Let’s face it: owning a cat is like living with a tiny, furry enigma. One minute they’re purring contentedly on your lap, and the next, they’re zooming around the house as if they just consumed an entire bag of catnip.
But what happens when their behavior becomes more puzzling than endearing? In this article, we’ll explore some common behavioral issues in cats and how to tackle them head-on.
1. Scratching Furniture: The Feline Art of Destruction
By the way, have you ever walked into your living room only to find that your beloved couch has been transformed into a scratching post?
It’s like a crime scene—fluff everywhere and claw marks that could rival those left by a bear! But before you start plotting revenge against your feline friend, let’s understand why cats scratch.
Interestingly enough, scratching is a natural behavior for cats. It helps them keep their claws healthy and sharp while marking territory with scent glands in their paws.
So, when Fluffy goes to town on your favorite chair, she isn’t trying to ruin your life; she’s simply being a cat! However, I think we can all agree that there are better places for her to express her artistic talents.
To address this issue, invest in quality scratching posts or pads—preferably ones made from materials that appeal to kitty claws.
Place them near the furniture they love to shred (think of it as creating an alternative art gallery). And remember positive reinforcement works wonders! Reward your cat with treats or praise when she uses her designated scratching spot instead of the couch.
2. Litter Box Problems: When Nature Calls… Somewhere Else
Let’s see—nothing ruins the mood quite like discovering that someone has decided your freshly cleaned floor is now their personal litter box. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why Mittens would choose to go rogue outside of her litter box, you’re not alone!
There can be many reasons behind this behavior. Sometimes it’s as simple as an unclean box (cats are notoriously picky about hygiene) or maybe it’s located in an inconvenient spot (who wants to do their business in a crowded hallway?).
Other times it might be due to stress or health issues such as urinary tract infections. Honestly, no one wants to deal with those surprises!
Start by ensuring the litter box is clean and placed in a quiet area where your cat feels safe. Experiment with different types of litter too; some cats prefer clumping clay while others might enjoy crystal or biodegradable options.
If these changes don’t help—and especially if you notice other concerning symptoms—it may be time for a trip to the vet.
3. Excessive Meowing: Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You Something?
Let’s switch gears to the interesting task of meowing! I can easily grasp their desire to interact with me every time they feel the urge to converse but when my cat meows instead of purring, I have to wonder whether she thinks herself right for the America’s Next Idol competition.
One interesting point to note in all instances, however, is the fact that some of that toting can be as a result of anxiety or other emotional extremes.
Cats are naturally social and enjoy the company and will therefore be keen on getting your attention.
In case, they are unable to get it when you are out for grocery shopping or running errands, it is most likely they will whine to make their feelings known. Effective strategies are identified, and every effective strategy either tackles a problem or alleviates very specific pain points.
To solve this particular problem, the cause needs to be addressed first, and for that, schedule regular playtime where you indulge in enticing toys with them.
Putting cats on a schedule when it comes to their feeding will assist them in understanding when they’d next get a feed. Spoiler alert – they will still beg but at least you will know they have been fed.
4. Aggression Towards People or Other Pets
Sometimes our little fur balls can become aggressive towards humans and pets as if they are trying to enroll an action movie, right? As shocking as it might sound, if you did get scratched by cats during what you assumed to be affectionate petting time, you ought to brace yourself.
Scary aggression in cats starts from fear or defending their territory rather than from cruel intentions, thankfully! As a matter of fact, the addition of any new pet or visitor who is not invited into one’s territory can be quite concerning, and it wouldn’t be wrong if a cat was defensive about such a tranquil castle, would it?
Now the best way to go about this is to be tolerant and understanding, so there’s enough time for the cats to embrace the interaction by going at their own pace.
Allowing time for the introduction, while segmenting the areas of interactions so cats can avoid overexertion is quite a genius idea, don’t you think? Start slow/get used to the interaction and within no time, the cats will be as comfortable as they can be.
Suggested Resources:
Understanding Cat Behavior
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues
How To Stop Your Cat from Scratching Furniture
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-stop-your-cat-scratching-furniture
Litter Box Solutions
https://www.cattime.com/cat-facts/litter-box-solutions