1300 489 873Any pet owner will tell you that each animal has its own unique personality. This is certainly true of cats, who can be both independent and affectionate, playful and aloof. However, there are some behavioral problems that are common in cats, and which can be frustrating for owners.
Cat Scratching
Cat scratching is a normal behavior for cats. Scratching allows them to stretch their muscles, trim their nails, and mark their territory. However, this behavior can be a problem for owners when cats scratch furniture. In order to protect your furniture, there are a few things you can do. First, provide your cat with an alternative scratching surface, such as a scratching post or cat tree. You can also discourage furniture scratching by using double-sided tape or spraying the area with citrus-scented spray. Finally, rewards-based training can teach your cat that scratching furniture is not acceptable. With a little patience and effort, you can help your cat develop healthy scratching habits.
Jumping on counters or tables
Some cats enjoy jumping on counters or tables. While this may be fun for the cat, it can be dangerous or even deadly. Cats can easily knock over fragile items, break glass, or injure themselves if they fall from a height. In addition, cats may be exposed to harmful chemicals or cleaning products if they jump on counters or tables. For these reasons, it is important to keep your cat safe by preventing them from jumping on counters or tables. One way to do this is to provide your cat with a stable surface that is specifically for them to climb on, such as a cat tree. You can also encourage your cat to stay off counters and tables by placing their food and toys on the floor. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your cat safe and prevent them from getting injured. For instances when your feline gets into an accident, having pet insurance surely helps with that unexpected cost.
Chasing and attacking people or animals
Some cats enjoy chasing and attacking people or animals. This behavior is most often seen in young, male cats who have not been neutered. Although it may seem like harmless fun to the cat, it can be quite dangerous for the person or animal being chased. In addition to the risk of being scratched or bitten, there is also the danger of being knocked down and injured. For this reason, it is important to take measures to prevent a cat from chasing and attacking people or animals. One way to do this is to keep the cat indoors, where it will not have the opportunity to chase other creatures. Another option is to provide the cat with a safe outlet for its hunting instinct by playing with it regularly or providing it with toys that simulate prey. By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your cat remains safe and well-behaved.
Not using the litter box
If your cat is not using the litter box, there could be a number of reasons why. First, it’s important to rule out any medical causes. If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, digestive problem, or other health issue. If you think there may be a medical cause, take your cat to the veterinarian for an exam. If there is no medical reason for the behavior, it could be due to stress or dislike of the litter box. If you’ve recently changed litter brands or type, your cat may need some time to adjust. Additionally, cats may avoid the litter box if it is too dirty or located in a stressful area of the house (e.g., near the washing machine). Finally, some cats simply prefer to relieve themselves outdoors. If this is the case, provide your cat with a safe outdoor area where they can go to the bathroom.
There are many reasons for feline behavioral issues, but most of them can be fixed with a little patience and understanding from both you and your cat. The best way to deal with a behavior problem is to first try to identify its cause. Once you know what’s causing the issue, you can begin working on a solution. If you’re experiencing any of these common behavioral problems with your cat, don’t give up! There is hope. When in doubt, always check with your veterinarian.
