Cat Behavior Problems: Causes and Solutions for a Happier Home
A breakdown of the five most common cat behavior problems, from scratching to litter box avoidance to aggression, with practical fixes for each.
Cat Behaviour
Cats communicate constantly, just not out loud
An ear position, a tail flick, where a cat picks to sleep: cats say a lot without making a sound. Most behaviour problems start because someone missed signals the cat had been sending for weeks already.
Litter box problems are almost always solvable
A cat that suddenly stops using the litter box is one of the top complaints owners bring to a veterinarian, and it's rarely about spite. Medical issues, box cleanliness, and location are the usual suspects, roughly in that order to check first.
Why did my cat stop using the litter box?
Rule out a medical cause first, particularly a urinary tract issue, then check the box itself: how clean it is, where it's placed, and whether another pet is guarding it.
How do I introduce a new cat to a resident cat?
Slowly, with scent swapping and separate space before any face to face meeting happens. Rushing the introduction is the most common cause of lasting conflict between cats.