1. Toilet Matters. Keep the cat's litter box and food/water bowls in separate rooms. Cats do not want to eliminate near the "nest" where they eat. It's a survival instinct! Match your litter box(es) with the cat's size, age and physical condition. Use 2 or more boxes if you have multiple cats. Don't use hooded boxes. Keep the litter clean and about 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the box(es) in a place that's quiet, and easily accessible to the cat.

2. Litterbox Lapses. Never, ever hit a cat or rub its nose in a mess. The cat will become afraid of you, and it can create aggression in the cat. It definitely will not solve the litter box problem. Please refer to our information section on litter box lapses.

3. High Places With A View. Provide your cat with one or more cat trees, tall cat condos or other elevated places where it can perch. You can even construct something with sturdy cardboard boxes, as long as it won't tip over. Cats confined to the floor and not allowed up on tables and counters may become fearful, because they feel safer off the ground. This behavior is instinctual! Providing high perches is especially important if you have a multi-pet household or small children, so your cat can escape the fray from time to time. Be sure your cat can look out windows to observe the outdoors.

4. Interactive Playtime. Play with your cat several times a day using an interactive toy, such as a "fishing pole" toy with feathers or a toy on a string, or the very popular Cat Dancer, available in many pet supply stores or by visiting www.catdancer.com. Allow the cat to catch the "prey"; don't make it impossible by always keeping the toy out of reach. At the end of the game, don't just snatch the toy away; let the "prey" die slowly, and allow the cat one final victory. The cat needs to feel successful as a predator, because it boosts the cat's confidence and sense of well-being. Playtime also strengthens the bond between you and your cat. Other games might include tossing and rolling crumpled paper balls and aluminum foil balls, or seductively dragging a long piece of 1/4 inch elastic across the floor, under furniture, between chairs legs, under closed doors, over a coffee table and so on. Put all string-like toys away after playtime, for safety reasons. The book Twisted Whiskers, written by Pam Johnson-Bennett, a Feline Behavior Consultant, devotes a whole chapter to playing with your cat. You can buy a copy of the book from The Crossing Press, Freedom, CA, 1-800-777-1048, www. crossingpress.com.

5. Distracting Your Cat from Undesirable Behavior. Use interactive play with a "fishing pole" toy to distract your cat from scratching furniture, fighting with another cat, exhibiting aggression, or chewing on blankets and socks. Punishment doesn't work. Instead, redirect your cat's behavior with playtime.

6. Cats Aren't Spiteful. Cats are incapable of acting out of spite. Their brains are not that developed. Look at problems through your cat's eyes. What is bothering or frightening your cat that is causing undesirable behavior?

7. Ask Your Veterinarian. Always check with your veterinarian if your cat exhibits unusual behavior, to be sure that your cat isn't sick.

8. Make Changes Gradually. Cats can become fearful if there is too much change at one time. Make changes as gradually as possible. Changes that could affect your cat might include redecorating, re-carpeting, introducing a new pet, introducing a new baby, starting new routines, starting new work schedules, moving the litter boxes, moving the furniture, etc.

9. No Fingers and Toes Games. In general, don't wiggle your fingers and toes to play with your cats. Don't let your kids do this either. It can make your cats aggressive toward your feet, ankles, and hands, and lead to sneak attacks by your cats when you least expect it. Use a "fishing pole" toy instead.

10. Cat Toenails. Scratching is instinctual, and is as normal as breathing for cats! Give your cat a couple of 30 inch tall, sturdy scratch posts covered with thick sisal rope. If your cat also likes to scratch your rugs, get some corrugated cardboard floor scratch pads from your local pet supply store. Sprinkle your scratch posts and pads with catnip. Reward your cat for using them. Every two weeks trim just the white tip of your cat's nails with a nail trimmer. Don't come too close to the pink part of the nail.