Problem Cat Behavior

Does Your Cat Have Habits That Annoy You?

Cat behavior can seem mysterious to us mere humans. Our feline friends have a reputation for being aloof, self reliant and moody.

None of this helps when you have a cat behaving in a way that you find unpleasant.

When your cat does something you really don’t like, it won’t help to hit her or scream at her because she’ll associate the punishment with you, not the thing she did.

However, she will respond immediately to praise and encouragement, so go ahead and reward her good behavior.

As for her “bad” behavior…? In this article we’ll take a look at some common problem behaviors and how to stop them.

• Jumping up on counters, tables, and other forbidden areas of the house
• Scratching carpets and furniture
• Biting and aggressive behavior
• Waking up the household early in the morning to get attention or food
• Cat spraying or soiling outside the litter box

Before You Start

Be certain that the problem isn’t being caused by something else.

Is your cat unwell? It can be hard to tell. Take your cat to the vet for a through examination to be certain the problem is only behavioral. For example, a cat with an undiagnosed urinary tract infection may be cranky and behave in an aggressive manner, or may be urinating around the house instead of using the litter tray. In this case a simple dose of antibiotics should clear up both these problems as well as the infection.

Another thing to consider is whether or not your cat may be reacting to any changes within your home. Has a new baby come home? Are you working in a new job and distracted? Is there a new more aggressive cat in the neighborhood?

You may need to help your cat to adjust before any progress is made.

Unwanted Cat Behavior: Scratching Carpet and Furniture

Cats love to scratch. They find it pleasurable, they have a lovely stretch and they look after the health of their claws at the same time.

They also use it to mark their territory. (See also cat spraying)

Cats cannot tell if the item they are scratching on is an antique sideboard or a piece of drift wood – if it’s there then it’s fair game.

The first thing you need to do, preferably from the time your cat is a kitten, is to provide a robust scratching post.

• Make sure it is tall enough for the cat to get a good stretch
• Make sure it won’t fall over if the cat decides to really get stuck into it
• Make sure it isn’t made from the same or similar materials as your flooring or furnishings.
• Make sure your cat doesn’t get stuck in it (looped carpet can snag badly)
• Sisal, corrugated cardboard and plain wood are good

Supply more than one post. Have one in every room if you can, wherever your cat hangs out.

Make it extra attractive by spraying it with catnip or rubbing catnip over the surfaces.

Every time you see your cat use the post, praise her and give her a treat.

If your cat is still scratching: try squirting her with spray bottle. This works for some cats, for others it just means they will scratch when you aren’t looking.

Clean the area that is being scratched thoroughly, then cover it with a piece of plastic or foil. This works well for either carpet or a vertical surface. Your cat will find it unattractive creating the perfect chance to get her interested in those expensive and fun scratching posts you bought.

Unwanted Cat Behavior: Cat Spraying or Messing Outside the Litter Box

If you have the all clear from the vet then this type of behavior will be based on territory and dominance. Your cat is feeling under threat either from another pet in your home or even a neighborhood cat that may be hanging around.

See the article on Cat Spraying for more detail.

Unwanted Cat Behavior: Nighttime or Early Morning Wake Up Call

The main reason a cat will wake you when you are trying to sleep is for your company or food.

The main remedy for retraining your cat is to keep your bedroom door shut. Don’t give in to her crying and scratching, you’ll be rewarding unwanted behavior.

• Make sure she has her own warm and comfortable bed – either a cat bed, a lined cardboard box or leave the door open on her carrier.
• Make sure she has access to her scratching pole, clean litter and heaps of toys.
• Be prepared for the fact that she will kick up a ruckus trying to get to you.

You must try to ignore the noises she will make. One of those machines that play soothing white noise or the sounds of the ocean may help.

Or, you could make scratching at your door an unpleasant experience.

Most cats detest vacuum cleaners….can you see where this is going?

Place the vacuum cleaner outside your closed bedroom door.

Sometimes the sight of it is enough to keep your cat away and you won’t need to do anything more. But go ahead and run the cord under the door to a power point handy in your bedroom. When the cat starts up her usual ruckus, just flick the switch to start the vacuum cleaner. Leave it on for a few seconds. Then try to get back to sleep. Repeat as necessary. It usually works within a few days.

Unwanted Cat Behavior: Aggressive Cat Play

Cats need an outlet for their pent up energy and instinct to hunt, but the last thing you want is to be under attack.

Read more on aggressive cat play here…

Unwanted Cat Behavior: Keeping Cats Off Counters and Tables

Cats love to explore and even if there is nothing to eat on a counter, they probably won’t be able to resist jumping up to look around.

Instead of scolding them, rig up something that will surprise them so much they won’t want to do it again.

• Excellent tools for this job are empty metal cans or cans filled with coins. Place them near the edges of your counters. When your cat jumps up they will knock them down. It makes a terrible racket and will give your cats an unpleasant surprise.
• Try a sheet of contact paper. Peel off the backing and secure it sticky side up on the counter. Cats hate the feel on their paws and they’ll think twice about jumping back up.

Be prepared to persevere with this over a few days. Once the lesson sinks in it is long lasting but keep on eye on your cat just in case. What is it they say about curiosity and the cat…?

Resources on Cat Behavior

I’m not an expert on cat behavior; these tips are just things I’ve picked over the years and from reading some excellent books.

One book I’d recommend for you to keep on hand is Complete Cat Training.

It has expert tips on how to solve a range of behavioral problems. It’s guaranteed to help improve your relationship with your cat or your money back.

I love reading the testimonials from people who’ve tried it. They’re so heart warming. Take a look at it here.

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