Cat Behavior Problems: Understanding Them
As you may have already heard, cats have overtaken dogs in being the most popular pet in America. There's just something about their unique little personalities and their independent actions coupled with the cuddling and purring that attracts people to them. However, all isn't "purr-fection" in the land of cat ownership as people must learn to deal with and control the intrinsic cat behavior problems.
Today's cats are descendants of wild, predatory cats. Therefore, care should be taken to prevent them from scratching and biting. If you take the time to learn about their instincts and behaviors, you will be aware of their strength and excitability and avoid any unpleasant incidents.
Many of the cat behavior problems that bother humans are natural urges for the domestic cat. When kittens play and use their teeth and claws, they are only showing the aggression they would use in the wild to hunt and kill food. Since domestic cats don't need to hunt for their food, this behavior needs to be modified when the kitten grows up.
Play fighting between humans and kittens can be made safer as it is easy to teach kittens to pull in their claws and be gentler while playing. Alternative ways to express this instinct and energy should be tried and it's always good to start young. There are many ways to exercise the cat but one good exercise to cease any harm to any living creature would be catnip filled toys and fake mice which encourage the "attack and kill. Also; in stead of real birds, flyer toys that have feathers can be used.
Spraying is a natural cat behavior, but one that can be exceedingly annoying to cat owners. A cat sprays urine and the excretions of the scent glands in order to show his dominance over his territory. Unfortunately, the borders he sets will most likely be your walls and furniture. Spraying problems can be alleviated with special sprays, behavior training, or by neutering the kitty.
Some cat behavior problems are actually health issues. Urinating outside the litter box may be because your cat is stressed or angry, but it could also be a sign of a serious medical condition. A cat may wet the carpet due to a urinary tract infection, diabetes or other condition. It is also possible that the litter box is not clean enough for your cat to feel comfortable using it. Check the litter box first, but if a previously clean cat starts having accidents, it a good idea to check with your veterinarian.
Whether you've heard it or not, cats can purr in pride and contentment as the most popular pet in the country. They have passed dogs as favorites and many people respond to their unique personalities and their independence. But all cat people and many who aren't are concerned with cat behavior problems. Today's cats are descendants of wild, predatory cats. Therefore, care should be taken by cat lovers to prevent them a cat scratch from another cat. If you take the time to learn about their instincts and behaviors, you will be aware of their strength and excitability and avoid any unpleasant incidents.
Published December 17th, 2007
Filed in Recreation
