The 6 most common cat behavior problems (and how to solve them)

The 6 most common cat behavior problems (and how to solve them)

 

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When it comes to behavior, cats and dogs are incredibly different. While dogs are a little more caring in this regard and focus on pleasing their caretakers, cats aren’t as expressive with their affection.

Cats are a mystery to most, but the best way to define them would be as dignified and independent.

They do not like being negatively reinforced and are more focused on what they want.

This attitude could be a problem for people who don’t have a lot of patience.

Let us discuss some significant problems with cat behavior and what you can do to alleviate some of them to make your life and your cat’s, more comfortable.

FURNITURE SCRATCHES

Cats love putting their little claws to use, preferably on your precious leather couch and curtains.

It’s hard to keep things out of their reach as they conveniently jump on to every surface imaginable.

It is essential to keep track of what you leave exposed, as many things that we eat or use can prove harmful for the cats.

Couches are the most common target for cats to scratch, and while a few blankets might save your upholstery for a while, it’s not too useful in the long run.

Another option is to get nail caps for your cat that are made from safe and non-toxic PVC plastic.

While these can protect your furniture from destructive scratching, they need to be changed every few weeks, so this isn’t a permanent solution either.

The question is, why do cats prefer to test their claws on your furniture in the first place?

Veterinarians suggest that it’s because textured and stable surfaces provide them with the perfect place to put their nails to use.

There are several scratching posts available in the market that can help you solve this problem and save your furniture while keeping your cat entertained at the same time.

 

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MISSING THE LITTER BOX

It’s (probably) not on purpose, but these little mishaps are something that cat owners have to face way too often.

If your cat starts to display such behavior, it is possible that the location of its litter box is not favorable. In that case, try relocating it somewhere away from the cat’s eating and sleeping area.

Make sure to toss the solid out every day and to change the litter at least once a week. Keep in mind that adding more litter in the box is not an alternative to changing it.

Another solution is to avoid scented litter or strong-smelling cleaners as strong odors could be repulsive for the cat.

Before getting upset, it is better to consult your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is in good health.

It is crucial to keep in mind that cats have a sensitive digestive system as compared to humans and are thus prone to a variety of illnesses that could cause diarrhea or vomit.

GETTING INTO CLEAN LAUNDRY:

It is no secret that cats are soft for sweet scents and warmth, which is why they try to claim their territory in your clean laundry.

You can manage this by finding an alternative space for your laundry, but this way you will be depriving your cat of a fun activity.

A better solution would be to wash some cloth specially made for them and let them play and cuddle with that.

Another popular attraction for cats is the laundry baskets themselves.

Cats adore having a place to hide, and the tall baskets are their ideal spot.

Veterinarians suggest that cats see it as their safe spot and a veritable explosion of comfort.

If this is a problem, you can try to find a replacement or build something similar to a laundry basket for your cat to enjoy.

CHEWING ON HOUSEPLANTS:

The saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’ might hold some truth after all.

Cats love to explore, and fluttering things are particularly appealing to them. Whether they get nutrients by nibbling on plants, or if they like the taste, we’re not sure; but young houseplants seem to be their favorite.

This fact is something that you’ll have to consider before getting a cat.

There are some plants, such as ivy or philodendron, which could pose serious harm to your cats. Make sure to check out the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

If you have any poisonous plants in your house, keep them in a place inaccessible to cats; if you can find one, that is.

You may want to invest in plants that could do your cat some good.

Though most plants are fascinating to cats out of sheer curiosity, some of them provide them nutritional elements as well. An example of such plants is Vining Peperomia.

You could decrease this habit by spraying a repellent such as Bitter Apple on the plants, which makes them far less attractive for the cats.

Applying tape is another alternative, as cats don’t waste their time in things that annoy them; humans, for example.

A better solution, however, would be to have some pots specifically for them with things such as catnip or some other cat— friendly plants.

 

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WAKING YOU UP EARLY IN THE MORNING

If you choose to get a cat because you find kids annoying,

I have some news for you. Cats tend to wake up at unreasonable hours, after which they make it their mission to annoy you out of your sleep.

The most probable reason for this is having run out of food. Well, that or they have some critical information they need to tell you at 3 AM.

According to feline behavior experts, when your cats wake you up by annoying you, and you give them food, they conclude that annoying their human results in getting food.

So, they do it more and more often.

If you want to change this behavior, you may have to pull a Pavlov on your cats.

It will take some time and effort, but you can gradually change their pattern.

Start checking the time your cat wakes you up, set your alarm a few minutes before that time, and give them food before they can ask for it.

Little by little, set the alarm a few minutes later each day.

As time passes, the cat will begin to associate your signal with its food, and you will be able to get a peaceful sleep.

If this sounds like too much effort, you can choose to invest in an automatic cat feeder that is available in the market.

MEOWING TOO MUCH

You may have noticed that some cats meow more than others, and this mostly depends on their breed and training.

However, if your cat suddenly starts meowing more often than before, that is an indication that there could be something wrong.

It could be that your cat doesn’t feel well and wants to convey this to you.

Several diseases can cause hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which may lead to excessive meowing. Anxiety, aggression, or frustration may also cause an increase in this behavior.

Check-in with your veterinarian to make sure there isn’t a medical problem.

If it’s not, it’s most probable that the cat is demanding attention, since it’s one of the most effective methods of grabbing their owner’s focus.

Once your cat starts meowing at you, you’re most likely to give in to its soft whines and do whatever it wants.

Cats are fully aware of this, and never fail to use it to their full advantage.

If it gets too much, you can occasionally give them something to chase or hunt, which should distract them for the time being, and perhaps, if you’re lucky, will exhaust them enough to take a nap.

These were some of the most noticeable problems regarding cat behaviors. Needless to say, although cats are high-maintenance, they’re also one of the most beautiful pets one could have.

If you’re looking to get a cat, make sure you do proper research and get some training beforehand.

Once your cat trusts you, you’ll be signed up for a lifetime of love and affection.

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