That Darn Cat! Troubleshooting Behavior Problems

You've just brought a cute little kitten home and she's scratching up everything in sight; or, you've had your cat for years and he suddenly decided last week to stop using the litter box. No pet is perfect, and sometimes your cat may give you troubles. Here are some solutions for two of the most common feline behavior problems.

Litter Box

Cats are notoriously persnickety and they like to have their environments absolutely clean. The most common reason why a cat may stop using the litter box is that it is not being kept as clean kitty would like. Try changing out the litter more often instead of simply sifting it. Other simple reasons include:
-- changing kitty litter brands
-- moving the litter box
-- being startled by a noise while in the litter box
-- experiencing urinary problems and needs a vet's care

Cats have high IQs and there may also be psychological behind not using the box. If kitty was put in the box after being punished for going OUT of the box, he may associate the litter box with unpleasantness.

If another cat has been introduced into the household or if you have moved recently, the stress incurred may be disrupting her litter box routine. Give her time. If she has taken to going in one particular corner of the carpet, thoroughly clean the area then put down a layer of aluminum foil. She will not be able to paw at the area and will no longer go there.

Inappropriate Scratching

Scratching comes as naturally to kitty as eating, sleeping, and using the litter box, and is a normal part of her daily routine. Cats scratch for these main reasons:
-- to give them torque when they want to stretch their bodies, legs and claws.
-- to groom their nails by removing the dead outer layer of their claws.
-- to mark their territory: cats have scent glands on their paws and scratching releases their own unique scent.
-- it's fun!

Scratching becomes problematic when kitty is doing it in a place that her owner doesn't approve of. Some pet owners resort to declawing their animals, but that is a painful and often unnecessary procedure. Get kitty a scratching post and put it near the area where she scratches most often. If you rub the post with her special blanket or plush toy, she will recognize her scent and know that the post is hers to use.

Put double sided sticky tape over the areas you don't want her to scratch (such as the corner of that lovely leather couch) and she will no longer care to scratch there.

If problems with scratching or litter box use persist, make sure to contact a veterinarian to get a professional opinion.