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 Behavior
Cats communicate constantly, just not loudly
An ear position, a tail flick, where a cat chooses to sleep: cats say a lot without making a sound. Most behavior problems come from a person missing signals the cat has been sending for weeks.
Litter box problems are almost always solvable
Sudden litter box avoidance is one of the most common cat behavior complaints, and it's rarely about spite. Medical issues, box cleanliness, and location are the usual suspects, roughly in that order of urgency to rule out.
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: cleanliness, location, and whether another pet is guarding it.
How do I introduce a new cat to a resident cat?
Slowly, with scent swapping and separated space before any face-to-face meeting. Rushing the introduction is the most common cause of lasting conflict.