Common cat behavior problems can drive us bananas, but don't blame your cat. What's often considered bad cat behavior is normal feline instinct. That said, living with a cat can be as frustrating as it is wonderful. Here's how to deal with so-called bad cat behavior.
Cats instinctively seek high places for lookouts and resting spots. This makes them feel secure and keeps them safe from nosy dogs or other unwanted attention. Countertops may also have yummy food to sample, and cool water from faucets tempts cats to leap to these lofty locations.
Once your cat has "legal" lounge areas, make "illegal" spots less alluring to stop these cat behavior problems.
Cats scratch to mark territory and relieve stress. Figure out their preferred scratching surface. Does your cat scratch carpet, upholstery or wood? Do they prefer horizontal or vertical surfaces? Where do they scratch? Provide alternatives tailored to your cat's needs to help rescue your furniture.
Defensive aggression, like hissing, happens when cats feel threatened. Pushy cats want their way. They'll challenge other cats over territory with offensive aggression. Proper pet introductions can smooth out these interactions. High-energy kittens indulge in rough play aggression. Some cats learn to use biting to stop unwanted grooming or petting.
Stress increases cat aggression, and so does discomfort from illness or pain. Cats usually bluff with posturing and lots of noise long before they attack, so recognizing this so-called bad cat behavior lets you avoid dangerous situations. Cat bites or attacks, though, call for professional behavioral help. Here are ways to recognize cat aggression problems and diffuse the angst:
Hit-or-miss litter box behavior tops the list for cat behavior problems. Besides eliminating, cats use urine to calm themselves with self-scent. They also mark territory by spraying. Stress can increase the urge to mark. Luckily, neutering before sexual maturity stops spraying in up to 90% of cats.
Here are the top reasons cats go outside the litter box and what you can do:
You can't change instinct, and deterrents won't work without a better alternative. Redirecting cats to more appropriate outlets solves many cat behavior problems, saving your furniture and your sanity.
Amy Shojai, is a certified animal behavior consultant, and nationally known authority on pet care and behavior. She began her career as a veterinary technician and is the award-winning author of more than 35 prescriptive nonfiction pet books.
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