Knowing and Addressing Common Behavioural Problems in Cats

Cats are perfect companions for people who are into nonchalant and independent buddies. Though they are adorable in their unique ways, some exhibit problems that may pose challenges between them and their humans.

Understanding your cat’s manners will help you implement good strategies for correcting such common problems. In this guide, we will tackle some of the most common behavioural problems in cats and how to address them properly.

Destructive Scratching

Scratching is a common behavior in cats and they do it to keep their claws in good condition and mark their territory. However, there are times when cats excessively scratch and become destructive to the point that they are already destroying furniture.

To solve inappropriate scratching, provide your cat with pads around your house. A simple rubber mat will do the trick. Just scatter them to places where your cat usually stays and wrap them around furniture legs. Encourage your cat to use these designated areas by sprinkling catnip or treats on them.

Boxes are cozy caves and playgrounds for cats. However, they also use the cardboard to scratch. So, giving them that fancy box is worth it after all.

Aggression Towards People or Other Cats

Cat’s aggressive behaviour is from a variety of reasons. It can be a play, fear, territorial disputes, and medical problems. Determining the root cause will help you address it properly.

Play aggression often stems from the lack of opportunities to play. Many cats that exhibit this are often left alone and don’t have other pets with them. To intervene with aggressive plays, you must first observe and watch for the patterns. Then pre-empt or deny access to places where they inhibit such behavior.

For fear and territorial disputes, identify the person or animal that triggers the aggression. Gradually increase the presence of those stimuli but start with a distance. Then, reward the non-aggressive response with treats.

There are sudden aggressions and usually, they are the roots of an underlying condition. If your tame cat suddenly turns aggressive to you or other people and animals, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Avoiding Litter box

Another common complaint of cat owners is that their cats pee and poop outside their litter boxes. This is unhygienic and may cause health problems not just to your pets but to your family as well.

Cats often relieve themselves in areas where they smell their pee and poop. When you are introducing a new litter box, it’s good to place it in that area. Once you see them use it, place it in a more accessible area and clean the former spot with soap, water, and vinegar.

If your cat is ignoring your litter box, it’s probably too small, too dirty, too deep, or didn’t have enough litter in it. Cats prefer at least 2 inches of litter and wide enough where they move around while covering their waste. Lastly, make sure to clean it frequently.

If your cat is suddenly ignoring its litter box, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Consult your doctor immediately.

Excessive Meowing

Cats meow as a way of communicating with you. It can be a simple “hi” or a “good morning” or other reasons like hunger, fear, sickness, mating season, old age, or they just need some of your attention. 

Responding to fear, hunger, and attention-seeking is a bit easy. Just attend to their needs and when they are satisfied, they’ll doze off. In mating season, cats are usually active at night causing inconvenience to you and your neighbours. The best way to prevent your cats from participating in mating season is by neutering.

If your cat is suddenly meowing non-stop, he is probably sick. Observe if he is in pain, and bring him to the vet immediately. The doctor may perform tests to see what’s bugging him.

Anxiety and Stress

Cats are sensitive creatures and they immediately exhibit distress when faced with changes around them. Always make sure that you will give support to them when you are introducing them to something new like a new pet, visitors, and new home.

Always create a safe spot for your cats where they can retreat whenever stressful situations happen. Also consider buying interactive toys, crates, and cat playgrounds to help cope up with stress and anxiety.

Understanding and addressing common behavioural problems in cats will require patience. From identifying the root cause to implementing your strategies to addressing them, you’ll need to be compassionate and consistent. Training your cats will not only help them correct behavioural issues but will also serve as a bonding.