Understand the top 8 common cat problems and how to solve them.

urgent360
21 Aug, 2024

Keep the peace with your cat by addressing common issues with these practical solutions.

Understand the top 8 common cat problems and how to solve them.

Cats are often seen as sweet, cuddly, purring bundles of fluff. It’s heartwarming when they curl up in your lap or gently weave between your legs. However, even the most affectionate felines can occasionally display behavior that’s less than ideal. Scratched furniture, litter box aversion, and those late-night sprints around the house are just a few challenges cat owners may face.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage and correct these behavior issues with your feline companion.

The first step in addressing any behavioral concern should be consulting your veterinarian. “Cats are masters at concealing signs of illness, so changes in behavior are often the earliest indicators that something might be wrong,” says Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist at SPCA of Texas.

“Any behavioral changes should be promptly investigated by a vet to ensure your cat’s well-being and prevent unnecessary suffering.”

It can be frustrating when your cat decides to skip the litter box and chooses another spot in the house as their bathroom. However, there’s usually a reason behind this behavior.

“Remember, cats never avoid their litter box out of spite, nor does this make them ‘bad’ cats,” explains Samantha Bell, a cat behavior expert with Best Friends Animal Society. “Cats are naturally clean animals. When they stop using their litter box, they’re trying to communicate that something isn’t right in their world. It’s our responsibility to understand the underlying issue and help them resolve it.”

Consult Your Vet:
If your cat is having litter box issues, it's essential to rule out any medical causes first. Urinary tract infections, kidney or thyroid disease, diabetes, and digestive problems can all lead to changes in bathroom habits. These conditions may cause your cat to urinate more frequently or experience discomfort when relieving themselves. Start by discussing your concerns with your vet to ensure your cat’s health isn’t at the root of the problem.

Maintain Cleanliness:
Cats are naturally clean animals and may avoid a litter box that is too soiled or has a strong odor. To encourage consistent use, scoop the litter box as often as possible and completely empty it at least every two weeks. Clean the box with a mild soap before refilling it with fresh litter. After each scooping, add litter to maintain a depth of about 3 inches, allowing your cat to dig and cover their waste comfortably.

Provide Enough Litter Boxes:
Ensure you have one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. If your cat has to wait to use a box, they may choose to go elsewhere. Additionally, having too many cats share one box can make it harder to keep clean, leading to avoidance.

Choose the Right Location:
The placement of the litter box is crucial. Position it away from your cat’s food and water and in a spot where your cat frequently spends time, but avoid high-traffic areas. “Don’t hide the litter box in a corner where the cat can't see someone or something coming,” advises Samantha Bell. “Cats can feel trapped if they don’t see an avenue of escape.”

Consider Changes Carefully:
Cats can be very particular about their litter, litter boxes, and the box's location. Avoid sudden changes like adding a lid to a previously uncovered box or switching litter brands if your cat is content with the current setup. Bell recommends using an uncovered litter box with unscented litter. “Covered boxes trap odors, making the smell much more intense for cats, whose sense of smell is significantly stronger than ours. Even a slight scent can be overwhelming and lead to litter box avoidance.”

If you need to change your litter brand, introduce it gradually by mixing a small amount into the existing litter until the old litter is fully replaced.

 

Choosing the Right Scratching Posts:
Cats have individual preferences for scratching surfaces; some prefer posts covered with sisal rope, while others like corrugated cardboard. Regardless of the material, it’s crucial that the scratching posts are sturdy. “No matter how much force a cat uses, the scratcher must remain firmly in place,” says Samantha Bell. “This is why many cats scratch on the sofa—it stays put during their scratching.” Additionally, ensure the posts are tall enough to allow your cat to stretch its back muscles fully.

Placement and Attraction:
Position the scratching posts in areas where your cat already likes to scratch. To entice your cat, rub a little catnip on the posts and use a fishing pole toy to play around them, encouraging exploration.

Protecting Furniture:
Make your cat’s favorite scratching spots less appealing by covering them with sheets or applying double-sided tape to create a slick, uninviting surface.

Aggression in cats can stem from various causes, including pain or illness, fear, stress, or overstimulation.

If your cat exhibits aggressive behavior, especially if it’s a new development, consult your vet first. The aggression may be linked to an underlying medical issue, so a thorough health check is essential.

Aggression can also occur when a cat feels frightened or overstimulated. For instance, loud noises or the sight of an unreachable cat outside can trigger a defensive reaction. To minimize these triggers, try to avoid situations that could overwhelm your cat, such as closing blinds when neighborhood animals are visible.

Play-Induced Biting and Scratching

Play-related aggression is a common behavior in cats. They have a natural instinct to bite, scratch, and wrestle as part of their play. “Cats need to engage in these behaviors to feel satisfied,” says Samantha Bell. “Providing them with appropriate outlets, such as interactive playtime with a wand toy, helps channel their energy constructively. Without these outlets, they may direct their biting and scratching towards the nearest moving object, which could be you or another cat.”

