Avoiding A 'CAT'-astrophe!

In order to be a 'successful' cat-owner, one MUST understand the basic, fundamental-behaviour(s) of kitties. It's, ALWAYS, so, interesting, to me, to acknowledge the disarming, clever, coy, and, sly, nature of cats; the, two, whom now 'rule my roost', NO exception to the rule. Felines, overall, are a wily-bunch, forever getting into 'mischief' due to their inquisitive-nature. They are cunning and smart, as a rule, and, know, precisely, what they are doing, when up to their, 'shenanigans'; and, this, the characteristic, of cats, in general, which, is MOST, 'challenging', and, kinda 'entertaining', to me, as a cat-owner, and, lover. My two, 'Little Ones', who, are NOT so little, any, longer, are SMART, and, this makes for some 'interesting' moments, around here, for sure. They know, quite well, the areas of the house, which, are 'off-limits' to them; yet, they continuously, attempt 'trespassing', all the while, glancing back at me, with that 'knowing'-look in their eyes, that, says, 'Yup...we know we're doing something naughty...what do you expect, after all...we're CATS!'. Certainly, as kittens, as with ANY wee-ones, they must be taught, and, by and large, are 'quick-studies' for sure. However, unlike their canine counter-parts, who, typically, upon learning a thing, and, wishing to please a Master, thus, 'obeying', a cat will, forever, attempt to 'break the rules', regardless of understanding them. They, simply, CANNOT help themselves, as it is their, very, nature to be curious, along with being territorial; this, causing cats, around the globe to feel 'entitled' to their 'space', wherever and whatever it be. Having these, two, 'beasts' share my abode, does, in fact, keep me on my toes, and, this...a, GOOD thing; Heck, anything to keep me moving! Plus, I'm, always, up for a new-challenge, and, these, two, do their damnedest to ensure, that, I am, for sure. The thing is...they've, YET, to realize, that, I AM a bit, MORE, clever than they. Hey...let 'em think what they will...they DO, anyway...they're CATS! Just Sayin'...