Cat behavior problems, Cats have surpassed dogs as the most favored pets in the United States. There are more cats in households compared to dogs in the United States. Cats are loving animals, but their way of showing their love and affection is different from that of dogs. Cats lick and rub themselves against our legs and purr when we give them a massage.
Sometimes these furry creatures may behave differently by displaying signs of aggression, which can be very worrisome for most cat owners. As a cat owner you would not have expected this strange behavior from your feline friend.
Everyone loves to spend quality time with their pet cats, but when things don’t go as expected you are bound to be upset and worried as your loving pet has developed cat behavior problems that is concerning to both you as well as your cat.
Cat Behavior Problems
A behavior problem in cats is difficult to deal as you don’t see any physical symptoms like lethargy, bleeding or limping. These physical symptoms are easily identifiable and you can solve these issues by immediately taking your pet to the vet. But, in case of behavior problems you tend to sometimes exaggerate the issue or for that matter take the issue lightly.
We tend to solve the issue without properly understanding the underlying cause and tend to misread the issue resulting in ineffective solutions.
Cat behavior problems can be managed effectively and there is no need to be overconcerned. So what are the behavior problems that most cat owners encounter and how to get them corrected is extremely essential to deal with the problem effectively.
Different Behavior Problems and how to solve them
Not Using the Litter Box
Not using the litter box is the number one behavior problem identified by most cat owners. It can be very frustrating to see your cat not using the litter box even though you have purchased one of the best looking brands for your pet. The reason for not using the litter box can be many and you need to identify them to properly solve the issue. Talking to your vet will help solve this problem to a large extent.
If your cat is suffering from bladder stones, urinary infection and crystals, then cats tend to avoid the litter box. Get your cat checked thoroughly by a vet to rule out any health issues. Keep one litter box for each cat if you have many at home. Initially you may have to tryout different patterns of litter boxes to know the preferred litter for your pet cat.
Never allow more than one cat to use the same litter box, as other cats will have to wait in queue to use the litter box, which can test their patience. Such cats then relive themselves in other areas of the house. The rule of the thumb is to clean the litter box once daily and remove all the clumps. Some cats hate using the litter box with clumps.
Scratching
Cats love scratching and nibbling, and it is a common sight to see them clawing and scratching on furnishings and on furniture. This is usually done to divert their excessive energy and to even mark their territory. Cats scratch on things to remove things that may have got stuck in their claws.
Scratching is a natural behavior found in cats, but to prevent any damage to your furniture you can get a scratching post for your cat, which are easily available at most pet stores. For cat owners who love to get their cats dressed up there are different claw claps that come in many colors, which can be worn on your kitty’s claws to prevent any damage due to constant scratching.
Aggression
Cats show aggression due to various reasons, which may include any ailment, too many people around them, less socialization or if she is protecting her kittens. Cats display aggression when they simply play around.
Dealing with aggression is important. To rule out any ailment that is causing your friend to behave in a certain manner, it is necessary to get them examined by your vet. So if any physical ailment is troubling your pet cat, your vet can prescribe some medication to relieve the pain.
Cats that are not neutered or spayed are usually aggressive and their behavior may affect other cats in the house. Spaying and neutering is ideal to mellow them down. Avoid congestion in the house and provide ample litter boxes, water and toys for your pets.
Whenever you notice two cats fighting or showing their aggression, never try to separate them physically, instead throw some soft toy towards them to divert their attention or make loud noise. A veterinary behaviorist can help you solve the aggressive behavior in your cat if your vet can’t solve the problem.
Too much nocturnal activity
Cats are nocturnal animals, until they are domesticated. To prevent unwarranted nighttime activity get your cat examined by a vet to rule out any health issues.
Engage your cat in some playful activity before hitting the bed so that they tire and sleep well. You can engage your feline friend during the day by providing it with lot of toys and engaging in some activity or other.
You can even get another cat for company. Provide a big meal at night so that they can sleep well instead of sleeping during the day.
Check for fleas and tapeworms
If you notice your cat chewing or scratching very often, then he may have fleas on his body. Take your cat to a vet who can suggest a solution to tackle fleas and the tapeworm problem.
Make sure you treat all the pets in the house as fleas can spread from one animal to another. Only use flea solution designed for cats as flea control medications for dogs are not suitable for cats.
Engage your cat in a lot of playful activity
Cats especially kittens love playing around. They tend to harm or leave scratch marks on humans which can get infected. To prevent this provide your cat with cat toys and an enclosure where it can stretch itself.
You can spend some time with your feline friend daily by playing with their toys. Never allow your cat to play with your feet or hands as it can develop into a habit later on. Some cats tend to bite hard on fingers when they grow into adults if they have developed this habit right from their childhood.
Excessive Meowing
When a cat is in heat she tends to be very vocal and affectionate. She may meow more on these days as compared to other days. Even male cats talk more if they smell any female cat in heat and this behavior will go on until the breeding season. To tackle this problem get your cat spayed or neutered.
Even after spaying if you notice that your feline friend is meowing a lot, then the reason for this behavior can be bad litter box, fleas, tapeworm or insufficient water. Cat behavior problems are common, but you need to identify the real cause and get them corrected so that the matter doesn’t get worse. Be patient and understand your companion’s problems so that you both can live in perfect harmony forever.
