Why do cats knead?

Kneading starts at kittenhood. During nursing young kittens knead the mother's teat to stimulate milk flow. They often continue this when they feel warm and comfortable with something as a blanket. They do this when they feel sake and protected.

Spraying:

Spraying is territorial. They do this to mark their space in the house and especially when there are more than one cat.

1. Make sure the litter box is kept clean.

2. Use a spray from your vet that makes the cat think he has already marked the spot.

3. Since they do not play, sleep or eat in these areas, put a water bowl. cat toys, or his favorite bed.

4. These spots must be cleaned with a enzymatic cleaner to get rid of the odor so the cat can no longer sense it.

Scratching:

1. Use a scratching post. You can attach a feather toy or something to it to make it more amusing.

2.You can put Sticky Tape on the corners of the furniture to discourage the cat from clawing.

3.Do not use a carpet post. Get one that is covered with rough sisal-type material.

4. Place it near the furniture they are clawing and train them to use the pole instead of the furniture.

5. Do-not declaw your cat.

First - it is inhumane.

Second- it means amputating the first joint of the toes
 and the recovery is very painful.

Some cats remain to have very sensitive toes.

Declawing is a surgical procedure, also called onychectomy,
in which the animal's toes are amputated at the last joint.
Most people do not realize that a portion of the bone—not only nail—is
removed. Declawing may result in permanent lameness, arthritis,
and other long-term complications.
It is actually illegal in many countries.

There are more than 100 big cat sanctuaries in 41 states caring for 
over 1000 declawed cats that live each day in constant pain.
The Paw Project's goal is to help every one of these cats by
providing support to sanctuaries and veterinarians.
            

When you kitty quits using the litter box:

There could be 3 different causes.

1. Medical:

You need to have you vet check you cat for urinary tract problems. If a cat feels pain when he goes in his box he associates that pain with the box.

2. The Litter Box:

Do you keep it clean?

Maybe you changed litter or a location.

Is it big enough?

And make sure it is not to close to his food bowl.

3. Emotional:

Changes in you life that affect you can also affect the cat. Such as, a death, a new baby, a move to new house, someone new in the house etc.

Also some cats do not feel safe sharing a litter box with another cat. Especially if one is more dominant.