Common Cat Behavior Issues

Having household pets such as cats can be fun until behavior issues get in the way. Most caregivers do not fully understand why their pets behave this way. To correct these issues, the caregiver must know their causes before instituting any corrective training.

Attention Seeking

Cats tend to be attention-seeking when they feel they are left out. This is especially true when a new baby or another pet arrives. Cats often seek attention through excessive meowing, howling in the middle of the night, begging for food and treats, pawing a person's arm or leg, wool-sucking, or scratching objects and furniture.

Aggression Towards People

Aggressive behavior toward people may be manifested through biting or scratching, usually the hands. As part of their development, kittens learn biting and scratching. But this should be stopped earlier to prevent damage and scarring when the cats eventually grow sharp claws. It may be playful, but it can do more harm than good in the future.

Aggression Towards Cats

Aggression toward other cats has different types: sexual, territorial, and redirected. What may be just plain play-fighting at the beginning, can turn out into aggression. Intervention is necessary when a sign of aggression is present and if another cat gets hurt.

Destroying Items

Chewing of household items by cats is both destructive and harmful. This is caused by teething in kittens, curiosity, boredom, or even nutrient deficiency. Like human babies, kittens explore through their mouths. When does chewing become harmful to cats? If they chew wires and cords, a minor shock or even death can happen. It is best to provide toys and places where the cat can enjoy exploring to prevent boredom. As for the wires and cords in the house, cover them or spray them with bitter apple to make them taste so bad, the cat wouldn't want to come near them.

Litterbox Problems

Cat urine on your walls or place other than the litter box can be caused by either a physical or emotional problem. Common causes range from UTI problems, to territorial marking or that the litter box is just too dirty for their taste.

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