_edited.png)
Common Cat Behavior Problems and How to Fix them
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Peeing outside the litter box, attacking people, chasing other cats, and destroying furniture are some of the most common cat behavior problems.
Sometimes these common cat behaviours are the result of health conditions. More often, these challenging behaviours are an attempt to communicate or simply instinctive behaviour.
When we understand the root cause of the behaviour, what our cat is trying to tell us, we can provide our cat with what they need. Even if the behaviour is instinctive, there are things we can do to bring more harmony into the home.
Before we get into the specific behaviours, It is important to never punish your cat.
Punishment will make cats fearful, anxious, and aggressive. It will not correct misbehaving.
The most common challenging behaviour is:
1. Not Using the Litter Box or Misuse of the Litter Box
Cats can be picky. If they don't like the location of the box, the material in the box, if the box is the wrong shape or size, or if it is dirty, they may not use it.
What you can do about it:
Place the box in a quiet, calm location
Make sure the box is easily accessible
Clean the box daily
Multiple box is multliple locations for more than one cat.
Try different types of boxes and different types of litter until you find what your cat likes.
Counter Surfing
Jumping on counters is common. They may do this because they enjoy the height, want food, or want to be around you.
What you can do about it:
Put food away and wipe down the counters.
Providing your cat with alternate sitting spots that are high up, comfortable, and where you cat can observe you while youre in the kitchen.
Biting and Attacking
This happens when cats become overstimulated while being petted of if they are playing.
What you can do about it:
Understand cat behaviour and know when your cat is telling you they've had enough.
Respect your cat's boundaries.
Play regularly with your cat.
Attacking Other Cats
Cats are territoriality. When they live together, aggression can occur due to competition over resources.
What you can do about it:
Take introductions slowly and allowing cats time to become comfortable with each other.
Provide individual water and food bowls, scratching posts, beds, space, toys and attention.
Destroying Furniture
Cats need to sharpen their claws. Doing so marks territory and leaves information behind for other cats.
What you can do about it:
Offer better alternatives. Scratchers made for cats that provide textured materials.
Discover what type of scratcher your cat likes best (horizontal, vertical, rope, carept, cardboard, etc.)
Excessive Vocalization
Cats meow when they want to get your attention. They want you to do something. Cats may also meow when they are board or stressed.
What you can do about it:
Provide extra mental stimulation and increased exercise.
Play with your cat daily.
Look at other context cues to understand what your cat needs or wants.
Spay or neuter your cat.
Excessive Grooming
Infections and allergies can cause cats to bite and lick themselves excessively, they can also do so out of boredom or stress.
What you can do about it:
Provide more interactive toys and mental enrichment, such as puzzle feeders
Play daily with your cat.
Keep a routine and schedule
Provide calm, safe areas for your cat to relax and rest
It is important to never punish your cat.
Punishment will make cats fearful, anxious, and aggressive. It will not correct misbehaving.
If you and your cat are looking for a deeper connection and if you’re ready to take this work further, to truly understand your cat's emotions, energy, and communication on a whole new level - I would love to support you inside Synergy.
Synergy is my program where I teach you how to rebuild trust, confidence, energetic alignment, and deep communication with your cat, so training finally feels easy, connected, and mutual.
Dive deep into emotional alignment, connection-based training, and building lasting trust, without frustration or yelling.
For more details about how to get cat to stop misbehaving and cat behavior, watch the video below:
Comments