How to Fix Cat Behavior Problems

If you already own a cat, you know that it has a mind and a personality all its own. As an independent and often stubborn animal, bad habits in a cat are often a source of frustration. If your cat develops negative behavior, it doesn't have to turn into an epic battle of you versus the cat. Having a happy cat household also does not mean that your pet should do whatever it wants without interruption either. There are ways that you should and should not approach fixing those behavior problems if you want to obtain positive results.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum foil
  • Rocks
  • Double-sided tape
  • Spray bottle
  • Whistle
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Instructions

  1. Aggression

    • 1

      Take your cat to the veterinarian. Tell him that you are worried about your cat's aggressive behavior, particularly if this behavior has a recent onset. Your veterinarian will be able to assess if there are any health problems that are causing your cat to behave in an aggressive manner and provide you with the necessary treatment to alleviate the problem.

    • 2

      Identify what the triggers are to your cat's aggressive behavior. Determine if it is a constant aggression or if it is reserved for a certain person, pet or object.

    • 3

      Eliminate the source of the aggression when possible. Remove your cat from the negative stimulus by putting it into a separate quiet room. Allow the cat to calm down and gradually re-introduce it to the person or animal that causes its upset. Speak softly and encourage positive reactions with a treat. Allow ample time for the cat to associate the source of its aggression with positive enforcement.

    Destructive Behavioral Problems

    • 4

      Buy unpleasant tasting ointment or spray from a pet supply store to use as a deterrent. Spray it on leaves of plants or on other items that your cat may be inclined to chew such as wood or power cords.

    • 5

      Place aluminum foil over the soil in houseplants to prevent your cat from digging. Alternatively, use large or rough-edged rocks to create an unpleasant surface as a deterrent.

    • 6

      Put double-sided tape on edges of furniture to stop scratching of furniture. Use plastic carpet runners over the surface of furniture, placing the nubby side up. Spray furniture with scents that cats do not like, such as citrus.

    • 7

      Surprise the cat when it is displaying the destructive behavior by squirting it with water from a spray bottle or blowing a whistle. Fill a jar with pennies or beans and shake it whenever you see your cat in the act of scratching, digging or chewing on an object.