Cats: Behavioural Problems
There are reviews of several good books on cat behaviour in Books on Animals.
Some cats may have, or develop behavioural problems, though many 'behavioural problems' are simply natural behaviours, exhibited in an inappropriate situation. To put this in less fancy terms, the cat is just doing what comes naturally, at a time and place that's inconvenient to you! Your first port of call if you're worried about your cat's behaviour should be your vet. Any change in behaviour may be due to illness, and your vet can also advise on behavioural problems, but may want to refer you to a pet behaviour counsellor.
A few common behavioural problems are discussed here, along with suggestions for possible solutions. It's also worth looking at 'Indoor Cats' for suggestions on how to give your cat a stimulating environment, because many behavioural problems are linked to boredom.
You can also read reviews of books on cat behaviour in 'Books on Animals', for further information.
Aggression
There are several types of aggression, including petting aggression, fear aggression, re-directed aggression, inter-cat aggression and status-related aggression, and cats may show a combination of these.
Inter-cat aggression
This may sometimes occur in multi-cat households, often when a new cat is introduced, so careful introductions are important. An established cat may take a dislike to the newcomer, perhaps because it feels that its home territory is being threatened. Sometimes the newcomer will be aggressive towards the established cat or cats, due to fear. Future interactions between the cats will have to be carefully manipulated. You can try using a wire mesh pen to isolate one or other of the cats, or even two pens placed beside each other, so that the aggressor and victim can be exposed to one another's scents, but with no actual physical contact. Both cats can then be fed to distract them. However, such pens can lead to further stress, and the temperament of the cats is an important factor in determining whether pens will be helpful or make matters worse.
You can also try mixing the cats' facial pheromones, using a cloth to stroke both cats cheeks, chin and head. The cloth can than be wiped on furniture and doorways to invoke a feeling of security in both cats. Perhaps the best you can expect is a mutual tolerance, and if this doesn't happen, the only option may be to re-home one or other of the cats. It's a very difficult decision, but the best interests of the cat are what counts.
Redirected aggression
Many cat owners may have experienced redirected aggression without realizing it. They have approached their pet whilst it is looking out of a window, and have met with an aggressive response. Perhaps the cat has seen another cat outside, and as that cat is inaccessible, the aggression and frustration are redirected towards an accessible target - the poor owner! If the cat is approached by another cat in the household in the same situation, this can damage the social bond between the two cats. You can try to dissuade the cat from jumping on windowsills to see outside, or screen part of the window or door from where it has seen the rival cat. Try restoring cat friendships damaged in this way using the same techniques used for inter-cat aggression, reintroducing the cats to one another by mixing facial pheromones or using wire mesh pens.
Fear aggression
Cats exhibiting fear aggression may strike out when they feel cornered, using their forepaws to grip whilst kicking with the back feet. Such cats may be genetically shy, becoming aggressive when fearful, though some cats can learn to become fearfully aggressive. Using food treats can help to desensitize the cat to the stimuli that caused the fear. Give the treats when the cat is calm and not reactive, then gradually introduce whatever it is that the cat's afraid of.
Fear aggression may be a particular problem where children are concerned. Their enthusiasm may appear threatening to cats, and they may indeed be threatening, for example if they try to pull the cat's tail! Some cats are very tolerant of children's attempts to pet or manhandle them, and simply move out of the way, if they've had enough. Others may respond with fear aggression. You can ask a child to sit quietly and ignore the cat, while you place a treat at a distance from the child. If the cat takes the treat, try again, each time with the treat nearer the child. Tell the child not to stroke the cat unless the cat asks to be stroked, and only to do so for very short periods, and very gently, using a soft voice.
Some cats and children simply do not mix. The children may be too young to be able to respect cats, while some cats are too unpredictable to be allowed near children, and all cats need an escape route from very young children. You need to use your own judgement here. If there is any risk of injury to either the child or the cat, you just have to keep the two apart. Generally, though, there's a good chance that older children can win the confidence of timid cats. (also see under-attachment).
Status-related aggression
Assertive and confident cats may exhibit a desire to control situations, similar to dominance aggression in dogs. This is often directed at a particular member of the household, and the cat may try to block that person's path by posturing and vocalizing. This type of aggression may also occur during petting. Signs of impending aggression are tail flicking, staring, growling and ears back, flat against the cat's head. You can sometimes diffuse the situation by refusing to interact with the cat, and walking calmly away, leaving the cat until he or she has calmed down. Don't try direct physical correction. This may be interpreted as a challenge and the aggression may be intensified. The person being 'victimized' should take control of all affection and interaction, with efforts to stimulate the cat in other ways, through use of toys, and should become a new resource, by taking sole charge of feeding the cat, little and often.
