deter the cat.


If nothing seems to work as a deterrent, you can talk to your vet about small plastic caps that can be fitted over your cat's claws. They last for 4-6 weeks and prevent your cat from doing damage while scratching.


Scratching is another way cats mark territory, and it leaves their scent. As with urine stains, be sure to clean the scratched area thoroughly to avoid repeat offenses.

Cats are hunters and sometimes their owners become the prey. Almost every cat owner has had a cat cuddle that ended with that cat suddenly attempting to bite. Once you know your cat's habits, it's easy to see this trick coming and avoid the bite.


To deter such behavior, never reward it. That means not playing aggressive games with your cat and your hands or arms.


Although kitten bites are not usually hard or painful, your cat will not realize the difference when she's larger and stronger so be consistent with your rules. Provide toys to scratch and bite, or 'hunt' like prey, and your cat will learn to bite them and leave your fingers alone.


Cats often become aggressive toward people when they are ill or injured. They are also naturally aggressive when they feel threatened or defenseless, so be aware of your actions toward your cat.


Overall, if your cat's behavior suddenly changes, speak to your veterinarian.