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 all the time, just not loudly
An ear position, a flick of the tail, where a cat chooses to kip: cats say a great deal without making a sound. Most behaviour problems start because someone has missed signals the cat has been sending for weeks.
Litter tray problems are almost always fixable
A cat suddenly avoiding the litter tray is one of the most common complaints owners bring to a vet, and it's rarely spite. Medical issues, tray cleanliness, and location are the usual culprits, roughly in that order of urgency to check.
Why has my cat stopped using the litter tray?
Rule out a medical cause first, particularly a urinary tract problem, then check the tray itself: how clean it is, where it sits, 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. Rushing the introduction is the most common cause of lasting conflict between cats.