When it comes to taking care of our pets, most owners would assume that is dogs that need the training whereas cats can more or less take care of themselves.

But while it is true that you're unlikely ever to be able to teach your moggie to sit and stay (and you'll never really need to anyway), it is important that your cat is taught good behaviour and learns any basic house rules.

One of the first things you'll need to teach your kitten is where they can and cannot scratch, as you may find that a young cat trys to dig their claws into the first piece of furniture or carpet they see.

If you do find your cat scratching at something they shouldn't, rather than shouting or punishing them you should gently remove their paws and say 'no' firmly but calmly.

Since scratching is a natural behaviour for kittens, it is a good idea to have a scratching post, which you should encourage them to use by dangling a toy by it and playing games.

You may also need to teach your feline not to be bolshie at dinner time, as many kittens can get excited when the cat food comes out and can even become aggressive.

In this case it important not to reward the bad behaviour by giving them their premium cat food or whatever they're demanding and instead feeding them once they've calmed down.

In general, this concept works well for any behavioural problem, whether it's jumping on the counter, constant meowing or demanding attention. If you simply ignore any naughtiness or remove them from the situation, and then praise your cat when they're behaving well, you'll soon find that your pet is calm and responsive.

It's best to start training your feline friend from a young age, but even older cats can pick up good behaviour if they are taught properly - just be patient, use plenty of praise and in no time you should have a happy, well-mannered pet.

Written by: Hannah