Cat Behavior
Solving Common Cat Behavior Problems
The behavior of cats can differ vastly with each individual cat and also with each different breed, as most cat owners will already know. Some kinds of cat behavior are also inherent in all cats though. Some of these inherent cat behaviors include making their territory, excessive scratching and some aggression to strangers, both animals or people.
Scratching
This very common cat behavior is actually not intended to be destructive or pointless. Cats scratch for various reasons that include working off excess energy, taking off the dead layers of their claws, stretching and sometimes to mark their territories. This inherent cat behavior can turn destructive when they unintentionally scratch on things that they are not supposed to, like the furniture and rugs. One way of preventing your home from looking like somebody went at it with a razor blade is to provide a scratching post or any other acceptable scratching material for your cat. Observe which materials and locations your cat prefers to scratch and provide the scratching posts in these locations.
Marking Their Territory
Another very common inherent cat behavior is marking their territory with urine. This is an instinctive behavior that all cats and also dogs possess. Before you can go about resolving this cat behavior, you must first learn why they do this. Cats mark their territories when they feel that there is a threat from other animals or when there are other animals in the home that they do not feel comfortable with.
To solve this cat behavior you will need to be vigilant regarding when he marks objects. You can interrupt his intent to mark by making a loud noise or gently squirting your cat with water. As much as possible, do not confront the cat since this might change his regard for you. You might also like to keep your cat indoors as much as possible and away from any other strange dogs or cats to ease his marking instincts. Spaying or neutering your cat may have a positive effect on this particular cat behavior although this is not a guarantee.
Aggression To Strangers
There is a difference between aggression when playing and real aggression when confronted with strangers. The former cat behavior is common for many cats and you can expect it every time a cat plays. The latter type of aggression may need the help of a cat whisperer or some one who is knowledgeable with cat behavior.
Learning about these common behaviors that your pet may manifest is essential to owning a cat. This knowledge will also help you deal with these behaviors when the need arises.
