Cat Behavior Problems

An indoor cat that has never scratched furniture, soiled outside the box, or chewed on paperwork or cords is a rare cat. A cat's nature dictates that she scratches, chews and hunts. But when behavior is extra destructive, or when it is harmful for the cat, cat owners may need to take steps to eliminate, or at least sublimate, the behavior.

  1. Types

    • Common cat behavior problems include defecating or urinating in inappropriate areas, scratching furniture or people, chewing electrical cords and biting. Some cats may also exhibit non-specific aggression--these cats seem grumpy all the time and may fight with other cats.

    Considerations

    • If problem behaviors occur, cat owners should take a cat in for a thorough health evaluation. Health problems are commonly the cause of many problem behaviors--namely aggression or urinating/defecating in inappropriate places.

    Function

    • Many behaviors that some call problem behaviors are simply the cat doing what it is natural for cats to do. For example, cats' claws grow continually and so cats instinctively scratch not only to keep their nails sharp, but also to get rid of the outer nail layer. Scratching furniture, carpet or other items is completely normal.
      Likewise, kittens cut teeth just as human babies do and this is why many kittens start chewing cords. Kittens usually grow out of the chewing phase, but some cats do continue to chew cords well into adulthood. Cords resemble worms, which most cats love to hunt.

    Effects

    • Inappropriate urination and defecation is self-perpetuating. Most cleaners mask the urine or feces odor from humans but not from cats. The cat will go to the same area to do her business again, unless owners use a better cleaner--one that is specifically for pet odors.
      Other effects of problem behaviors are more serious than odor and mess. For instance, not only does chewing cords damage valuable electronics, cats that chew cords risk electric shock. In addition, aggressive cats that fight with other cats suffer bite wounds, scratches and risk getting transmittable diseases.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevent scratching by keeping cats' nails trimmed or by using soft nail caps (available at pet supply stores) on them.
      Biting is only a problem if the cat bites hard enough to injure other cats or people in the home. It is rare for a cat to bite this hard unless she feels threatened, or is ill or injured. If a cat bites a child, it is nearly always because the child has hurt the cat--by pulling its tail or through rough handling. Children sharing a home with pets must be taught to handle pets gently.
      You can prevent inappropriate urination or defecation a number of ways. First, you should take the cat in for a checkup and explain the new behavior to the veterinarian. Your cat may have a urinary tact infection, bladder infection, diabetes, kidney disease or parasites.
      Next, buy a good cleaner intended for pet stains and odors and thoroughly clean the accident areas. Then buy new litter boxes and new litter in case the cat simply did not like the old kind.
      Keep cats from chewing cords by wrapping cords in protective tubing. There are also sprays that are supposed to deter cats from chewing cords, but these do not always work. Some cats do not mind the smell or taste and will chew anyway.
      Non-specific aggression may be health-related or may be a personality trait. Owners should treat cats like this with extra care and love. Yelling or otherwise frightening a defensive cat will only make him worse.