by Constance Keasler

Created on: March 29, 2010

Domestic cats are generally well behaved and the most common types of behavior problems in cats are caused from stress or medical conditions. The behavior of large cats in the wild when exhibited by a domestic cat become problem behaviors. The most common behavior problems in cats are spraying, aggression, food refusal, elimination, scratching and eating houseplants.

Spraying

All cats, male, female, neutered, young and old spray to mark their territory. They position themselves when urinating so that the spray hits an object. From the spray other cats know the age, sex and territory of the cat marking and it is done to either drive away or attract another cat. Spraying usually occurs outdoors but indoor cats under stress will spray. The area needs to be completely disinfected so that no remaining odor will encourage repeat bad behavior. This also applies to regular urination outside the litter box.

Aggression

Biting and scratching as a kitten is natural and harmless behavior but as the cat matures this behavior needs to be stopped or re-directed. Cats respond to a sharp immediate “No!” or a startling noise. If the aggression is exhibited toward another cat it is a territorial issue. Sometimes cats bite without notice when they are touched and it is a good idea to remember the area that was sensitive to avoid further problems.

Food Refusal

Cats are notorious for this but when they start to loose weight from not eating it becomes alarming especially when it is new behavior. If food is not at the right temperature or the right kind they will refuse, so changing food is not a good idea.

Elimination Outside of the Litter Box

When inside cats leave stools other places than in the litter box it is a serious problem. Often the owner is surprised by what they find so trying to correct or scold the cat after the incident is ineffective. This problem behavior in cats can stem from stress, a dirty litter box, isolation or a medical problem.

Scratching

Since scratching is a natural behavior it needs to be curbed as early as possible. Softer furniture like leather is not as appealing

Eating Houseplants

Cats eat grass naturally and when that is not available they will eat houseplants to curb their craving but some houseplants can be harmful to the cat. Feeding wheat grass to the cat or wet food that has greens in it is a good way to eliminate the behavior.

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