We love our kitties, but sometimes they can be just plain bad! Jennifer Jennifer Mauger CPDT-KSA Certified Professional Dog Trainer works with both cats and dogs at her facility, L’Chaim Canine. Here is her list of the 10 most common kitty behavior problems and tips to help solve them.
#1 – Not Using the Litter Box
Keep the litter boxes clean. There should be one litter box per cat plus one. Most cats like a larger litter box. Use an under the bed tote at least 18” x 20”. Most cats prefer non scented clumping litter. Keep boxes out of high traffic areas.
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#2 – Urine Marking
Spay or neuter your cat. If there are strays hanging outside your yard this can also cause your cat to mark. Multi-cat households may need to add litter boxes, increase places for cats to go utilizing cat trees and cat shelves, and pheromone diffusers throughout the house.
#3 – Biting
Do not use your hands to play rough with your cat. Over petting can cause your cat to bite. Pet them for just a few seconds and stop. If they want you to continue petting them they will let you know. Cats show their bellies as a sign of trust and not because they want their bellies rubbed. Don’t declaw your cat.
#4 – Fighting cats
Increase vertical territory by adding cat trees and cats shelves in the areas your cats hang out most. Use pheromone diffusers in those same areas. Make sure you play with the aggressor every day using an interactive toy.
#5 – Scratching Furniture or Carpet
Use appropriate sized scratching posts and pads. They should be a third longer than your cat stretched out. Most posts should be between 30” – 36” long. Place scratchers over carpet or next to furniture and reward your cat for using them
#6 – Jumping on Counters
Do not leave anything out that can entice your cat to get onto the counter. When in the kitchen, reward your cat for sitting on a mat on the floor, a specific stool, chair, or cat shelf. With consistency this will become the place they hang out when in the kitchen.
#7 – Playing all Night
Provide your cat with plenty of mental stimulation. This can be done by feeding food using food puzzle toys instead of bowls. Play with your cat before bedtime using a wand toy. Placing automatic interactive toys away from bedrooms can also keep cats busy.
#8 – Door Dashing
Reward your cat for sitting on a mat, chair, or shelf when the door opens and closes. With consistency your cat will learn to go to their spot when you head for the door.
#9 – Knocking Things Over
Cats do this because they are bored or they want our attention. If they are doing it when we are not around then it is probably boredom. Make sure to give your cat something to do when you leave such as a food puzzle toy. If they are doing it to get your attention leave the room the moment they start. Reward them when they don’t knock things over by giving the attention they want.
#10 – Meowing for Treats or Attention
Cats will repeat what gets them what they want. When your cats starts in, walk away. Only give them attention or treats when they are quiet
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