How to Deal with Territorial Cats
Territorial aggression in cats is disruptive, but these tactics can help.
Is your cat doing something that is driving you batty, like clawing the furniture or meowing constantly? These tips can help you address five of the most common cat behavior problems.
When your cat starts going outside of the box, it’s a messy problem to say the least. There are a number of reasons your cat might be avoiding the litter box, which you might be able to address fairly easily. For instance:
If the litter box isn’t the problem, your cat may have a health condition that is causing the issue, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. Older cats with painful arthritis can also have trouble stepping into the litter box in which case you can provide one that has a lower front opening.
Get the Inside Scoop on Cat Poop for more tips on dealing with litter box issues.
Scratching is a natural part of being a cat. It allows them to shed the worn-out outer nails and expose the new claws to keep them sharp and healthy. However, it’s a problem if your cat is tearing apart the furniture, curtains, or carpets in your house. Here are a few things you can try to help stop destructive scratching:
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) strongly recommends against declawing your cat as a solution to destructive scratching. Declawing has not been proven to resolve behavioral issues plus recovery is painful for your cat. You’ll also be exposing your cat to the risks of surgery.
Cats who act aggressively can cause painful injuries to people and other pets in the home. There are lots of reasons why a cat might exhibit aggressive behavior such as:
If your cat is acting aggressively, you should talk with your veterinarian. They can help you figure out what might be causing the issue and recommend ways to treat or address it.
If your cat is constantly meowing, they might be trying to tell you something. Maybe they are hungry and their bowl of kibble is empty. Perhaps they are thirsty, but their water ran out. Or it could be that they are fed up with a messy litter box. Then again, they might have some sort of ailment troubling them, such as fleabites or an upset stomach.
The first step to try and halt all that meowing is to try to figure out the cause. Check their food and water bowls as well as their litter box. Other reasons your cat might be meowing include:
If there is no apparent reason for all that chattiness, you should visit your veterinarian to make sure your cat doesn’t have a health condition bothering them.
Does your cat like to sleep all day and play all night? Housecats are domesticated creatures, but they can still get the urge to romp at night like their ancestors. It’s easier for wild cats to prowl at night when the light is low and there are more critters running around. If your cat is waking you up at night, you can try these tactics:
If your cat is unusually restless or cries at night, they could also be in pain. Bring them to the veterinarian to see if there is an illness or injury that might need treatment.
If you need help with a cat behavior problem, it’s a good idea to start with your veterinarian, since the issue might be related to a medical condition. Trainers or behaviorists are other good resources to get help with a cat behavior issue. You can learn more about these options and get more information on common cat behavior problems at the ASPCA’s website.
Cat behavioral conditions can be a big problem that upsets the entire household. Cat parents who are at their wit's end might even consider relinquishing their cat to a shelter. That’s one reason why ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans include behavioral coverage. This coverage can reimburse you for the costs of diagnosing and treating all sorts of behavioral issues.
See the coverage options available for your cat today.
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