Let's begin by understanding that your cat will always rely on you for regular veterinary cat care, safe shelter, water and food despite there independent appearance. If you are consistent with meeting there essential needs you will be in a great place to have a rewarding and mutually benefitting relationship.

Make sure you get a collar and ID tag for your cat that includes your telephone number, address and name. Remember that there is always a chance your cat may get outside and having the collar and id tag will heighten the chances of your cat returning home safely.

Your cat should be kept indoors when possible. This is best for the community, your cat and you when you keep your cat safely confined at all times.

It's important that you make the decision to get your cat spayed or neutered. This action will keep them healthier and help reduce the issue of cat overpopulation.

Train your cat from the beginning not to do things you don't like. This would include but not limited to jumping on counter tops and scratching household items. Your cat can be trained just like a dog if you create the right circumstances. These would include In the final analysis it's up to you to make sure your cat is trained not to act in a way you don't like. This would include scratching furniture and jumping on counter tops. Despite popular opinion your cat can be trained like any other animal. As long as you remember to include understanding, effort and patience your training will be successful.

Make it a point to groom your cat often to keep their coat soft and shiny and healthy. Brush your cat's hair often to keep it from getting matted. This one action alone will help your cat lower hairball creation. These are created when cats groom themselves and in the process swallow a lot of hair.

In Summary

In closing just remember to be patient and loyal with your cat. Also remember that the majority of behavior problems can be resolved and make sure you have reasonable expectations of your cat's behavior. Contact the local animal shelter or veterinarian if you are having major issues with your cat's behavior.