From canines, let's switch to felines. Domesticated cats are one of the best companions an individual may have – they require little maintenance, easy to manage and are fun to have. Yes, those funny cat pictures internet are partially true – cats are great stress relievers. However, they may exhibit behavior that may not favorable to you and may even be detrimental to their health. Knowing the root cause of the problem is the first step to eliminating it, so with that said, here are the origins of some problems and the ways on how to solve them:
Litter box problems
Usually, cats have no problem in using the litter box. This is so because the whole thing is designed to be a cat's urinal. Anyway, some cats may avoid using it altogether which may cause your home or apartment to smell horrible. There are several reasons why your cat avoids this, so try to see if these descriptions fit the bill:
- Your cat may not like the litter. In this case, better change the litter to unscented ones.
- Cats will avoid answering the call of nature on unclean litter. Cats are probably one of the most hygienic pets around, so they would avoid anything that seems dirty to them. Of course, the best solution to this is to regularly clean it.
- The litter box is placed in crowded and dark area. Your cat may not appreciate it if you place its litter box near the doorway or in the middle of the living room, mainly because it feels vulnerable. Also remember not to terrorize or tease it during potty sessions. Place it in a secluded and well-lit area.
Cats may exhibit dominant behavior over you, simply by pooping on your sofas or bed. This means that they are claiming the area as their territory. In this case, show Mr. Fluffy who is the boss, by simply not allowing him anywhere near the furniture.
Scratching
Your cat may scratch on furniture and other services. This is a double-edged sword – the surface, especially if it happens to be made of leather, will easily get damaged and your cat may injure itself in the process. Remember this, declawing it should not be an option, heck, it should even not be considered mainly because it may pose more health and behavioral problems. This can be solved by simply making a do-it-yourself scratching post with a safer surface. Also, regular cleaning and disinfecting sessions may prevent claw problems in the future.
Aggressive behavior
Animals which exhibit behavior must not be kept in a home setting and their ways should be rehabilitated right away. First however you should know why your cat is doing so. The unwanted aggression may be caused by pain and sickness. Arthritis may play a part in older cats – you and members of the household may have touched a painful, sensitive part. In this case, immediately check with a veterinarian to know the ways on how to treat it. If aggression persists without any visible problem, refer to a cat behaviorist.