Social Society of Cat: Cats and Bad Behavior

Cats and Bad Behavior

Most cats don't intentionally engage in destructive behavior, however, some cats seem to have the ability to persuade into everything. Whether this is your cat's nature or whether they are just bored and seeking something to keep them busy and entertained when you are gone, there are some strategies and techniques that you can use to help curb the problem.

Types of Destructive Behavior

Typically most of what humans consider destructive behavior is completely normal cat behavior that ends up in our furniture developing that fringed, loose-weave appearance and our plants being chewed down to nothing but the stem. Every so often cats will also start to chew like dogs, typically on the corners of area rugs, on the legs of your coffee or end tables, or even on your shoes or a cell phone that was just left lying on the table. Chewing is potentially dangerous to your cat as it can devour pieces of objects that can either cause choking or can block their intestinal tract.

Occasionally cats, especially toms, will engage in a behavior known as spraying. This is absolutely disgusting behavior since it is hard to curb once it gets started. Marking or spraying involves backing up to an object, typically your favorite chair, couch, or your bed, and spraying a fine mist of urine. You will notice the cat immediately if he, and occasionally she, is performing this because their tails will be straight up and will twitch or vibrate in a very distinctive motion.

Some cats, often those that are pure or part Siamese or Persian, will engage in sucking behavior. This may or may not be a result of being removed from the mother too soon, but cats that do this are usually very calm and well adjusted, except for this one minor quirk. Cats that engage in a sucking habit will find a choice item, usually the corner of a rug or a pillow, and just hold it in their mouth and move their mouths as if they were nursing. Routinely, all the damage that occurs is a moist spot on the corner of the preferred item.

What Causes Bad Behavior?

As mentioned above most cat behavior is natural and absolutely normal, except within the confines of your house. Occasionally cats may engage in certain behaviors such as consuming plants or chewing or licking a particular item because they have some sort of nutritional deficiency, however, if they appear healthy and are eating a high-quality cat kibble or other food, this is not likely to be the problem. To verify any health concerns, allow your cat to your vet and they can complete a blood test to check for deficiencies and imbalances.

Cats that chew on plants, furniture, shoes, or other objects are likely bored and looking for something fun to do. Thankfully there is a broad range of possible chew toys, balls, fluffy toys, and even mechanical toys to place your cat occupied when they have to stay by themselves. Another great option is to find a suitable companion pet such as a cat-friendly dog or another cat.

Cats will often become more complex and challenging with their behavior if they are not spayed or neutered when they are recent. The spraying behavior described above is almost always eliminated in males neutered early, around the three to six-month marks is the best time, however, even males neutered as late as nine months will not usually develop the behavior. Toms that are neutered after that time may still spray, however, it is much less of a problem. General mating behaviors of males include territorial aggression and fighting, both of which can cause an increase in the risk of being injured or contracting a disease through contact with a feral, unvaccinated cat.

Keeping Your Cat Happy

Keeping your cat happy is not as difficult as one may think. Spending some one-on-one time in grooming, feeding, and playing with your cat as well as ensuring that they have companionship in the form of another animal or human when you are gone can really help. Most cats are extremely comfortable being alone for the day and accept that you are going to leave them in the house or apartment. If they can see outside, sit on a window ledge, or at a patio door, this can also help them stay mentally occupied.

Keeping your cat happy also includes ensuring that they have a clean litter box, toys, and food and water when you are gone. Provide a good variety of toys from balls they can bat around with their paws to small toys they can carry in their mouths. Cats that explore cupboards and shelves are likely in search of a treat, and with food and water commercially present they are less likely to go hunting.

Cat play towers or condos that have scratching posts, ropes, boxes and lots of areas to jump and move about in are a tremendous way to provide exercise in a controlled space. This can also help to prevent scratching on furniture and digging in plants. Adding some crumpled aluminum foil or rocks to your planters can also help in preventing digging and sprinkling some hot sauce on the leaves will prevent any chewing.

Looking For Solutions and Getting Help

With the convenience of looking up information on the web and the number of articles, websites, and forums on cats present on the internet finding ideas or looking for help and assistance with understanding your cat has never been easier. If you are using an internet site, make sure it is reputable, has informed and knowledgeable contributors, and is concerned with the safety and well-being of your animal. Websites that advocate any type of punishment or negative-based training should be avoided, but websites by vets, cat breeders, cat fanciers, and cat behavioralists and trainers can provide a wealth of information.

In addition to online help, there are habitual books on cats that can be very helpful in all aspects of caring for your cat and understanding his or her behavior. Again, keep in mind that the book is only as good as the author's credentials and experience, therefore do a bit of research before you choose which book is best for you.

If you have purchased a purebred kitten, the breeder is an excellent source of help and assistance, as are members of different cat breed associations. Shelter or rescue workers if you have adopted a cat or a kitten are in addition a valuable resource in following your pet. Your vet is another individual that can provide both insight and practical information on how to raise, manage and care for your cat. In some cases, a vet may recommend an animal behavioralist that can help in determining what is going on with your cat's behavior and help with changes in the environment that will support the cat to adjust.

Caring for a cat or cats is a indeed pleasant experience. These small but highly independent animals will give you years of companionship, fun, entertainment, and a surprising sense of what it means to think like a cat. If you take the time to really recognize your cat, you will find that you do have a different perspective on the world and may even gain a better understanding of yourself in the process.