Petting aggression
This occurs when the cat suddenly attacks and bites the hand that is stroking it. Most cats have a level of tolerance to petting, and when this is reached they will either try to move away or respond with aggression. Signs of impending attack are often obvious, such as tail twitching and growling, so the owner can act on these signs by stopping the petting. Children should be taught these signs! Owners can also try different ways of interacting with their cat, such as through play, using a variety of toys.
Biting
See petting aggression.
Dominance
See status-related aggression.
Fabric Eating
Some cats will eat, chew or suck certain fabrics, such as wool, although many other fabrics are also favoured. This trait often occurs in Oriental breeds and may be inherited, but could also be a response to trauma or stress triggered by the absence of the owner, particularly in over-attached cats. (also see over-attachment) Try increasing levels of stimulation, with new games, toys etc, and of course access to the preferred fabrics should be made impossible. If this can't be done, taste deterrents, such as eucalyptus and menthol can be applied to the fabrics.
Indoor Spraying
Many cats spray urine outdoors and it is a way of conveying information to other cats. However when it happens indoors it can mean that the cat does not feel secure in its own environment any more. This may be due to a new pet addition, a new baby, or a new cat in the neighbourhood - perhaps appearing through the cat flap. Try and work out what the initial trigger could have been. Even just rearranging the furniture may be the cause. The solution is to try to look at ways of making the cat feel more secure, and food is often a successful deterrent to spraying. If dry cat food is placed at the base of the spraying site, it is reassuring to the cat, rather than threatening. There are also artificial facial pheromone sprays available from vets, which may help to increase the feeling of security and discourage spraying. Your vet may prescribe medication if behavioural approaches are not successful.
Indoor Toileting
Cats that suddenly start eliminating (urination/defecation) indoors, or, in the case of indoor cats, away from the litter tray, should initally be checked by a vet, in case it's due to illness.
There are several possible causes for this type of behaviour, including aversion to the location of the litter tray, aversion to the type of litter being used, or a change in the type of litter, and control of access to the litter tray by another cat. If the problem occurred after changing the type of litter used, simply changing back to the old litter will probably resolve it. However it is important to clean the area that the cat has been using throroughly, as any remaining odour may encourage the cat to return to that area. After cleaning, dry cat food can be placed there so that the cat forms a new and positive association with the area.
It is important to provide enough trays for the number of cats in the household, a good guide is one tray per cat, plus another one. This will usually solve the problem where one cat is controlling access to the only litter tray. Site the trays in a quiet location, away from main thoroughfares, the cat flap and wherever the cat is fed. Whatever the cause, the cat should not be punished, or any anxieties it may already have could be made much worse and the problem will be exacerbated. If an outdoor cat suddenly starts eliminating indoors, there may be a new cat or dog in the neighbourhood, making it reluctant to go outside. Again it may be possible to help solve the problem by putting a litter tray with a hood in a quiet spot outside, or perhaps in a garage or other type of outbuilding to which the cat has access.
Over-Attachment
Over-attached cats may follow the owner about continuously and may even suffer separation anxiety when the owner is absent. This type of cat is showing continued infantile dependence and should be encouraged to develop new interests. For instance if the cat is an indoor cat, consider allowing the cat outdoors. If it's not possible for the cat to go outside, try to provide a stimulating indoor environment, with cardboard boxes to play in and cat aerobic centres to climb. If there are other members of the family, encourage them to help with cat care, so that the cat becomes less dependent on any particular person.
Scratching Furniture
Scratching is a natural behaviour and acts as a communication and navigation signal, and also helps to keep claws in trim. However when this occurs in the home it is likely to result in shredded furniture! If it occurs in several places around the home it is likely to be marking behaviour and may mean that the cat feels insecure. This should be treated similarly to indoor spraying. If it is just in one or two places it is more likely to be to keep claws in trim. The cat should be provided with a scratching post of its own, such as a sisal wrapped post, which is placed where the cat was originally scratching, and then gradually moved to a more convenient area as the cat starts to use it. Many cats find catnip irresistible, so try impregnating their scratching posts with it, to lure them away from your furniture.
Separation anxiety
See over-attachment.
Under-Attachment
Under-attached cats may dislike handling or even being approached. This may be due to lack of early socialization, trauma, enforced handling during illness or over-enthusiastic handling. The owner needs to increase the cat's dependence, perhaps by feeding small, frequent meals, stroking gently at the same time, gradually increasing the frequency of stroking. The key to making friends with your cat is to let him or her approach you and initiate contact, rather than constantly approaching the cat. If you ignore your cat, you're much more likely to have a feline form approach you and settle on your lap or near you. This always seems to happen if you try to read a newspaper on the floor - cats seem to know which bit you're reading, and sit right on it! (Also see fear-aggression.)
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See also:
 Cats: Choosing
a cat
Indoor
Cats
Cats
and Diet
Books
on cats
Books on Animal Behaviour including Animal Coginition
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