Cats can display a variety of behaviors that may be confusing or concerning to their owners. Feline behavior problems often stem from stress, medical conditions, or environmental issues.

Inappropriate Elimination

Some cats may begin urinating outside their litter box. Before suspecting a behavioral issue, it’s essential to rule out medical causes.

A cat with a urinary tract infection or bladder crystals may associate pain with the litter box and choose other places to urinate. In such cases, a veterinary consultation with a urinalysis, bladder radiographs, and urine culture is recommended.

If the cause is behavioral, consider the following factors:

• Litter box size: Should be at least twice the length of the cat and at least 5 inches deep.
• Location: Should be in a quiet, low-traffic area, away from food and water bowls.
• Number of litter boxes: One per cat, plus one extra.
• Litter type: Unscented litter is best; clean waste daily.

To clean urine marking, use an enzyme-based cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based products, bleach, or Windex®, which may attract the cat back to the same spot. Feliway® can help create a calming environment.

Unneutered cats, both male and female, are more likely to mark territory by urinating.

Aggression and Anxiety

Aggression may have medical causes. A sick or painful cat may become defensive. Always consult your veterinarian if aggression appears suddenly.

Other possible causes include:

• Poor socialization: Kittens separated too early from their mother may not learn bite inhibition. Ideally, they should stay with her for 10–12 weeks.
• Redirected aggression: A cat may see a stressful stimulus (e.g., another cat outside) and redirect its aggression toward a person or pet nearby. Block the view with cardboard to reduce stress.
• Punishment worsens behavior: Avoid physical punishment. Instead:
  • Ignore the cat when it becomes aggressive.
  • Redirect with a toy.
  • Use Feliway® for calming.

Prevention tips:

• Never hit the cat.
• Don’t use hands as toys.
• Watch for warning signs (tail swishing, ears back).
• Offer vertical space and stimulating activities.

Dominance Behavior

Cats often establish a hierarchy in multi-cat households. A dominant cat may:

• Claim higher resting spots
• Eat first
• Use the litter box first

Do not intervene in minor disputes to avoid escalating tension.

Play vs. aggression:

• Playful behavior: Ears up, whiskers forward, upright tail
• Aggressive behavior: Dilated pupils, raised hackles, ears back

Introducing a New Cat

• Isolate the newcomer initially.
• Swap scents using a cloth.
• Slowly introduce food bowls near one another.
• Play with both cats at the same time to create positive associations.

Moving and Stress

• Let the cat adjust to one room before exploring the rest of the home.
• Use Feliway® to reduce anxiety.
• Keep familiar objects and bedding.

Furniture Scratching

• Provide sturdy, appealing scratching posts.
• Place them near targeted furniture.
• Use catnip to encourage use.

Common Myths and Fun Facts

• Allergy magnet: Cats don’t seek out allergic people; they simply feel less threatened by them.
• “Gift” of prey: Cats may be trying to teach you to hunt.
• Head rubbing: This is a way to mark territory, not necessarily affection.
• Bored when alone: Most cats adapt well to solitude and develop routines.
• Cats and water: Some cats enjoy playing with water.

Specific Behaviors Explained

• Scratching near food bowl: May indicate dissatisfaction with the food or its placement.
• Purring: Can be a self-soothing mechanism.
• Kneading: A comforting, kitten-like behavior.
• Nighttime howling: Usually a call for attention—ignoring is the best approach.
• Biting during petting: Often preceded by tail flicking or ears going back—watch for early signs of overstimulation.

Spaying and Neutering

Sterilization helps prevent many unwanted behaviors such as:

• Urine marking
• Escaping outdoors
• Aggression

The 14-Day Rule

To modify a behavior, apply the same response consistently for 14 consecutive days. One slip-up may reset the progress.

Play Practices to Avoid

• Laser pointers can frustrate cats by not providing a tangible “catch.”
• Strings should be stored when not supervised to avoid ingestion hazards.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes and knowing how to respond to feline behavior problems is key to maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship with your feline companion.