Remember Me
forgot your password?

Cat Behavior Problems Solved

At some point in every cat owner's relationship with their feline, the day will come when the cat misbehaves. It's a fact of pet life; sooner or later, your cat will do something that, to him, seems like normal cat behavior and to you seems like a bad feline offense. When that happens, it's important to remember that no matter now inappropriate or inconvenient the behavior, most feline acts are quite normal -- for your cat. Simply understanding the normal behavior of cats can help you live with (and even appreciate) your cat's eccentricities.

What kinds of behavior problems exist in our pet cats? The most common, by far, is urination and defecation outside the litter box. Chances are good that every cat will have an "accident" at least once in her life; after all, cats naturally seek unsoiled areas in which to do their business. Whether or not a single event will develop into a repeated problem is unclear, but by far your safest bet is to try to prevent this from happening in the first place. As a general rule, you need at least one litter box for each cat in your home (single cats benefit from having at least two boxes). Another formula to use is the one-box-per-cat-plus-one-box rule: So if you live with three cats, up to four boxes should be used. Having enough boxes ensures that each cat will always be able to find a box that is clean, convenient, safe and private.

Another cause of out-of-box accidents is urine spraying, which is usually a territorial behavior. It is best treated by reducing the environmental or social stress that caused it. If your cat does miss the box one day, a potential headache may be averted by seeking help right away.

The social behavior of cats is also often doesn't jive with our expectations. Many cat owners make an incorrect assumption that cats are happiest in numbers. In fact, given the choice, many cats will either live alone or will develop relationships only with a select group of others. Introducing an unfamiliar second or third cat into a household often leads to long-term conflicts. Cats are creatures of habit, like most animals, and introducing another cat to the group can often upset the social balance. Cat owners are understandably upset when their pets hiss and bat at one another. Understanding that one cat's irritability does not imply "hatred" toward another can help owners live more peaceably with cat behavior. When conflicts occasionally result in fighting or loud chases, the problem can often be helped by a professional.

The rules of feline social behavior also extend to human family members. It is normal, again, for cats to occasionally assert themselves. Some cats, for example, simply do not enjoy long petting sessions, and may bite the hand extended to them; others will tolerate and invite endless stroking. Such personality differences cannot be changed, and the most harmonious households are those that accept them. But if irritability or aggression is serious and has the potential to harm family members, it is advisable to seek professional instruction and help.

Less serious, but equally bothersome behaviors include middle-of-the-night crying and playfulness, jumping on kitchen counters, and clawing the expensive furniture. Cats have their nightly work to do, after all, and few will miss an opportunity to do something that they consider fun. For cat lovers, such misbehaviors often double as endearing personality traits. It may be reassuring to know, however, that help is available if lack of sleep, paw prints on the counter or puddles on the floor become a problem.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cat-behavior-problems-solved-203785.html
Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Pets Articles
  • More from Carl Ringwall

The Pomeranian As An Activity Partner

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
Many people seeking an energetic dog to be their exercise companion or family playmate are overwhelmed by the energy levels and sheer size of larger breeds.

Preparing Your Yorkshire Terrier For the Show Ring

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
While Yorkshire Terriers have a relatively simple grooming regimen for a long-haired breed, preparing their coat for show can be quite a task. You will need to learn several new skills and purchase a few more grooming tools if you plan to show your Yorkie in the ring.

Is A Doberman Pinscher Good For Search And Rescue?

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
People would not typically say Doberman Pinscher as their first choice of a dog to train for search and rescue work. Readers should be aware that, in addition to guarding, police work and service work, the Doberman Pinscher can be a great asset to police searches for a missing person.

Keep Your Maltese Beautiful

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
Remember that, when you get a Maltese, you are also getting the ongoing project of bathing, grooming, and combing. Your house may become similar to a beauty parlor. Your Maltese is a beautiful creature with floor length hair that is one of the most beautiful features of the breed.

Colors Of The Labrador Retriever

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
Not everyone is aware of the fact that the Labrador Retriever actually comes in three varying colours. If you research the breed and read the information on Labrador Retrievers that is available you will discover that these dogs come in yellow, black or brown.

Famous Labrador Retrievers: America's Dog

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
Throughout the years there have been numerous Labrador Retrievers that have captured the eyes of the human world and the ears of the dog world! Because of their wonderful disposition, and extreme intelligence, Labs have become on of America's favorite dogs.

German Shorthaired Pointers Are Prone To Hip Dysplasia

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
What is hip dysplasia? It is actually one of the worst canine diseases that can affect a lot of breeds including the German Shorthaired Pointer. Why does this disease occur? It is possible that it is related to more than one genetic problem.

Keeping A Basset Hound in Shape

By: John Jackson | 04/07/2009
Just like humans, Basset Hounds need to work to control their weight and to maintain their health, which includes exercise. However, Basset Hounds have special needs when it comes to their exercise, including the age of the dog, because puppies have different needs than adult dogs do.

Wholesale Drop Shipper: Your Best eCommerce Partner

By: Carl Ringwall | 03/07/2009 | ECommerce
What is a wholesale drop shipper and how does it all work? Simply stated, your supplier partner fulfills the orders that you collect online. They handle the shipping and processing, all you do is promote and collect the payment from the customers.

Drop Ship Directory Services Are Great For Beginners

By: Carl Ringwall | 03/07/2009 | Newsletters
How do you evaluate which drop ship directory service to use? Make sure they are not selling products themselves - those type of operations are almost always middlemen who eat up your profit potential.

Drop Ship Business; eCommerce Shortcut That Works

By: Carl Ringwall | 03/07/2009 | ECommerce
So how do you start a drop ship business? You need to find good suppliers; that is the critical step. If you start out with a bad supplier, you may not find out how bad until it is too late, and you have invested valuable time promoting products.

Ways To Grow Taller - You Can Get Taller, Here's The Secret

By: Carl Ringwall | 30/06/2009 | Health
One of the first, and simplest ways to grow taller is to use correct posture. It's amazing how many short people make their problem worse by slouching.

Height Growth Is Now Possible; Here Is How

By: Carl Ringwall | 30/06/2009 | Health
With all of the programs on the web that promise height growth, how do you evaluate if they are real or are just hype? Be sure to do your research. There is no magic pill when you are looking to be taller.

Increase Your Height - Here Is How You Can Do It

By: Carl Ringwall | 30/06/2009 | Health
It's a fact that your can really increase your height. All you have to do is make some simple changes in what you eat and how to take care of your body. Start young - the sooner you start, the better chance you will have of increasing your height.

Slow Computer Help; Do It Yourself With A Powerful Tool

By: Carl Ringwall | 30/06/2009 | Software
The easiest way to get slow computer help is to download one of the new and powerful registry cleaner programs available over the web.

Why Is My PC So Slow? - A Quick Fix Is Available

By: Carl Ringwall | 30/06/2009 | Software
As an experienced computer analyst, the most common problem I hear from people is 'why is my PC so slow?' - and for good reason. Issues with the Windows registry can take the newest, fastest PC or laptop and bring it to a grinding halt.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup


Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.26, 6)