Dealing With Common Cat Behavioral Problems
Instinctually, cats are programmed to
scratch, claw and bite. These
behavioral problems can all lead to a very unruly pet if the proper training is
not utilized to teach your cat how and where to direct its aggression. A scratching post or toy will act as the
best approach at redirecting your cat’s attention to the proper place.
If you want to learn how to deal with
your cat’s behavioral problems, it’s important to first learn what causes
them. Scratching, clawing and
biting can all be signs of your cat’s desire to be left alone, a plea for
attention or its instinct to scratch an object in an effort to remove the outer
layer of its claws. If your cat
begins to show aggression toward you, your family or houseguests, consult with a
veterinarian about possible mental or physical health issues that may be causing
the undesirable behavior. Illnesses
have long been linked with disobedience in animals and, if detected, should be
treated as quickly as possible and with the help of a licensed
vet.
In most instances, a cat’s desire to
scratch or claw at an object is simply a reflection of it’s animal
instinct. If your cat is an indoor
pet, this may mean trouble for your sofa or other furniture. The best way to deter scratching is to
identify the object of your cat’s desire and place a scratching post or other
toy next to the area in an effort to draw his/her attention away from the
furniture. If your cat doesn’t
accept the distraction right away, take the time to show him/her how much more
fun it would be to play with a toy or use the scratching post by joining in and
making the object more entertaining for your cat. Once he/she begins to scratch or claw at
the appropriate place, use a treat to reward your feline for good
behavior.
Biting, which is another common trait
of most cats, is often preceded by the twitching of a tail and/or a wild look in
the eyes. If this occurs, it’s a
good idea to leave your cat to relax.
Stemming from their natural instinct to hunt, biting is often nothing
more than your cat’s expression of anger, anxiety or even fear. Identifying the cause of your cat’s
biting habit will go a long way in helping you to determine the necessary
corrective treatment.
When it comes to disciplining a pet
for bad behavior, many owners instinctively raise their voice in anger. This approach not only causes immediate
anxiety, but may lead to a cat that fears its owner in the longrun. Like all animals, cats respond better to
positive reinforcement and the proper training techniques as opposed to
punishment.
The information contained in this
article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or
in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations
surrounding cat behavioral problems or methods of treatment. For additional information on training
techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local
veterinarian.
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