Avoid encouraging cats or kittens to play with your hands or feet, as this can lead to biting when they "catch" these parts of your body. Instead, use toys like wand toys that keep your hands and body at a safe distance.

Cats are also quite trainable. If your cat starts playing too roughly, calmly end the play session. Conversely, if they are playing gently, reward them by continuing the play or offering a treat. “Positive reinforcement is very effective with cats!” Bell notes.

Cats are naturally most active at dawn and dusk, but many also engage in nighttime antics like playing, eating, or even sitting on your head while you’re trying to sleep. If your cat is waking you up at night, it’s often because they are receiving positive reinforcement, such as attention.

To help your cat adjust their schedule, aim to make them more active during the day and less so at night. Avoid giving them attention during nighttime disruptions.

“A lengthy play session with a wand toy in the evening, followed by a meal of wet food just before you go to bed, can help your cat sleep more soundly through the night,” suggests Samantha Bell. “Feeding them a high-protein meal later in the evening will keep them full and sleepy for longer.”

Other Tips to Reduce Nighttime Antics:

  • Offer a Food Puzzle: Keep your cat engaged and satisfied overnight with a food puzzle. For example, place dry kibble in a toilet paper roll with the ends folded and holes cut out.

  • Ensure Adequate Daily Nutrition: Consult with your vet to confirm that you’re providing enough food each day. Hunger could be causing your cat to wake up during the night.

  • Play Soft Music or a Radio Station: Gentle background noise, such as soft music or a radio station, can help soothe your cat and reduce nighttime restlessness.

  • Use a Heated Cat Bed: Consider a heated cat bed that you turn on only at night. The warmth can be comforting and encourage your cat to settle down.

  • Ignore Nighttime Behavior: Completely ignore your cat’s nighttime disturbances. Any form of attention, even if it seems negative, reinforces the behavior. “If you give in after 2 hours or 2 days, you’ll teach them that persistence will eventually break you down,” warns Samantha Bell. “They’ll likely try even harder next time.”

    If your cat is scratching, licking, or chewing excessively, it might be a sign of fleas. These tiny pests can cause significant discomfort for cats. Check your cat’s fur by parting it to look for signs of fleas, such as black flea dirt and red, irritated skin with small scabs.

    “Cats are such meticulous groomers that flea infestations can go unnoticed by owners,” warns Dr. Valarie V. Tynes. “Common signs of fleas include thinning hair, excessive scratching, and, in some cases, small crusty bumps around the head, neck, or above the tail.”

    Flea allergy dermatitis is a common issue in cats who are allergic to flea bites. “Cats can become extremely itchy, leading to excessive grooming and scratching that may result in fur loss and skin damage, potentially leading to bacterial infections,” explains Dr. Kathy Baker, a veterinarian in Smyrna, GA.

    Fleas can also transmit diseases, so it's important to use effective preventatives and treatments. Ensure that every pet in the household is treated to fully eliminate the infestation.

    Fleas and tapeworms often go hand in hand. Fleas consume tapeworm eggs, and if a cat ingests an infected flea while grooming, it can develop tapeworms. You may notice tiny segments in your cat’s fur, poop, or bedding, resembling grains of rice or cucumber seeds.

    While tapeworms are generally not dangerous, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach issues, and weight loss. A specific dewormer is needed to treat tapeworms effectively. Consult your vet if you suspect your cat has them.

    “Occasional vomiting, such as a few times a year, might not be a major concern,” says Dr. Valarie V. Tynes. “However, if your cat vomits regularly—monthly or more often—it’s important to consult a veterinarian for an examination.”

    Identifying the cause of vomiting can be challenging, as numerous factors may be involved. Common reasons include overeating, parasites, food sensitivities, swallowed objects, food allergies, and various diseases. Your vet can help determine the underlying issue. Sometimes, simple adjustments like feeding smaller meals or using food puzzles to slow down eating can make a difference.

    Female cats can be very vocal when in heat, and male cats may yowl in response to express their interest. Spaying or neutering your cat is the most effective way to address mating-related yowling.

    However, yowling can also indicate other issues. “Yowling can be a sign of pain, disease, hunger, loneliness, or even dementia,” says Dr. Lisa Tanner, a veterinarian in Alpharetta, GA. “Some cats are simply more talkative by nature.” She advises consulting your vet and enhancing your cat’s environment with more playtime and mental stimulation.

    Older cats may become more vocal as they age. “Deteriorating hearing or vision can make them anxious, causing them to vocalize as if they’re searching for their owner,” says Dr. Valarie V. Tynes. “They might also pace around the home or exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, such as arthritis. Vocal changes in older cats should be addressed, as they may signal a treatable condition.”

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