Most cat lovers know the saying “Dogs have masters but cats have staff.” Cats seem to know by nature that they are in charge. With a little training, you can teach them to share their dominance with you.

It’s always a great feeling when our cat rubs against our legs, purring and asking for attention (or food, of course). But sometimes, problems arise in a cat’s house. Here are some tips and tricks for dealing with cat behavior:

1. Is your kitty a picky eater?

Mix some coffee creamer in the food.

2. Does your cat jump on the counter?

Buy some rubber mats and place them on the counter, rubber side up. When the cat jumps, the mats will slide and your cat will jump down.

3. Does your cat dig up houseplants?

Sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the ground.

4. Does your cat spray the walls or corners of the house?

Clean the affected points and apply them with lemon essence or vinegar or sweet perfume that you do not use for yourself. Use ammonia-free detergents, since the cat’s urine contains this substance and induces him to urinate again.

5. Does your cat ignore the scratching post?

When you catch your cat scratching the sofa instead of the scratching post, grab a spray bottle of water and give your cat a little mist. Take him to the scratching tree and reward him with a treat.

6. Does your pet not use the cat litter box?

Maybe the box is too close to the cat’s food or he doesn’t like the smell of cat litter.

7. Has your cat stopped using the litter box?

When a cat starts to get dirty, this is a red flag and you should see your vet to rule out a health problem such as cystitis, uroliths or diabetes.