Behavioral Problems in Cats

Cats can sometimes be mean and ill tempered. Even when they are most annoying, there is a remedy out there somewhere for your cat’s behavior. Following are some of the most common problems that a cat may experience in its behavior and their solutions:

1. Clawing your carpet and furniture. Cats have the need to sharpen their chaws. When they do this, they are removing the outer layer of their claws. Some people simply choose to have their cat declawed. This is often frowned upon. What if your indoor cat accidentally finds itself outside one day? If it has been declawed, then his primary form of defense has been taken away. Before getting your cat declawed, try getting a scratching post for your cat. Take come catnip and rub it over the scratching post. This may entice your cat to use it. You can also try sprinkling powdered chicken bouillon on it. Crazy as it seems, it does work! Try to make your feline’s favorite scratching places less appealing. Try sprinkling fresh lemon juice over the areas or close the doors so that the cat cannot gain access to its favorite scratching area.

2. Going to the bathroom outside the litter box. One of the first things to ask is, is it your cat’s fault or is it your fault? Most cats will not use a liiter box that has not been changed for a while. If you think that this is the problem then try changing the litter about twice as often as you are now doing. Be sure to clean any place the cat goes right away, and be sure to use a disinfectant to get rid of the odor. Try to put the litter box in a much more attractive setting.

3. Clawing people. Generally, cats do this out of fear. If your cat is afraid of children, for instance, then try to do something to correct the situation. Try to expose your kitty to young children until he calms down. Make sure the child is not left alone with the cat. Have the child either sit on your lap or next to you and feed it treats.Some cats are not afraid but are just mean to certain people. If your cat begins to growl or claw in a person’s presence, pick up the cat and put her in the bathroom until the guest departs.

4. Caterwauling. It is the nature of the Siamese cat to do this. However, other cats caterwaul because they are tired, hungry or sick or your feline wants you to know that it has done something good. If a catewauls becuae she is in heat, then it is best to get her spayed.

5. Spraying. Male cats usually do this when they want to mark their territory. They also do it when they feel they are being threatened. The only thing you can do about this is to have your cat neutered. Do not punish you cat for this behavior. It will surely not understand.

6. Running outside. You know how the saying goes that “curiosity killed the cat”! Cats are very curious about the outside world. Do not open the door when the cat is very close to the door as it may be able to run out. You can get your cat used to the outside by walking her on a leash or by carrying her when you happen to go outside. If you expose your cat to snow and wet weather conditions, she will be less likely to want to go out.